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Syrian Master Bakers | Manakish | Muhammara | Cheese Breads | Za'atar | Fatayer | Damascene Bakery

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6 recipes
vegangluten-free

Muhammara, originating from Aleppo, Syria, is a vibrant dip made primarily from roasted red peppers and walnuts. Traditionally enjoyed with bread, it reflects the rich culinary heritage of the Levant, where flavors of spice and sweetness intertwine. Today, it has gained popularity beyond the Middle East, often featured in mezze platters worldwide.

Ingredients

  • red bell peppers
  • walnuts
  • bread crumbs
  • garlic
  • olive oil
  • lemon juice
  • pomegranate molasses
  • cumin
  • salt
  • black pepper
  • red pepper flakes
  • parsley

Instructions

  1. 1Roast red bell peppers over an open flame or in an oven until charred and blistered, about 20-30 minutes.
  2. 2Place roasted peppers in a bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let steam for 10 minutes.
  3. 3Peel off the charred skin, remove seeds, and chop the peppers.
  4. 4In a food processor, combine walnuts, bread crumbs, garlic, and roasted peppers.
  5. 5Pulse until the mixture is finely chopped but not pureed.
  6. 6Add olive oil, lemon juice, pomegranate molasses, cumin, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to the processor.
  7. 7Blend until smooth, adjusting the consistency with more olive oil if necessary.
  8. 8Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more salt or lemon juice as needed.
  9. 9Transfer the muhammara to a serving bowl and drizzle with olive oil.
  10. 10Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
  11. 11Serve with pita bread or fresh vegetables for dipping.
  12. 12Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
nuts

Ingredients

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1 tbsp instant yeast
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1 cup warm water
  • 1/2 cup za'atar spice mix
  • 1/2 cup sesame seeds (optional)
  • 1/2 cup labneh or cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. 1In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, sugar, and instant yeast.
  2. 2Add the olive oil and warm water to the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
  3. 3Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  4. 4Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
  5. 5Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C).
  6. 6Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 6 equal pieces.
  7. 7Roll each piece into a flat circle about 1/4 inch thick.
  8. 8Spread a generous amount of za'atar spice mix over each circle, and sprinkle with sesame seeds if using.
  9. 9Transfer the manakish to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.
  10. 10Serve warm with labneh or cheese on the side, if desired.

Equipment

mixing bowlrolling pinbaking sheetparchment paper
veganplant-basedgluten-free

Originating from the Levant region, za'atar is a beloved spice blend that reflects the rich culinary traditions of Lebanon and surrounding countries. Traditionally used to flavor breads and meats, it symbolizes the communal nature of Middle Eastern meals, often shared among family and friends. Today, za'atar has gained global popularity, inspiring various culinary adaptations and uses in modern kitchens.

Ingredients

  • dried thyme
  • sumac
  • sesame seeds
  • oregano
  • marjoram
  • salt
  • cumin
  • olive oil

Instructions

  1. 1Combine dried thyme, sumac, sesame seeds, oregano, marjoram, salt, and cumin in a bowl.
  2. 2Mix the ingredients thoroughly until well combined.
  3. 3Store the za'atar mixture in an airtight container away from light.
  4. 4To use, drizzle olive oil over bread or vegetables.
  5. 5Sprinkle za'atar generously over the oiled surface.
  6. 6Serve as a dip with pita bread or as a seasoning for grilled meats.
sesame

Cheese Manakish is a beloved Lebanese flatbread that showcases the country's rich culinary heritage. Traditionally enjoyed for breakfast or as a snack, this dish consists of a dough base topped with a mixture of labneh and cheese, often seasoned with za'atar, a fragrant herb blend. The manakish is a staple in Lebanese bakeries and is often served warm, reflecting the communal spirit of sharing food in Lebanese culture. Today, variations abound, with different cheeses and toppings, making it a favorite across the Middle East and beyond.

