Lebanese thyme bread, also known as Manakish bi Za'atar or Za'atar bread, is a traditional flatbread that holds a special place in Lebanese cuisine. With its distinct flavors and irresistible aroma, this bread has captivated the taste buds of many around the world. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this article will guide you through the process of creating the perfect Lebanese thyme bread. We'll explore the unique blend of ingredients, the traditional methods of preparation, and the secrets to achieving that golden-brown crust and fluffy interior that make this bread so beloved. Let's embark on a culinary journey to discover the best recipe for this Levantine delicacy.
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
LEBANESE MOUNTAIN BREAD
This flatbread brings me back to my early childhood when the Syrian lady across the street from my grandmother made it and always gave us some. It's my first food memory. The bread has a unique texture, gorgeous appearance, and fun-to-make technique.
Provided by Chef John
Categories Bread Yeast Bread Recipes Flat Bread Recipes
Time 9h38m
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Place 1/2 cup flour, yeast, and sugar in a mixing bowl. Pour in warm water. Whisk together thoroughly, 2 to 3 minutes. Cover bowl and let sit until mixture gets bubbly, 30 to 60 minutes. Drizzle in olive oil; add salt and 1 cup flour. Mix together until mixture forms a sticky (not wet) dough ball that pulls away from the sides of the bowl. If mixture seems too wet, add a bit more flour.
- Lightly flour a work surface. Knead dough until it is soft, supple, and slightly elastic, about 2 minutes. Pour a few drops of olive oil in a bowl. Transfer dough ball to bowl and turn to coat surface with oil.
- Cover bowl and place in a warm spot. Let dough rise until it has doubled in size, 60 to 90 minutes. Transfer dough to work surface and knead to remove air bubbles, about 1 minute. Transfer to zip top plastic bag; refrigerate 8 hours or overnight.
- Lightly flour a work surface; dough may be sticky so make sure you use enough flour to keep dough from sticking to the surface or your hands (but less flour is best). Break off a piece of dough slightly smaller than a golf ball. Roll into a smooth ball. Flatten and roll out into a circle about 1/8-inch thick.
- Invert a smooth mixing bowl on work surface; lightly flour the bottom. Lightly stretch the dough and place dough circle on the floured surface of the inverted bowl. Gently stretch dough evenly down the sides of the bowl, working your way around the edges, until it is very thin and translucent, or as thin as you can get it without tearing it.
- Heat a cast iron skillet over high heat. Flour your hands and carefully remove dough circle from bottom of bowl. Transfer to hot skillet. Cook until blisters form and begin to brown, about 45 to 60 seconds per side. Transfer to a dish and cover, using dish inverted over it to allow bread to steam and stay moist and supple.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 47.3 calories, Carbohydrate 6.4 g, Fat 1.9 g, Fiber 0.3 g, Protein 1.2 g, SaturatedFat 0.3 g, Sodium 180.9 mg
LEBANESE THYME BREAD
Enjoy a Middle Eastern snack with this recipe for a tasty flat bread, flavoured with thyme and sesame seeds.
Provided by English_Rose
Categories Breads
Time 3h30m
Yield 10 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 9
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.
MIDDLE EASTERN THYME BREADS
Make and share this Middle Eastern Thyme Breads recipe from Food.com.
Provided by dale7793
Categories Yeast Breads
Time 3h20m
Yield 16 breads
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- For topping, dry roast sesame seeds in a small frying pan for 3 minutes until golden.
- Cool and grind seeds in a mortar and pestle or a spice grinder.
- Add thyme leaves, sumac and salt and combine.
- Combine honey and water in a large bowl.
- Sprinkle with the yeast and stand in a warm place for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Stir in plain flour, salt, oil and 1 cup of the wholemeal flour until combined, then add remaining flour and knead until a stiff dough forms.
- Turn out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 15 minutes or until dough is smooth and elastic.
- Place dough in a large lightly oiled bowl, and turn dough to coat in oil.
- Cover and stand in a warm spot for 2 hours.
- Dough will double in volumne.
- Knock dough down, tip onto lightly floured surface and knead lightly til smooth.
- Divide into 16 portions.
- Roll each portion into a 5cm x 12 cm oval.
- Place them on a baking paper lined tray covered with a tea towel as you work.
- Heat a heavy based frypan over medium heat.
- Brush or spray pan lightly with oil.
- Cook breads, in batches, for 1 minute each side, then place on oven trays.
- Brush breads with a little olive oil and sprinkle with sesame-herb topping.
- Bake in a 200 degree C oven for 5 minutes, or until golden and cooked through.
- Serve warm with Lebanese foods.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 97.2, Fat 1.8, SaturatedFat 0.3, Sodium 219.7, Carbohydrate 18.1, Fiber 2.3, Sugar 0.8, Protein 3.2
MANAQUIS BIL-ZA'TAR -- THYME BREAD (LEBANON -- MIDDLE EAST)
This recipe combo was found more or less intact in the 2002 cookbook, Mediterranean Street Food. Preparation time does not include time needed for dough to rise.
Provided by Sydney Mike
Categories Yeast Breads
Time 1h20m
Yield 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 11
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 . . .
Tips:
- Use fresh thyme leaves for the best flavor. If you don't have fresh thyme, you can use 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, but the flavor will be less intense.
- Make sure to proof the dough in a warm place, about 75-80 degrees Fahrenheit. This will help the dough to rise properly and give you a light and airy loaf of bread.
- If you don't have a baking stone, you can bake the bread on a greased baking sheet. Just be sure to preheat the oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit before baking.
- Let the bread cool completely before slicing. This will help to prevent the bread from tearing.
Conclusion:
Lebanese thyme bread is a delicious and easy-to-make bread that is perfect for any occasion. With its soft and fluffy texture and its slightly tangy flavor, this bread is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. So next time you're looking for a new bread to try, give Lebanese thyme bread a try. You won't be disappointed!
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