Manaquisbilzatarthymebreadlebanonmiddleeast Recipes

LEBANESE THYME BREAD

Steps:

• In a small bowl, mix together the yeast sugar and 2-3 tablespoons of the warm water and set aside.
• Sift the flour into a mixing bowl and add in the salt. Make a well in the centre of the flour and pour in the yeast mixture and the remaining warm water.
• Knead together until the mixture forms a stiff dough.
• Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 10-15 minutes, adding in a tablespoon of olive oil to the dough to soften it.
• Wash and dry the mixing bowl and rub with a little of the olive oil. Return the dough to the ball and roll it around the bowl until well oiled. Cover with a clean cloth and set aside in a warm place to rise for 2 hours.
• Knead the dough again, then divide it into 10 portions.
• Roll each dough portion between your palms until smooth and round.
• Using a rolling pin, roll out each portion into a circle. Cover the dough circles and set aside for 20 minutes.
• Preheat the oven to 450°F Place 2 large baking sheets in the oven to heat up.
• Brush the tops of each dough circle with a little of the olive oil. Mix the remaining olive oil with the thyme, marjoram and sesame seeds and spread the mixture evenly over the surface of each dough circle.
• Slide the dough circles onto the hot baking sheets and bake for 8-10 minutes.
• Remove and cool. Serve.

MANAKEESH BIL ZA'ATAR (FLAT BREAD WITH ZA'ATAR)

Steps:

• To make the dough, sift the flour, sugar, yeast and salt in a large bowl.
• Make a well in the centre and add in the water and knead till the dough has come together leaving the sides of the bowl clean.
• Transfer onto a clean work surface and knead for about 10 minutes till the dough is smooth and elastic.
• Lightly grease the bowl and transfer the dough into the bowl and cover with cling film and leave it in a warm place till it has doubled in bulk, for about 1 1/2 hours.
• Meanwhile, pre-heat the oven to gas mark 7/425F/220°C.
• Put 2 large oiled baking sheets in the oven to heat.
• Knock the air out of the dough and knead again for about 2 minutes.
• Divide into 8 portions and roll each ball between your palms until smooth and round.
• Flour the work surface and flatten each round with a rolling pin until it is circular, even, and about 1/4 inch thick.
• Cover and leave in a warm place to rise for 20 more minutes.
• Brush the tops of the discs with a little olive oil.
• In a small bowl, mix all the ingredients for the zaatar spice mix and add in the remaining oil and give it a good mix.
• Spread the oil-zaatar mixture over the surface of each bread.
• Slide the bread onto the hot baking sheets and bake for 10 minutes or until the bread is golden brown.
• Remove from the oven and serve hot.

MANAQUIS BIL-ZA'TAR -- THYME BREAD (LEBANON -- MIDDLE EAST)

Steps:

• FOR THE DOUGH: In a small container stir together yeast & 1/4 cup warm water, then set asde for 5-10 minutes.
• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour & salt, then make a well in the center & pour in the oil.
• Work in the oil with your fingertips until completely absorbed, then add the yeast water & knead with your hands for several minutes.
• Gradually add another 1/4 cup warm water & knead until dough is smooth & elastic, then form into a ball, cover with a damp cloth & leave in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
• FOR THE TOPPING: In a skillet over medium heat, combine thyme, sumac & sesame seeds, stirring continuously until the aroma rises & the mixture is slightly toasted. Salt to taste & set aside to cool slightly.
• In a small bowl, mix together all the topping ingredients.
• Divide the dough into 4 equal portions & roll each into a ball.
• Dip the first ball of dough in flour on all sides, then shake off the excess before rolling it into a thin disk about 1/8-inch thick.
• Make a few dimples across the flat dough, pressing hard with the tips of your fingers (done to stop oil in the topping from running out during cooking), then spread a quarter of the topping over the disk of dough.
• Place a nonstick skillet over medium heat & cook the dough in the skillet, topping side up, for 3-5 minutes or until bottom is crisp & lightly golden.
• Repeat the procedure to make the rest of the breads.
• Serve hot or warm, either plain or with some yogurt or . . .