Manakish or manakeesh is an extremely popular Levantine flatbread that is very popular throughout the Mediterranean area. The flatbread has various toppings on it and is sliced and eaten in the same way as a pizza. Zatar is a Middle Eastern spice that is one of the most common manakish toppings. It is made up of sumac and other dried herbs along with sesame seeds. It can be sprinkled over all kinds of dishes, including manakish.

Try making zatar at home. It is quick and very easy.

Zatar Recipe

The Ingredients: 

· Roasted sesame seeds – 1 tablespoon

· Ground sumac – ¼ cup

· Dried marjoram – 2 tablespoons

· Dried thyme – 2 tablespoons

· Coarse or kosher salt – 1 teaspoon

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Preparation:

· Keep all the ingredients on a table or workspace.

· Grind the sesame seeds in a food processor or spice grinder. If you want to do it the traditional way, do the grinding in a mortar and pestle. Some people say that using a mortar and pestle adds another dimension to the flavor profile of the finished dish. Others say it makes no difference how the grinding is done. Do it the way you are comfortable with.

· Add the ground sumac seeds to the bowl and stir in the other ingredients.

That’s all there is to it and it's done in five minutes.

Storage

Store the zatar in a clean airtight container. If the storage container is clean and residue-free, the zatar can be kept for up to 6 months without deteriorating.

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How to Use Zatar 

Cooks in Mediterranean countries use zatar in the same way that European and American cooks use salt. It is an all-purpose flavor enhancer that can be sprinkled on almost any savory dish, plate of French fries or salad. If the spice mix is blended with olive oil, it makes a great spicy paste that can be spread on manakish to make zatar bread, or spread on anything else that will benefit from an additional level of zest. The paste is also a wonderful seasoning for meats, poultry and vegetables.

Try using zatar on your favorite dishes. You will find that it adds another dimension of flavor and elevates the taste of the dish. Once you become familiar with the spice and the ways by which it can be used, why not start experimenting with different applications? You may come up with some great and unique flavors of your own.

Those residing in the San Francisco Bay Area have the ideal source for zatar ingredients or ready-to-eat zatar bread with various toppings. Aladdin Gourmet is the go-to destination for the best Mediterranean food and ingredients. Go to the Aladdin Gourmet website to find out more about zatar ingredients and all the other wonderful local and exotic Mediterranean produce. The deli is where you will find ready-to-eat zatar bread with a wide range of toppings.

 

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