Authentic Lebanese Mankousheh Recipe

Ingredients

  • 500 grams of all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon of sugar
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 2 teaspoons of dry yeast
  • 250 milliliters of warm water
  • 2 tablespoons of olive oil
  • 200 grams of Za'atar spice mix
  • 200 milliliters of olive oil (for the Za'atar mix)

Steps and instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt.
  2. In a separate bowl, mix the dry yeast with the warm water and let it sit for 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
  3. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil to the flour mixture. Mix well until a dough forms.
  4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
  5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a cloth, and let it rise for about 2 hours or until it doubles in size.
  6. While the dough is rising, prepare the Za'atar mix by combining the Za'atar spice mix with olive oil in a bowl.
  7. Preheat the oven to 220 degrees Celsius. If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven while preheating.
  8. Divide the risen dough into small balls. Roll each ball into a thin circle, about 5mm thick.
  9. Spread a generous amount of Za'atar mix onto each dough circle, leaving a small border around the edge.
  10. Place the dough circles on the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet. Bake for about 8-10 minutes, or until the dough is golden and the Za'atar mix is bubbling.
  11. Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for a healthier option.
  • Add a pinch of dried oregano or thyme to the dough for extra flavor.
  • Replace the Za'atar spice mix with a different spice blend like sumac and sesame seeds.
  • Add chopped fresh herbs like parsley or mint to the Za'atar mix for a burst of freshness.
  • Add crumbled feta cheese on top of the Za'atar mix before baking for a savory twist.
  • Make a sweet version by substituting the Za'atar mix with a mixture of cinnamon, sugar, and melted butter.
  • Top the dough with your favorite vegetables like sliced tomatoes, bell peppers, or olives before adding the Za'atar mix.
  • For a meat-free option, skip the Za'atar mix and top the dough with a combination of sautéed spinach, onions, and pine nuts.
  • Make mini Mankousheh by dividing the dough into smaller portions and topping each with different ingredients for a variety of flavors.
  • Serve Mankousheh with a side of labneh, tahini sauce, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Recipe overview

Mankousheh, also known as Lebanese Za'atar bread, is a delightful and flavorful recipe that originates from Lebanon. This flatbread, often eaten for breakfast, is topped with a delicious mixture of Za'atar spice mix and olive oil. The recipe below will guide you through the process of creating your own Mankousheh at home. Expect to take part in an age-old tradition of bread making, and anticipate the aromatic pleasure of the Za'atar spice mix. The recipe is divided into easy-to-follow steps, from preparing the dough, letting it rise, to baking the bread in the oven. The result will be a warm, slightly crispy flatbread with a rich, tangy, and herby topping. Enjoy it as it is, or pair it with a cup of tea for a fulfilling breakfast.

Common questions

  1. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
  2. Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour, but the texture and taste of the Mankousheh may vary slightly.
  3. Can I make the dough in advance and refrigerate it?
  4. Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it. Just make sure to let it come to room temperature before rolling and baking.
  5. What can I serve with Mankousheh?
  6. Mankousheh is traditionally served with fresh vegetables, such as tomatoes, cucumbers, and olives. It can also be enjoyed with labneh (strained yogurt) or served alongside a salad.
  7. Can I freeze the baked Mankousheh?
  8. Yes, you can freeze the baked Mankousheh. Allow it to cool completely, then place it in an airtight container or zip-top bag and freeze for up to 1 month. To reheat, simply thaw and warm it in the oven or toaster oven.
  9. Can I customize the toppings?
  10. Absolutely! While Za'atar is the traditional topping for Mankousheh, you can get creative and add other ingredients such as cheese, minced meat, or even vegetables according to your preferences.

Serving dishes and utensils

Origin stories

Mankousheh, a cherished gem of the Lebanese cuisine, is often dubbed as Lebanon's version of the pizza. Its roots can be traced back to the rural, mountainous regions of Lebanon, where home bakers would prepare it in traditional wood-fired ovens called "tabun." The dough would be slathered with a flavorsome mix of Za'atar, a blend of thyme, sesame seeds, sumac, and olive oil. Often, it would be the first morning task, and the aroma of freshly baked Mankousheh would waft through the air, signaling the start of a new day. Today, this simple yet delicious flatbread has found its way into the hearts of many, not just in Lebanon, but across the globe. Whether savored for breakfast, lunch, or a casual snack, each bite of Mankousheh is a taste of Lebanese tradition and hospitality.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.