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How to Make Mana'eesh Za'atar (Za'atar Flatbread) & Baba Ghanoush

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Baba Ghanoush hails from the Levant region, particularly Lebanon, where it is cherished as a flavorful dip made from roasted eggplant. Traditionally served with pita bread, it embodies the Mediterranean's emphasis on fresh ingredients and communal eating. Today, it enjoys global popularity, often featured in Middle Eastern cuisine and served in various forms at gatherings and restaurants worldwide.

Ingredients

  • eggplant
  • tahini
  • lemon juice
  • garlic
  • olive oil
  • salt
  • cumin
  • parsley

Instructions

  1. 1Preheat a grill to medium-high heat.
  2. 2Prick the eggplant with a fork to prevent bursting.
  3. 3Grill the eggplant until the skin is charred and the flesh is soft, about 20-30 minutes.
  4. 4Remove the eggplant from the grill and let it cool slightly.
  5. 5Peel off the charred skin and discard it.
  6. 6Place the eggplant flesh in a food processor.
  7. 7Add tahini, lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, salt, and cumin to the processor.
  8. 8Blend until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed.
  9. 9Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
  10. 10Transfer to a serving bowl and drizzle with additional olive oil.
  11. 11Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Ingredient Alternatives

tahini

Healthier: sunflower seed butter

Cheaper: peanut butter

Sunflower seed butter is nut-free and offers similar creaminess.

olive oil

Healthier: avocado oil

Cheaper: vegetable oil

Avocado oil is heart-healthy while vegetable oil is more budget-friendly.

garlic

Healthier: garlic powder

Cheaper: onion powder

Garlic powder provides flavor without fresh garlic's strong bite.

lemon juice

Healthier: lime juice

Cheaper: vinegar

Lime juice adds acidity while vinegar is often less expensive.

Techniques

grillingblending

Equipment

grillfood processormixing bowl
🌶️🌶️🌶️Lowsesame

Also Known As

Baba GanoushBaba Ghanouj

Mana'eesh Za'atar, a beloved Lebanese flatbread, has roots in the Levantine cuisine, often enjoyed for breakfast or as a snack. Traditionally, it features a flavorful blend of za'atar—a mix of thyme, sesame, and sumac—spread over dough before baking. This dish not only highlights the simplicity of its ingredients but also serves as a communal food, often shared among family and friends. In modern times, variations may include additional toppings like cheese or vegetables, making it a versatile choice enjoyed across the globe.

Ingredients

  • all-purpose flour
  • water
  • yeast
  • salt
  • olive oil
  • za'atar
  • sesame seeds
  • sugar
  • milk
  • yogurt
  • fresh herbs
  • lemon juice
  • garlic
  • black pepper
  • sumac
  • honey

Instructions

  1. 1Mix flour, yeast, sugar, and salt in a large bowl.
  2. 2Add warm water and olive oil to the dry ingredients.
  3. 3Knead the dough until smooth, about 10 minutes.
  4. 4Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let it rise until doubled, about 1 hour.
  5. 5Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C).
  6. 6Divide the dough into equal portions and shape each into a ball.
  7. 7Roll out each ball into a flat circle on a floured surface.
  8. 8Spread a mixture of za'atar, olive oil, and sesame seeds over the dough.
  9. 9Place the rolled dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  10. 10Bake in the preheated oven until golden, about 10-12 minutes.
  11. 11Remove from the oven and drizzle with additional olive oil if desired.
  12. 12Serve warm with fresh herbs or yogurt on the side.

Ingredient Alternatives

olive oil

Healthier: avocado oil

Cheaper: sunflower oil

Avocado oil provides healthy fats while sunflower oil is more economical.

all-purpose flour

Healthier: whole wheat flour

Cheaper: bread flour

Whole wheat flour adds fiber and nutrients, while bread flour can be more affordable.

fresh herbs

Healthier: dried herbs

Cheaper: no herbs

Dried herbs are more shelf-stable and can be less expensive.

yogurt

Healthier: Greek yogurt

Cheaper: sour cream

Greek yogurt is creamier and healthier, while sour cream can be a cost-effective alternative.

Techniques

mixingkneadingrollingbaking

Equipment

large bowlbaking sheetparchment paperrolling pindamp cloth
🌶️🌶️🌶️Lowglutensesamemilkeggs

Also Known As

Manakish Za'atarMana'eeshZaatar Bread

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