Manaeesh

Discover the Joy of Homemade Manaeesh: A Taste of Tradition with Versatile Fillings

There’s something deeply comforting about making bread from scratch, especially when it fills your kitchen with the warm, inviting aroma of spices and fresh dough. Manaeesh, often called the Middle Eastern flatbread or "Arabic pizza," is a beloved staple that brings people together, whether for breakfast, lunch, or a cozy snack.

What I love most about manaeesh is its versatility — a simple, soft dough that becomes the canvas for endless flavor combinations. In this recipe, I’m sharing not only an easy homemade dough but also three delicious topping ideas: a fragrant zaatar and halloumi blend, a classic olive oil and zaatar spread, and a vibrant spinach, cheese, and harissa mixture. Each brings its own character, from savory and herby to slightly spicy and tangy.

Whether you’re enjoying manaeesh warm out of the oven with tea, or serving it alongside mezze for a gathering, this recipe will let you explore the beauty of Middle Eastern flavors right at home. Let’s get baking!

Homemade Manaeesh with Three Fillings

(Dough + Zaatar & Halloumi + Olive Oil & Zaatar + Spinach, Cheese & Harissa)

Let's start with the dough recipe, which is the same base for all fillings!

For the Dough:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp baking powder

• 1 tsp instant yeast

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1 cup water (plus more as needed)

• 3 tbsp oil (plus 1 tsp extra, such as Mazola or neutral oil)

• Additional oil for drizzling the bowl

Method for the Dough

1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, yeast, and salt.

2. Add the water and 3 tbsp oil, then knead the dough well. Add more water as needed until you have a soft, smooth dough.

3. Add an extra teaspoon of oil and drizzle some oil around the bowl to prevent sticking.

4. Knead thoroughly for several more minutes until the dough becomes elastic and smooth.

5. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or blanket and let the dough rest for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Separate the dough in small parts before filling and let dough rest for an extra 10 minutes.

Fillings

1. Zaatar & Halloumi Filling

• 1 tbsp FRESH zaatar leaves (soaked in water for 1 hour)

• 1 tsp sumac

• ½ onion, finely chopped and cooked until soft

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 tsp olive oil

• Shredded halloumi cheese

Instructions:

• After soaking the zaatar leaves, drain well.

• Mix with the cooked onion, sumac, olive oil, salt, pepper, and shredded halloumi.

2. Classic Olive Oil & Zaatar Filling

• Zaatar spice blend (powder form)

• Olive oil

Instructions:

• Simply mix zaatar powder with enough olive oil to form a spreadable paste.

3. Spinach & Harissa Filling

• Fresh spinach, chopped

• ½ onion, finely chopped and cooked until soft

• 1 tsp harissa

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Olive oil

Instructions:

• Cook the chopped onion until soft.

• Add the spinach and cook until wilted.

• Stir in harissa, salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil. Mix well and let cool.

Assembly

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Divide the dough into equal portions and roll each piece into a circle or oval.

3. Add your desired filling in the center.

   • Shape each differently to recognize the fillings: for example, fold the edges over for spinach, keep the zaatar flat like a pizza, and pinch the edges for the cheese filling.

4. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

5. Bake for about 12–15 minutes, or until the manaeesh are golden and slightly puffed.

6. Serve warm!

Notes:

• You can freeze leftover dough or even pre-filled, unbaked manaeesh.

• These are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a snack.

• Enjoy with olives, labneh, or a cup of tea!