Whipped Goat Cheese Sesame Flatbread With Zaatar Recipes

WHIPPED GOAT CHEESE SESAME FLATBREAD WITH ZA'ATAR

Steps:

• Combine goat cheese, cream cheese, lemon juice and lemon zest in a food processor and blend until smooth and creamy.
• Toast sesame seeds in a skillet over medium heat until just starting to turn brown. Remove from heat and set aside.
• Spread cream cheese mixture evenly on both pieces of flatbread. Heat under the broiler for 3 minutes or until edges are crispy and cheese is warm. Add half the basil leaves and heat for 30 - 60 seconds more, just so they wilt slightly. Remove from oven.
• Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and za'atar spice mix and top with remaining fresh basil leaves. Slice into triangles and serve warm.

MANAQEESH (ZA'ATAR FLATBREADS)

Steps:

• Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, mix both flours, the salt and sugar. Add the oil, yeast and 1 cup water, and knead in the bowl with your fingers. Gradually knead in another 1/4 cup water, then knead in more water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together into a somewhat sticky ball. Let rest 5 minutes, then knead until smooth, supple and elastic, 5 to 7 minutes. Alternatively, in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook, combine all the dough ingredients with 1 cup water and mix on low speed, gradually adding water until the dough comes together. Continue mixing until the dough is smooth and elastic, about 5 minutes.
• Rub the dough ball lightly with some oil, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and set aside until the dough doubles in size, 45 minutes to 1 hour. Timing will vary depending on water and room temperatures.
• Meanwhile, make the topping: Combine the za'atar and olive oil in a bowl and mix well.
• Divide the risen dough into 6 equal portions, roll into spheres and place on a greased baking sheet. Cover loosely with plastic wrap or a damp tea towel so the dough doesn't dry out. Let rise again until almost doubled in size, about 30 minutes. Meanwhile, heat oven to 500 degrees. Very lightly grease 2 baking sheets with olive oil.
• Place a dough round on a prepared sheet. With your fingers, flatten it into a thin circle 7 to 8 inches in diameter. Use a spoon to spread about one-sixth of the za'atar mixture on top, leaving a narrow border along the perimeter and pressing the za'atar into the dough firmly with the spoon to prevent the bread from rising as it bakes. If your baking sheet can fit another piece or two of dough, repeat the process on the same sheet.
• Bake until golden at the edges and the topping is lightly bubbling, 5 to 7 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool. While the first batch is in the oven, prepare more on the second sheet. Bake as soon as the first sheet comes out. Repeat with the remaining dough and toppings.
• Serve as soon as they're cool enough to handle or at room temperature. Once cooled, leftovers can be stored in the freezer, with parchment or wax paper between each piece, for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven when ready to enjoy.

GRILLED FLATBREADS WITH ZA'ATAR

Steps:

• Place 1 1/4 cups warm water in small bowl. Sprinkle yeast over. Let stand until yeast dissolves, about 10 minutes. Whisk 3 cups flour and salt in large bowl. Add yeast mixture and 2 tablespoons oil. Using wooden spoon, mix until sticky dough forms. Turn out onto floured surface. Knead until smooth and elastic, sprinkling with more flour if very sticky, about 6 minutes.
• Oil another large bowl. Add dough; turn to coat. Cover with plastic wrap. Let dough rise until doubled in volume, about 1 1/2 hours. Punch down dough; divide into 6 pieces. Shape each piece into ball. Roll out each on lightly floured surface to 7x4-inch oval.
• Prepare barbecue (medium-high heat). Grill each flatbread until cooked through and golden, about 4 minutes per side. Transfer hot flatbreads to board. Brush with olive oil; sprinkle with za'atar. Serve warm or at room temperature.