1540. Fresh Zaatar and Cheese Kaak

It is always a proper treat when fresh zaatar is available in the supermarket. While a good dried zaatar mix from Palestine is a staple, the fresh herb is almost a cause for celebration. It is the small things that make life beautiful.

These fresh zaatar and cheese kaak are good for a quick afternoon tea snack or even in a school lunch box. I used feta cheese, but haloomi or akawi would go just as well. Be wary that these are salty cheeses so do not over-salt the dough.

Ingredients:

2 cups flour

1 Tbsp sugar

1 Tbsp yeast

1 Tbsp sumac

pinch of salt

1 1/2 cups fresh zaatar leaves

1 cup crumbled cheese (feta or haloomi)

1 onion, diced, fried, and cooled

1/2 cup sliced olives

1 cup yogurt

1/3 cup olive oil

extra olive oil, to brush

Method:

In a large bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, yeast, sumac, salt, zaatar leaves, crumbled cheese, cooled fried onion, and olives.

Stir in the yogurt and the olive oil and knead until a dough is formed. Cover and rest for an hour in a warm place.

Preheat oven to 400F. Shape the dough into round disks, about the size and thickness of a cookie.

Bake for about 12 minutes until golden on the bottom; broil for a minute to render the top golden too.

As soon as it is out of the oven, brush with olive oil and set aside to cool completely.

صحة و عافية