Palestinian: Manaqeesh (Pizza)
Recipe by Fairouz AbuGhazaleh <airouzabughazaleh@gmail.com>
(makes approx 4 omelettes)

Manaqeesh (aka manakeesh, manakish, manaeesh, or manaqish) are one of the most popular breakfast foods in the Middle East — but they’re excellent any time of day. Most often topped with a za’atar and olive oil mixture but these simple flatbreads can be found coated with cheese, labneh, pepper paste, eggs and even sweet spreads. Za’atar is a middle eastern spice blend that’s primarily made with sumac, thyme and sesame seeds.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons instant yeast
- 1¼ cup warm water
- 4½ cups all-purpose flour (divided), plus more for shaping
- 3 tablespoons dried milk powder
- 2 Greek yogurt
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- ½ cup sunflower oil, plus more for oiling
- 2½ cups za’atar
- 1⅔ cup olive oil
Procedure:
- Preheat the oven to 450° F
- In a large bowl, activate the yeast in warm water; allow to sit for 10 minutes to proof
- Add milk powder, yogurt, sugar, salt, oil; use a wooden spoon to combine
- Add 1 cup of flour, continue to mix until combined (tip: use an electric mixer if available)
- Wait a few minutes, then add the remaining flour and mix until the dough becomes stiff and you’re no longer able to mix
- Transfer the dough to a floured surface and cut into 25-35 small balls
- Place balls on lightly oiled baking tray, cover with towel and leave to rise for about 10 minutes
- Make the zaatar spread: mix the zaatar with olive oil in small bowl until it forms a consistent and spreadable mixture
- Flatten the balls to make circle shapes (about ¼ inch thick)
- Place 1-2 tablespoons of zaatar spread on each disc and use the back of the spoon to spread evenly
- Place discs on a baking sheet with parchment paper and leave to rest for a fial 5-10 minutes
- Bake until the dough becomes light golden in color and puffs slightly (about 10 minutes)
- Enjoy warm with cheese and vegetables (if desired)