Man’oushe

man’oushe

Man’oushe is a savory Lebanese flatbread that is typically enjoyed for breakfast or as a snack. It is made with a thin layer of dough, brushed with olive oil and topped with a variety of toppings, such as cheese, herbs, and vegetables. The most popular topping is za’atar, a blend of thyme, sumac, sesame seeds, and salt.

Man’oushe has been a part of Lebanese cuisine for centuries and is enjoyed by people of all ages. It is a delicious and convenient way to start the day, and many people enjoy it with a cup of coffee or tea.

The dough for man’oushe is typically made from a mixture of flour, water, salt, and yeast. The dough is then kneaded until it is smooth and elastic, and left to rise for several hours. Once the dough has risen, it is stretched out into thin rounds and topped with the desired toppings.

In Lebanon, man’oushe is typically baked in a traditional wood-fired oven, but it can also be baked in a regular oven at home. The crust of the man’oushe is slightly crispy on the outside and soft and chewy on the inside, creating a delicious texture that is perfect for soaking up the flavors of the toppings.

One of the most popular toppings for man’oushe is za’atar, a traditional Middle Eastern spice blend made from thyme, sumac, sesame seeds, and salt. Za’atar has a unique and delicious flavor that is both tangy and savory, making it the perfect topping for man’oushe.

Other popular toppings for man’oushe include cheese, minced meat, and vegetables. Cheese is typically melted on top of the man’oushe and can be made from a variety of different cheeses, such as feta, mozzarella, or halloumi. Minced meat is often mixed with spices and herbs and then spread onto the man’oushe before baking. Vegetables can be sliced thinly and used as a topping, such as tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions.

Man’oushe is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many different ways. It can be eaten on its own as a snack or as part of a meal with a side salad or soup. It is also a great dish to serve at parties or gatherings, as it can be cut into small slices and served as a finger food.

In summary, man’oushe is a delicious and versatile Lebanese flatbread that is enjoyed by people of all ages. It is made with a thin layer of dough that is topped with a variety of delicious toppings, such as za’atar, cheese, minced meat, and vegetables. Whether it is enjoyed for breakfast, as a snack, or as part of a meal, man’oushe is a delicious and satisfying dish that is sure to satisfy any appetite.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb. all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp. dry active yeast
  • 1 tsp. white sugar
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 2 tbsp. olive oil
  • 1 cup warm water
  • 1 cup za’atar
  • 1/2 cup olive oil

Directions:

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, yeast, sugar, and salt.
  2. Add olive oil and warm water to the dry ingredients and mix well until a smooth dough forms.
  3. Knead the dough for 8-10 minutes until it becomes elastic.
  4. Cover the dough with a damp towel and let it rest for 1-2 hours or until it doubles in size.
  5. Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  6. In a small bowl, mix the za’atar and olive oil to form a paste.
  7. Divide the dough into small pieces and roll them out into circles, about 1/4 inch thick.
  8. Spread the za’atar paste over each dough circle, leaving about 1/2 inch border around the edges.
  9. Bake the Man’oushe on the prepared baking sheet for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.
  10. Serve the Man’oushe hot and enjoy!