Lebanese flatbread, also known as "manakish" or "manakeesh," is a staple in Lebanese cuisine. It is a versatile and delicious bread that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. This traditional recipe has been passed down for generations and is a beloved dish in Lebanese households. Not only is it easy to make, but it also requires minimal ingredients, making it a perfect option for a quick and satisfying meal. In this article, we will take a closer look at the ingredients and steps to make this mouth-watering Lebanese flatbread.
Main Ingredients: Water, Active Dry Yeast, Sugar, All Purpose Flour
Flat bread is a staple in many cultures around the world, and for good reason. This versatile and easy to make bread is perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or even as a base for pizza. Here are 20 delicious recipes for flat bread that will elevate your next meal.
This traditional flat bread is a staple in Lebanese cuisine. It is made with simple ingredients like flour, yeast, water, and olive oil, and is usually cooked in a hot cast iron pan. This bread is perfect for dipping in hummus or using as a base for shawarma.
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Easy Flat Bread
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Olive Oil, Salt, Fresh Parsley
If you're looking for a quick and easy flat bread recipe, this is the one for you. With only 3 ingredients – flour, Greek yogurt, and baking powder – you can have fresh, homemade flat bread in less than 30 minutes. It's perfect for a last-minute meal or snack.
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Zaatar Manakish Lebanese Thyme Flat Bread
Main Ingredients: Dough, Zaatar, Olive Oil, Vegetables, Dried Thyme
Zaatar is a Middle Eastern spice blend that adds a unique and delicious flavor to this flat bread. It's made with a combination of flour, water, yeast, and olive oil, and is topped with a generous amount of zaatar. This flat bread is perfect for a quick breakfast or snack.
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Turkish Flat Bread (Bazlama)
Main Ingredients: Warm Water, Dried Yeast, Sugar, Greek Style Yogurt
Bazlama is a traditional Turkish flat bread that is soft and fluffy on the inside and crispy on the outside. It's made with flour, yeast, water, and olive oil, and is usually topped with nigella seeds. This bread is perfect for wrapping up your favorite fillings or dipping in dips like tzatziki.
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Super Easy “Flat” Bread
Main Ingredients: Flour, Yeast, Salt, Olive Oil, Warm Water
This flat bread is perfect for those who are looking for a gluten-free option. It's made with a combination of almond flour, coconut flour, baking powder, and eggs, and is cooked in a skillet. It's perfect for those following a paleo or keto diet.
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Gluten Free Flat Bread
Main Ingredients: Eggs, Egg Whites, Coconut, Sea Salt, Coconut Flour
If you have celiac disease or are following a gluten-free diet, you don't have to miss out on delicious flat bread. This recipe uses a combination of gluten-free flours like rice flour, buckwheat flour, and tapioca flour to create a soft and pliable flat bread that is perfect for sandwiches or wraps.
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Ethiopian Injera Flat Bread
Main Ingredients: Teff Flour, Water, Salt, Coconut Oil
Injera is a traditional flat bread in Ethiopian cuisine. It's made with teff flour, a gluten-free grain that is high in protein and fiber. This bread is usually used as a base for stews and curries and is perfect for scooping up flavorful dishes with your hands.
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Homemade Flat Bread
Main Ingredients: White Flour, Water, Sugar, Dry Yeast, Salt, Olive Oil
If you love making things from scratch, then this homemade flat bread recipe is for you. It's made with simple ingredients like flour, water, yeast, and salt, and is easy to make. The best part is that you can customize the toppings and seasonings to your liking.
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Middle Eastern flat bread
Main Ingredients: Caster Sugar, Table Salt, Dry Yeast, Greek Yoghurt
This flat bread is a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine. It's made with a combination of flour, water, yeast, and olive oil, and is usually topped with sesame seeds. This bread is perfect for wrapping up falafel or dipping in hummus.
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Sri Lankan Coconut Roti (Flat Bread)
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Water, Grated Coconut, Salt, Canola
Coconut roti is a popular flat bread in Sri Lankan cuisine. It's made with a combination of flour, water, and freshly grated coconut, and is usually cooked on a hot griddle. This bread is perfect for serving with spicy curries or chutneys.
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Paleo Friendly Flat Bread
Main Ingredients: Egg Whites, Eggs, Coconut Flour, Cream Of Tarter
If you're following a paleo diet, you don't have to miss out on delicious flat bread. This recipe uses a combination of almond flour, tapioca flour, and eggs to create a soft and pliable bread that is perfect for sandwiches or wraps.
