Manakish Bread with our Three Cheese Semolina Loaf.
Today, Cosette will share the beauty of using delicious, fresh La Brea Bakery Bread to create one of her favorite foods – Man’ousheh or Manakish.
The smell of za’atar baked on fresh bread is an intoxicating scent, the aroma wafts through the air and truly transports me back to my family, my heritage and my culture. I grew up with food as the core and influence of my childhood. A Lebanese girl in America with parents that truly retained our cultural values and especially cuisine. Za’atar is a blend of sumac, Lebanese thyme/oregano, toasted sesame seeds and salt it’s blend that has become popular all throughout the world as the perfect spice to enhance any dish. To me, za’atar is the gateway to Lebanon and Lebanese cuisine, it will transport you to the streets of Lebanon.
Za’atar in its truest form is when it’s used in a popular street food, Man’ousheh or Manakish. Manakish is a Levantine food, traditionally made with soft dough topped with a blend of za’atar and oil and baked to perfection. It is served with anything you can think of from fresh labneh, olives, tomatoes, cucumbers and mint, or simply enjoy plain. The beauty of Manakish is the versatility of when to enjoy – our family loves it for breakfast with a spread of all our other favorites: hummus, labneh, eggs, nuts, cheese and fruit.
When I want to make a quick Man’ousheh – I reach for La Brea Bakery Bread to make a quick version that satisfies my craving. For over 30 years, LaBrea bakery has been making some of the best Artisan Breads on the market. For my Manakish, I used their Three Cheese Semolina Loaf. A simple slice in half, and a generous spreading of za’atar and oil mixture is simple as can be. Baked in a 400 degree oven for 15 minutes, slice and you’re ready to enjoy!
Food is universal to all languages and people, it’s a way to transport ourselves to another country and immerse in the incredible cuisine it has to offer. So grab a spoon, a knife, and make your own Manakish today using La Brea Bakery bread. Pair it with an assortment of your favorite Lebanese inspired sides and create an escape to another world.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Bake time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4-6
Ingredients:
1 loaf La Brea Bakery Three Cheese Semolina Loaf
⅓ cup za’atar blend
⅓ cup canola, avocado, or light olive oil
Cooking Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees, line a baking sheet with foil and set aside.
Cut your La Brea Bakery Three Cheese Semolina Loaf in half and place on a foil lined baking sheet.
In a small bowl, mix your za’atar spice mix and oil, mix until fully combined.
Spread generously on both sides of your bread.
Bake in preheated oven for 10 minutes.
Turn the broil on for another 2-3 minutes.
Remove and enjoy with your favorite sides.
Find the closest grocery store near you to shop for all of the ingredients to create this delicious recipe yourself!