Lebanese Mankoushe

Ingredients

• FOR THE THYME TOPPING:
• 2 cups Dried Wild Thyme, Finely Ground
• ⅔ cups Sumac
• ⅓ cups Sesame Seeds
• 1 cup Olive Oil
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• FOR THE DOUGH:
• 3 cups Flour
• ½ teaspoons Sugar
• 1-¾ cup Warm Water, divided
• 1 teaspoon Dried Yeast
• 2 Tablespoons Vegetable Oil

Preparation Instructions

Preheat your oven to 450 F.

1. In a bowl, mix all of the topping ingredients: thyme, sumac, sesame seeds, olive oil and salt. If needed, add some water to get a medium fluid mixture. Set aside.
2. To prepare the dough, mix the flour and sugar in a large bowl. In a small bowl dissolve the yeast in the 1/4 cup warm water. Add this into the flour mixture. Add the vegetable oil and mix again. While kneading, gradually add the remaining 1 1/2 cups water until you get a well combined dough.
3. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and leave it to rest in a warm place for at least 1 hour.
4. After the dough has risen, knead it again, with some flour on your hands.
5. Divide the dough into 4 parts and roll each part on a lightly floured surface using a rolling pin.
6. Cut the dough into 10 cm diameter circles using a circular pastry cutter.
7. Top each circle with 1 tablespoon of the thyme mixture (or more if you like).
8. Slightly grease 2 oven trays with olive oil and place the manakeesh on them.
9. Bake for around 5-10 minutes or until the bottom of the dough turns lightly brown.
10. Serve warm or at room temperature.