Hello, food lovers! Today, I am thrilled to share a delightful breakfast recipe that takes us straight to the heart of Lebanon – Za’atar Manakish served with Fresh Mint Tea. Picture this: a warm, aromatic flatbread topped with a flavourful za’atar blend, paired with a refreshing cup of mint tea. It’s the perfect way to start your day, with flavors that instantly transport you to a sunny morning in the Middle East.
I’ve always been fascinated by the simplicity and depth of Middle Eastern cuisine, and manakish is no exception. This Lebanese flatbread is incredibly versatile, and the za’atar topping adds a unique and herbaceous twist that is simply irresistible. Plus, when enjoyed fresh out of the oven, it’s a treat for both the eyes and the palate.
Let’s dive into the recipe and get started on creating this wonderful breakfast feast!
### Ingredients
**For the Dough:**
– 500g all-purpose flour
– 300ml warm water
– 1 tbsp instant yeast
– 1 tsp sugar
– 1 tsp salt
– 2 tbsp olive oil
**For the Za’atar Topping:**
– 4 tbsp za’atar spice blend
– 4 tbsp olive oil
**For the Fresh Mint Tea:**
– 1 large handful of fresh mint leaves
– 1 liter boiling water
– 2 tbsp honey (optional)
### Method
**Prepare the Dough:**
1. In a mixing bowl, combine 1 tbsp instant yeast and 1 tsp sugar with 300ml warm water. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
2. In a large bowl, mix 500g all-purpose flour and 1 tsp salt. Make a well in the center.
3. Pour in the yeast mixture and 2 tbsp olive oil. Mix until a dough forms.
4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
**Prepare the Za’atar Topping:**
1. In a small bowl, mix 4 tbsp za’atar spice blend with 4 tbsp olive oil to form a paste. Set aside.
**Shape and Bake the Manakish:**
1. Preheat the oven to 220°C (430°F).
2. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 4 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a ball.
3. On a floured surface, roll out each dough ball into a round disc about 0.5cm thick.
4. Place the dough discs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Spread the za’atar topping evenly over each disc, leaving a small border around the edge.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the za’atar topping is fragrant.
7. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.
**Prepare the Fresh Mint Tea:**
1. Place a large handful of fresh mint leaves in a teapot.
2. Pour 1 liter of boiling water over the mint leaves.
3. Allow the tea to steep for 5-7 minutes.
4. Stir in 2 tbsp honey if desired.
5. Serve the mint tea hot alongside the za’atar manakish.
### Final Thoughts
What I love most about this recipe is the balance of flavors and the way it brings a bit of the Mediterranean into my home kitchen. The za’atar offers a beautiful burst of herbs with every bite of the warm, chewy bread. Meanwhile, the mint tea is both invigorating and calming, making it the perfect accompaniment.
I hope you give this recipe a try and enjoy it as much as I do. Whether you’re whipping it up for a weekend brunch or a special breakfast treat, Za’atar Manakish with Fresh Mint Tea is sure to become a beloved staple in your home.
Until next time, happy cooking!
-Al
Ingredients
- For the Dough:
- 500g all-purpose flour
- 300ml warm water
- 1 tbsp instant yeast
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- For the Za’atar Topping:
- 4 tbsp za’atar spice blend
- 4 tbsp olive oil
- For the Fresh Mint Tea:
- 1 large handful of fresh mint leaves
- 1 liter boiling water
- 2 tbsp honey (optional)
Method
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a mixing bowl, combine 1 tbsp instant yeast and 1 tsp sugar with 300ml warm water. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
- In a large bowl, mix 500g all-purpose flour and 1 tsp salt. Make a well in the center.
- Pour in the yeast mixture and 2 tbsp olive oil. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Prepare the Za’atar Topping:
- In a small bowl, mix 4 tbsp za’atar spice blend with 4 tbsp olive oil to form a paste. Set aside.
- Shape and Bake the Manakish:
- Preheat the oven to 220°C (430°F).
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 4 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a ball.
- On a floured surface, roll out each dough ball into a round disc about 0.5cm thick.
- Place the dough discs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Spread the za’atar topping evenly over each disc, leaving a small border around the edge.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the za’atar topping is fragrant.
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.
- Prepare the Fresh Mint Tea:
- Place a large handful of fresh mint leaves in a teapot.
- Pour 1 liter of boiling water over the mint leaves.
- Allow the tea to steep for 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in 2 tbsp honey if desired.
- Serve the mint tea hot alongside the za’atar manakish.
