Francisco's Manaaeesh (Flatbread with Za'atar) Recipe
- 1 (1/4-ounce) packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
- 3/4 cup warm water (110 degrees F to 120 degrees F)
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for oiling the bowl
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 cup zaatar
- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, mix the yeast into the warm water and let the mixture stand until a gentle foam blooms across the surface, about 10 minutes.
- The water must be under 120 degrees F or it will kill the yeast.
- Whisk in 1/4 cup of the oil and add the flour and 1/2 teaspoon of the salt.
- Using the dough hook, stir on low speed until the flour is combined and it forms a dough.
- Increase the speed to medium and knead the dough for 7 to 8 minutes, until the dough is still sticky to the touch but stays on the dough hook in one piece.
- Lightly oil a large stainless or glass bowl and scoop the dough into it.
- Cover with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for a minimum of 2 hours or overnight; the dough should double in volume.
- About 2 hours before baking, brush 2 tablespoons of the oil on a heavy baking sheet, place the dough on the sheet, and cover with plastic wrap.
- Let the dough rise again for 1 1/2 hours at room temperature.
- Heat the oven to 375 degrees F and arrange a rack in the middle.
- Press the dough onto the baking sheet, using your hands to stretch and pull it into the corners, forming a flat 10-by-12-inch rectangle.
- Make dimples in the dough with your fingertips (this creates little pockets for the oil and zaatar to collect in) and brush the dough with the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
- Sprinkle the zaatar evenly over the dough and then sprinkle the whole bread with the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt.
- Let the dough rest for at least 20 to 30 minutes more, uncovered and at room temperature.
- Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until golden brown on the edges and cooked all the way through in the center.
- Serve warm.
yeast, warm water, extravirgin olive oil, flour, kosher salt, zaatar
Taken from www.chowhound.com/recipes/franciscos-manaaeesh-flatbread-with-zaatar-28291 (may not work)