Ingredients

  • all-purpose flour
  • yeast
  • warm water
  • sugar
  • salt
  • olive oil
  • labneh
  • grated cheese
  • za'atar
  • black sesame seeds
  • fresh herbs

Instructions

  1. 1Mix warm water, sugar, and yeast in a bowl; let sit until foamy, about 5-10 minutes.
  2. 2Combine flour and salt in a large bowl; create a well in the center.
  3. 3Add the yeast mixture and olive oil to the flour; mix until a dough forms.
  4. 4Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth.
  5. 5Place the dough in a greased bowl; cover with a cloth and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
  6. 6Preheat the oven to 220°C (428°F).
  7. 7Punch down the risen dough and divide into equal portions.
  8. 8Roll each portion into a flat circle on a floured surface.
  9. 9Spread labneh evenly over each circle; sprinkle with grated cheese and za'atar.
  10. 10Transfer to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  11. 11Sprinkle black sesame seeds and fresh herbs on top.
  12. 12Bake in the preheated oven until golden and crispy, about 12-15 minutes.
  13. 13Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.

Ingredient Alternatives

labneh

Healthier: cottage cheese

Cheaper: cream cheese

Cottage cheese offers a lower-fat option while maintaining creaminess.

grated cheese

Healthier: low-fat cheese

Cheaper: processed cheese

Low-fat cheese reduces calories without sacrificing flavor.

Techniques

mixingkneadingbaking

Equipment

mixing bowlbaking sheetparchment paperrolling pin
🌶️🌶️🌶️Lowglutendairy

Also Known As

Manakish JibnehManakish with Cheese

Fatayer, a beloved dish in Syria, has roots in Middle Eastern cuisine, often enjoyed as a snack or appetizer. Traditionally filled with spiced meat or vegetables, these pastries reflect the region's rich culinary heritage. Today, variations can be found across the globe, with many adapting the fillings to local tastes and ingredients.

Ingredients

  • all-purpose flour
  • yeast
  • water
  • olive oil
  • salt
  • ground meat
  • onions
  • pine nuts
  • spices
  • parsley
  • lemon juice
  • yogurt
  • egg
  • sesame seeds

Instructions

  1. 1Mix yeast with warm water and let it sit until frothy, about 5-10 minutes.
  2. 2Combine flour and salt in a large bowl.
  3. 3Add olive oil and the yeast mixture to the flour, mixing until a dough forms.
  4. 4Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth.
  5. 5Cover the dough with a cloth and let it rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
  6. 6In a skillet, sauté onions in olive oil until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
  7. 7Add ground meat and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
  8. 8Stir in spices, pine nuts, and parsley, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes.
  9. 9Remove from heat and add lemon juice, mixing well.
  10. 10Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  11. 11Divide the dough into small balls and roll each into a circle.
  12. 12Place a spoonful of the meat mixture in the center of each circle.
  13. 13Fold the dough over the filling to create a triangle and pinch the edges to seal.
  14. 14Place the fatayer on a baking sheet and brush with beaten egg.
  15. 15Sprinkle sesame seeds on top before baking.
  16. 16Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.

Ingredient Alternatives

ground meat

Healthier: chicken

Cheaper: lentils

Lentils provide protein at a lower cost.

pine nuts

Healthier: sunflower seeds

Cheaper: chopped walnuts

Sunflower seeds are more affordable and nutritious.

yogurt

Healthier: Greek yogurt

Cheaper: sour cream

Greek yogurt adds creaminess with fewer calories.

all-purpose flour

Healthier: whole wheat flour

Cheaper: bread flour

Whole wheat flour adds fiber and nutrients.

Techniques

mixingkneadingsautéingbaking

Equipment

mixing bowlskilletbaking sheetrolling pincloth
🌶️🌶️🌶️Mediumglutendairynuts

Also Known As

FattehSfeeha

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1/2 cup warm water
  • 1 tsp active dry yeast
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 tbsp za'atar spice blend

Instructions

  1. 1In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy.
  2. 2In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the yeast mixture and olive oil.
  3. 3Mix until a dough forms, then knead on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  4. 4Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
  5. 5Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  6. 6Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 2 equal pieces.
  7. 7Roll each piece into a flat round shape, about 1/2 inch thick.
  8. 8Brush the tops with olive oil and sprinkle generously with za'atar spice blend.
  9. 9Place the rounds on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
  10. 10Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.

Equipment

mixing bowlbaking sheetparchment paperrolling pinoven

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