Traditional Za'atar Manakish Recipe
Manakish — sometimes spelled mana'eesh — is the soul food of the Levant. Eaten for breakfast in Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and Palestine, this za'atar-topped flatbread is more than a recipe; it's a ritual that has connected families across generations.
At Al Shams, we bake manakish fresh every morning. This is our family's recipe — adapted for home ovens, but faithful to the flavors our bakers have carried since our founding.
Ingredients
Method
Activate the Yeast
Combine warm water, sugar, and yeast in a large bowl. Let sit 8–10 minutes until frothy. A flat mixture means the yeast is dead — start over.
Build the Dough
Add olive oil and salt to the yeast mixture. Gradually incorporate flour, mixing until a shaggy dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for 8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
First Rise
Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let it rest in a warm spot for 1 hour until doubled. Do not skip this — the flavor develops here.
Make the Za'atar Mix
Whisk together za'atar blend, extra virgin olive oil, and a pinch of salt until a spreadable paste forms. Good za'atar should be fragrant — dried thyme, sumac, sesame, oregano.
Shape & Top
Divide the dough into 6–8 equal balls. Roll each to ¼ inch thick on a floured surface. Spread 2 tablespoons of za'atar mixture across each round, leaving a thin border.
Bake
Bake on a preheated stone or heavy pan at 500°F for 6–8 minutes until the edges are golden and the za'atar is sizzling. Serve immediately for the best experience.
Pro Tips from Our Kitchen
- →Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for the topping — cheap oil will taste flat after baking.
- →If your za'atar mix is very dry, add olive oil one tablespoon at a time until it spreads easily without crumbling.
- →Preheat your oven at maximum heat for at least 45 minutes. The thermal mass of a stone or steel is what makes the difference.
- →Manakish is best eaten the moment it comes out of the oven. Pair with fresh vegetables, labneh, or sliced tomatoes.
Want fresh manakish for your restaurant or café?
We offer wholesale manakish, pita, and flatbreads baked fresh daily.
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