TABLE MAGAZINE

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Flatbread with Flair!

Za'atar is a popular, versatile Middle Eastern spice blend used as an accompaniment to everything from breads, to veggies, to dairy. Green za'atar is a combination of equal parts dried thyme, ground cumin, ground coriander, toasted sesame seeds, sumac, and one-half part salt. You can combine these ingredients yourself, or buy them pre combined at most Middle Eastern specialty grocers.

Baked atop crispy flatbread, and served with a fresh green salad and perhaps a simple bit of grilled meat or fish with a squeeze of lemon… this is the taste of summer!

Ingredients

1 c Za'atar  spice blend

3/4 c Olive oil

For the dough:

1 t Active dry yeast

1/4 t Sugar

3/4 c Water

2 c Flour (divided)

1 t Salt

Instructions

Combine yeast and sugar in a bowl with warm water, and let stand 5 to 8 minutes until a creamy foam forms.

Mix salt and 1 3/4 cup flour in a large mixing bowl. Add yeast mixture and fold together ingredients. Knead until smooth. Do not over knead or the dough become tough. 

Transfer your dough to a floured surface. Using remaining flour on the surface if the dough is sticky, roll dough into a small ball, wrap in cling film and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Remove from refrigerator. Pinch off a ball of dough, and with a rolling pin thin the dough into small ovals of about 10 by 6 inches. Spread the olive oil and Za'atar across the dough.

Transfer to a greased baking sheet and bake at 400 degrees for 8-10 minutes until the dough becomes golden brown around the edges. A pizza stone will help cooking the dough evenly.

Remove from the oven and let stand 2-3 minutes before serving.

Story and Photography Justin Matase

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