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Rgaïf- Msemen (Moroccan Flat Bread)
Main Ingredients: Active Dry Yeast, Lukewarm Water, All Purpose Flour
This traditional Moroccan flat bread is made with a combination of semolina flour and all-purpose flour, giving it a unique texture. It's usually cooked on a hot griddle and is perfect for serving with tagines or stews.
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Skillet Flat Bread
Main Ingredients: Flour, Sea Salt, Olive Oil, Hot Water, Yeast
This flat bread is cooked in a skillet, making it perfect for those without access to an oven. It's made with a combination of flour, baking powder, honey, and yogurt, and is cooked on a stovetop. It's perfect for serving with dips or using as a base for pizza.
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Handmade Pita (Flat Bread)
Main Ingredients: Flour, Warm Water, Greek Yogurt, Olive Oil, Salt
Pita bread is a staple in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine. This recipe shows you how to make it from scratch, using simple ingredients like flour, water, yeast, and olive oil. These pockets of bread are perfect for stuffing with your favorite fillings.
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Flat Bread Pizza
Main Ingredients: Breads, Pizza Sauce, Mozzarella Cheese
If you're a fan of pizza, you'll love this twist on a classic. This recipe uses flat bread as the base, making it quick and easy to make. Simply top the flat bread with your favorite pizza toppings and bake until crispy and golden. It's the perfect solution for a quick and easy dinner.
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Naan – Oven Baked Flat Bread
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Active Dry Yeast, Salt, Sugar
Naan is a popular flat bread in Indian cuisine and is perfect for serving with curries or stews. This recipe shows you how to make it at home, using simple ingredients like flour, yogurt, and ghee. It's then cooked in the oven, giving it a crispy exterior and soft interior.
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Moroccan Flat Bread
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Dry Active Yeast, Cornmeal, Sugar
This flat bread is a staple in Moroccan cuisine and is usually served with tagines or stews. It's made with a combination of flour, water, and semolina, and is typically cooked on a hot griddle. The semolina gives this bread a unique and delicious texture.
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Grain-Free Flat Bread
Main Ingredients: Blanched Almond Flour, Arrowroot Starch, Coconut Oil
If you're following a grain-free diet, you don't have to miss out on delicious flat bread. This recipe uses a combination of almond flour, coconut flour, and psyllium husk to create a soft and pliable bread that is perfect for sandwiches or wraps.
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Zucchini Flat Bread
Main Ingredients: Boboli, Olive Oil, Zucchini, Seasoning, Garlic
This flat bread is a great way to sneak in some extra veggies. It's made with a combination of zucchini, flour, eggs, and parmesan cheese and is cooked in the oven. It's a delicious and healthy option for those looking to cut down on carbs.
Ingredients
For the dough:
To make the perfect Lebanese flatbread, you will need:
All-purpose flour - this is the main ingredient for the dough. It is important to use high-quality flour to ensure a soft and chewy texture.
Yeast - this is used to help the dough rise and give the bread its fluffy texture.
Sugar - to activate the yeast and add a touch of sweetness to the bread.
Salt - to enhance the flavor of the bread.
Olive oil - this is used to give the dough a rich and buttery taste.
Water - the key to making a soft and pliable dough.
For the toppings:
The beauty of Lebanese flatbread is that you can top it with whatever you like. However, the most popular toppings are:
Za'atar - a flavorful Middle Eastern spice blend made from dried thyme, sesame seeds, and sumac.
Akawi cheese - a salty and creamy cheese that pairs perfectly with the za'atar.
Tomatoes and cucumbers - for a fresh and crunchy element to the bread.
Olives - for a burst of briny flavor.
Olive oil - drizzled on top for extra richness.
Instructions
1. Make the dough
In a large bowl, mix together the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Slowly add in the olive oil and water, and mix until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
2. Let the dough rise
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
3. Preheat your oven
Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) and place a baking sheet or pizza stone inside to heat up.
4. Roll out the dough
On a floured surface, roll out the dough into a thin circle. If the dough keeps shrinking back, let it rest for a few minutes and then continue rolling.
5. Add toppings
Brush the dough with olive oil and sprinkle with za'atar. Add the cheese and any other toppings of your choice.
6. Bake the flatbread
Carefully transfer the flatbread onto the preheated baking sheet or pizza stone and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Serve and enjoy!
Remove the flatbread from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes, and then cut into wedges. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious homemade Lebanese flatbread!
With this easy and authentic Lebanese flatbread recipe, you can bring a taste of Lebanon into your own kitchen. Serve it as a snack, appetizer, or main dish, and get creative with different toppings. This recipe is sure to become a family favorite!