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Gluten-Free Manakish Za’atar

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Gluten-Free Manakish Za’atar offers a delightful twist on a beloved Levantine classic, featuring a soft, chewy base made from rice and tapioca flours, topped with za’atar and olive oil. It provides authentic flavors without compromising dietary needs, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a snack.

Ingredients

  • For the Dough:
  • 1¼ cups (300 ml) warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
  • 3 teaspoons white caster sugar, divided
  • 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (ensure gluten-free)
  • 1½ cups (210 g) white rice flour
  • 1½ cups (170 g) tapioca flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons xanthan gum
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
  • For the Topping:
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) olive oil
  • 6 tablespoons za’atar spice blend
  • ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional, omit for dairy-free)

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, dissolve 2 teaspoons of sugar in warm water. Sprinkle the yeast over the water and let it sit for about 10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the rice flour, tapioca flour, xanthan gum, and salt.
  3. Add the foamy yeast mixture and olive oil to the dry ingredients. Mix until a sticky, batter-like dough forms.
  4. Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for 45–60 minutes, or until it has increased in volume by at least one-third.
  5. Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C). Place a couple of large baking sheets inside to heat up.
  6. While the dough is rising, prepare the za’atar topping by mixing the olive oil and za’atar spice blend in a small bowl to form a paste.
  7. Once the dough has risen, divide it into 5 or 6 portions. On a piece of parchment paper, shape each portion into a round disc about 5 inches in diameter.
  8. If using cheese, sprinkle it in the center of each dough disc. Spread the za’atar mixture over the cheese or directly on the dough if not using cheese.
  9. Carefully transfer the parchment paper with the manakish onto the preheated baking sheets. Bake for 12–14 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the cheese (if used) is melted.
  10. Remove from the oven and let cool for at least 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Cheese Manakish: Add shredded mozzarella, Akkawi, or feta cheese before the za’atar topping.Vegan Option: Omit the cheese or use a plant-based cheese alternative.Spicy Za’atar: Incorporate red pepper flakes into the za’atar mixture for dded heat.Herb-Infused Dough: Mix fresh herbs like oregano or thyme into the dough for extra flavor.

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