Manaqish, often referred to as the Middle Eastern pizza, is a popular dish originating from the Levant region. This dough-based delicacy is topped with za'atar spice mix, creating a flavorful and aromatic flatbread that's perfect for breakfast or as a snack. In this recipe, you'll learn how to prepare manaqish from scratch – from kneading your own dough to preparing the za'atar paste. Expect to spend about 2.5 hours from start to finish, as the dough needs time to rise. Once prepared, the manaqish are baked until golden brown, resulting in a crispy exterior and a soft, flavorful interior. Enjoy them warm out of the oven for the best taste!
Manaqish is often referred to as the pizza of the Arab world, and it has a rich history, deeply rooted in the Levantine cuisine, particularly Lebanon, Syria, and Palestine. It’s a staple for breakfast or lunch and is commonly found in bakeries across the region. The word manaqish is derived from the Arabic verb naqasha, which means to carve out, referring to the way the dough is traditionally hollowed slightly in the middle before baking. But the magic of manaqish lies in the topping, particularly the use of za'atar, a signature Middle Eastern spice blend that includes sumac, thyme, and sesame seeds. The tradition of topping flatbreads with za'atar goes back to ancient times; Pliny the Elder, a Roman author and natural philosopher, even wrote of a Syrian practice of spreading a similar spice mixture on breads in the first century A.D. Today, manaqish serves as a delectable testament to the rich culinary heritage of the Levant.
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