Imagine a za'atar flatbread straight out of the oven, its thin, golden crust adorned with a mosaic of aromatic herbs and sesame seeds. As you take your first bite, the crisp edges yield to a soft, warm center that's infused with the earthy fragrance of za'atar. This ancient Middle Eastern spice blend dances on your palate, its blend of thyme, oregano, and tangy sumac awakening your senses with every bite.
Zaatar: This is the star of the dish. Za'atar is a blend of dried thyme, oregano, marjoram, sumac, and sesame seeds. The exact blend can vary depending on regional preferences(I personally prefer the Palestinian za'atar), but it typically has a tangy, herbal flavor with a nutty undertone from the sesame seeds.
Ingredients:
For the dough:
- 500 grams unbleached white flour (high gluten white flour recommended)
- 300 ml warm water
- 7 grams of instant yeast
- 10 grams of salt
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp yogurt ( optional)
For the topping:
Za'atar spice blend and olive oil.
- Prepare the dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sifted flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt. Mix well to distribute the dry ingredients evenly. Make a well in the center and pour in the warm water,yogurt(optional) and olive oil. Mix with a spoon or your hands until a dough starts to form.
Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. Add a little more flour if the dough is too sticky, but avoid adding too much to keep the dough soft.
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning once to coat the dough with oil. Cover the bowl with a plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1-1.5 hours or until doubled in size.
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place a baking sheet or pizza stone in the oven to preheat as well.
Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to deflate it. Divide the dough into two equal portions. On a lightly floured surface, roll out each portion of dough into a thin oval or round shape, about 1/4 inch thick. Cover the round shapes of dough with a plastic wrap and let it res for about 15 to 12 minutes.
In a small bowl, mix together the zaatar spice blend and olive oil to create a spreadable paste. Spread this zaatar mixture evenly over the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Baking
Carefully transfer the zaatar-topped dough onto the preheated baking sheet or pizza stone. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the flatbread is cooked through.
- Serving
Remove from the oven and let the zaatar flatbreads cool slightly on a wire rack. Cut into wedges or squares and serve warm. Enjoy as is or with your favorite dips like labneh, hummus, or alongside fresh vegetables.
- Variations
Some variations of zaatar flatbread may include additional toppings such as cheese, tomatoes, or olives, though the traditional preparation keeps it simple with just the zaatar spice blend.
This recipe yields flavorful zaatar flatbreads that are perfect for sharing as a snack or appetizer, embodying the essence of Middle Eastern cuisine with every bite.
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