Breakfast Zaatar Manakeesh: Start Your Day Right

October 19, 2024

Start your day with a delicious and nutritious Middle Eastern-inspired breakfast with this Breakfast Zaatar Manakeesh recipe. This dish combines the rich, savoury flavours of zaatar and olive oil spread over warm pitta bread, accompanied by a creamy labneh dip enhanced with zaatar and vibrant pomegranate jewels. The meal is rounded out with hard-boiled eggs, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber slices, offering a perfect balance of protein, healthy fats, and fresh vegetables. Not only does this breakfast provide a delightful mix of textures and flavours, but it also brings health benefits, particularly for thyroid and diabetes management. This wholesome, flavourful dish is ideal for a leisurely breakfast or brunch, setting a positive tone for the rest of your day. Enjoy the harmonious blend of traditional ingredients and modern presentation with every bite!

This Breakfast Zaatar Manakeesh recipe offers a balanced combination of flavours and nutrients, suitable for a healthy breakfast.

Ingredients Used For Zaatar Manakeesh

Zaatar Bread:

Pitta Bread: Serves as the base for the zaatar spread, providing a soft, chewy texture that complements the flavours.

Olive Oil: Helps bind the zaatar mix, making it spreadable, and adding a rich, fruity flavour.

Zaatar Mix: A blend of thyme, oregano, sesame seeds, and sumac, zaatar provides a unique, tangy, and herbaceous flavour that is characteristic of Middle Eastern cuisine.

Dip:

Labneh: A thick, creamy yoghurt cheese that adds a tangy, smooth element to the dish, perfect for dipping.

Zaatar Mix: Enhances the flavour of the labneh, providing consistency with the zaatar bread.

Pomegranate Jewels: Add a burst of sweetness and a pop of colour, contrasting nicely with the tangy labneh and savoury zaatar.

Plating:

Hard-Boiled Eggs: Provide a source of protein, adding to the meal’s nutritional value.

Cherry Tomatoes: Offer a sweet, juicy element that balances the savoury flavours of the dish.

Cucumber: Adds a refreshing crunch and hydrates, balancing the rich and tangy components.

Alternative Ingredients

Pitta Bread: Substitute with protein bread or whole grain bread for different textures.

Zaatar Mix: Make your own mix using dried thyme, oregano, sesame seeds, and sumac if store-bought is not available.

Labneh: Substitute with strainted Greek yoghurt or a dairy-free yoghurt for a lighter or vegan option.

Hard-Boiled Eggs: Substitute with scrambled eggs, poached eggs, or tofu for a vegan alternative.

Preparation Tips For Zaatar Manakeesh

Zaatar Spread: Mix the zaatar and olive oil well to ensure a consistent, spreadable mixture. Adjust the ratio if needed for the desired consistency.
Toasting the Bread: Keep an eye on the bread while toasting to prevent it from becoming too crispy. You want it slightly toasted but still soft.
Labneh Dip: Mix the labneh and zaatar thoroughly for even flavour distribution. Garnish with pomegranate jewels just before serving to maintain their freshness and texture.
Hard-Boiled Eggs: Cook the eggs for 5 to 10 minutes, depending on your preferred level of doneness. Cool them in an ice bath for easy peeling.

Serving Tips For Zaatar Manakeesh

Presentation: Arrange the zaatar bread, labneh dip, and fresh vegetables attractively on a platter for a visually appealing presentation. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Accompaniments: Serve with a side of olives, pickled vegetables, or fresh fruit to complement the flavours.
Beverage Pairing: Enjoy with a cup of mint tea.

Storage Tips

Zaatar Bread: Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Reheat briefly in the oven before serving.

Labneh Dip: Keep the labneh dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. Stir well before serving.

Vegetables and Eggs: Store the chopped vegetables and hard-boiled eggs separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days. Assemble fresh before serving to maintain the best texture and flavour.