Manakeesh - the favorite breakfast in the Middle East

Created

Mar 17, 2024 7:08 PM

Country

Syria

Date of origin

Description

Manakeesh are Middle Eastern flatbreads traditionally served for breakfast. These can be topped with za'atar spice blend or various cheeses for different flavors.

Our journey from Latakia on the Syrian Mediterranean coast to Hama led us through stunning mountains and charming villages. The small farms and lush gardens seemed to erase all traces of war.

During our trip, our guide recommended we try the traditional flatbreads—which looked similar to pizza. Though several bakeries we visited were either closed or not ready with their dough, we eventually found the perfect spot: a roadside garden with a few tables, a round brick oven, and a large kneading table. There, a cheerful woman and her assistant (likely her husband) were busy making the flatbreads.

While we called them "flatbreads" and our guide referred to them as "Syrian pizzas," I later learned these were manakeesh—a beloved breakfast staple in the Middle East.

These popular flatbreads originate from the Levant region and feature various toppings such as za'atar, cheese blends, onion-tomato mixtures, or keshek. Each manakeesh is typically made personal-sized and folded in half sandwich-style for convenient eating.

The most popular varieties of manakeesh are za'atar and cheese. Just as Americans rely on egg and cheese sandwiches for breakfast, manakeesh is the Middle East's morning staple. Za'atar, a traditional spice blend, is essential to this dish. It combines Lebanese oregano, sumac, toasted sesame seeds, and aromatic herbs. To prepare manakeesh, this blend is mixed with olive oil to create a paste, which is then spread generously over the flatbread. Baking in a traditional brick oven gives the bread its distinctive smoky flavor and crispy texture. This simple yet flavorful dish exemplifies the Middle East's rich culinary heritage.

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