National Dish Jordan: Manakeesh Zaatar (Recipe)
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Meet Manakeesh Zaatar, one of the great everyday pleasures of Jordanian cooking. This warm, crisp flatbread is crowned with a fragrant blend of zaatar — a heady mix of thyme, sesame and tangy sumac loosened with good olive oil. Whether you serve it as a quick breakfast, an afternoon snack or a light main, it carries the flavours of the Levant straight to your table. Simple to make yet deeply satisfying, it is the kind of bread that turns an ordinary morning into something special.
About Manakeesh Zaatar
Manakeesh Zaatar is a much-loved, traditional dish from Jordan that has won over food lovers far beyond the Middle East. At its heart is a crisp flatbread topped with an aromatic zaatar mixture. Zaatar itself is a blend of thyme, sesame and sumac, and it is this trio that gives the dish its unmistakable, earthy-tangy character. Manakeesh works beautifully both as a snack and as a light main course, making it a versatile choice for just about any occasion.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 250 g plain flour
- 1 tsp dried yeast
- 1 tsp salt
- 150 ml warm water
- 3 tbsp zaatar
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Water, for mixing
Shopping for the ingredients
To gather everything you need for manakeesh zaatar, your best bet is a local food market or a Middle Eastern grocery. This is where you will find zaatar, often sold in several different blends. Look for fresh flour and a good-quality olive oil, as both make a real difference to the final flavour. Many of these ingredients are also stocked in larger supermarkets, particularly in the international aisle.
Preparing the dish
Before you begin making manakeesh zaatar, it helps to set out all your ingredients and clear your work surface. Measure the flour and the other dry ingredients and combine them in a bowl. You can also prepare the zaatar mixture ahead of time by loosening the zaatar with a little olive oil to form a spreadable paste. This blend is later brushed over the flatbread to bring out its full, savoury flavour.
Step-by-step instructions
- In a bowl, combine the flour, dried yeast and salt.
- Gradually add the warm water and knead into a smooth, supple dough.
- Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover, and leave to rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour.
- Once risen, roll the dough out on a floured surface.
- Spread the zaatar mixture evenly over the rolled-out dough.
- Transfer to a baking tray and bake at 220 °C for around 10–15 minutes, until golden brown.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
For a gluten-free take on manakeesh zaatar, use a gluten-free flour blend, widely available in health-food shops. Just check that the other ingredients, such as the zaatar and olive oil, are gluten-free too. The recipe is naturally lactose-free, but if you plan to add dairy elsewhere in the meal, reach for lactose-free products for extra peace of mind. These small adjustments let everyone enjoy the dish without missing out on flavour.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
Manakeesh zaatar is naturally vegan and vegetarian, which makes it an ideal choice for plant-based diets. Simply make sure the zaatar mixture contains no animal products, though this is usually the case anyway. You can also top the flatbread with vegetables for extra nourishment and flavour. Grilled vegetables such as peppers or courgettes pair wonderfully with the bread and make it even more satisfying — much like the fresh produce that stars in a Fattoush.
More tips and tricks
A few simple tips will help you make even better manakeesh. Experiment with the quantity and the blend by adding different herbs and spices to suit your taste. Be sure to preheat the oven thoroughly, as a hot oven is key to that perfect crispness. If you want more flavour, brush the edges of the flatbread with garlic or a little extra olive oil before baking.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
The manakeesh zaatar recipe leaves plenty of room for adjustment to suit personal preference. Vary the amount of zaatar to reach exactly the flavour you are after. You can also change the thickness of the flatbread; a thinner base bakes up crisper, while a thicker one stays softer. Be creative and try different oils and herbs until you find your perfect combination.
Ingredient substitutions
If you do not have a ready-made zaatar mixture to hand, you can make a simple version from dried thyme, sesame seeds and a little citrus zest. For the flatbread, feel free to experiment with different flours such as wholemeal or even chickpea flour. If you are looking for a lighter option, the olive oil can be replaced with water or vegetable stock. These alternatives bring their own flavours and textures to the dish, and pair naturally with a bowl of Hummus.
Drink pairing ideas
To round out your manakeesh zaatar, choose refreshing drinks that complement its savoury notes. A cool glass of mint water or a traditional Arabic tea works beautifully alongside the flavours. Stir a little lemon juice into your water for extra freshness. For another non-alcoholic option, a light yoghurt drink balances the spices in the manakeesh wonderfully.
Serving and presentation ideas
Presentation goes a long way towards making your dish inviting. Serve the manakeesh zaatar on a large platter and dress it with a scattering of herbs or a few fresh tomatoes and cucumbers. A handful of olives in the centre of the plate not only looks appealing but also adds to the flavour. Remember to serve the bread warm to get the very best of the eating experience — perhaps alongside a bright, herby Tabbouleh.
A bit of history
Manakeesh zaatar has its roots in Arab cooking and is especially beloved in Jordan, as well as across the wider Middle East. Historically, it was prized as a quick breakfast or snack for workers in the towns and cities. It is easy to prepare, yet it relies on good ingredients to bring out its full aroma. The dish’s popularity has held steady over the years, delighting locals and visitors alike as a proud example of Jordanian cuisine.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Manakeesh Zaatar
In short, manakeesh zaatar offers a charming and flavourful introduction to Jordanian cooking. The pairing of crisp flatbread with an aromatic zaatar mixture makes it a truly special experience. Whether you enjoy it as a snack or a light main, it is simple to prepare and easy to adapt to your own taste. Let it inspire you, and savour a little piece of Jordan on your plate!
