Zaatar and cheese Manakish

These Lebanese cheesy breads are unbelievably good. I do hope you give these a go very soon. We enjoyed them as a part of a Lebanese feast / dinner at home and they were a huge hit with my family. I hope you love them.

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Course: Appetizer, Breakfast, Brunch, Dinner

Cuisine: Lebanese

Diet: Vegetarian

Prep Time: 1

Cook Time: 12

Servings: breads

Calories: 303kcal

Author: Nellie Kerrison | Relish Mama

Cost: $15

Equipment

1 Small Bowl
1 large bowl for the dough
1-2 Baking trays

Ingredients

Dough

1 x 7 g sachet of dried yeast
250 ml of warm water
1 teaspoon of honey
1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil
400 g flour
1.5 teaspoons salt

For the cheese filling

1 cup mozzarella grated
1 cup feta crumbles or use ½ ricotta cheese
1 teaspoon nigella seeds
1 teaspoon sumac
1 tablespoon parsley finely chopped
Sea salt
1 egg lightly beaten
Zaatar spice blend for topping

Instructions

Place yeast in a small bowl and combine with the warm water, honey, and oil. Stir gently to combine. Set aside for 5-10 minutes to activate.
In a mixing bowl, add the flour & salt & add to this the yeast mixture. Mix to incorporate and then knead for 10 minutes. Form into a ball & place in an oiled bowl, and cover with a clean tea towel or cling film. Set aside for an hour. It will double in volume.
Preheat oven to 250oC & line a baking tray.
‘Knock back’ the dough by punching it just once. Add a little flour to your bench & tip the dough on the bench. Knead for just a minute and then cut into 8 portions. Form each piece into a ball.
Combine all of the filling ingredients.
Preheat oven to 250oC & line a baking tray.
‘Knock back’ the dough by punching it just once. Add a little flour to your bench & tip the dough on the bench. Knead for just a minute and then cut into 8 portions. Form each piece into an oval/football shape approx. 4 mm thickness.
Add a generous amount of cheese filling to the centre and pinch both ends together (one at a time) to assist in making a boat shape.
Transfer to the lined baking tray. Repeat with the rest of the dough & filling. Sprinkle with a little zaatar.
Bake in the oven for 10 to 12 minutes until golden brown on the edges.

Nutrition