Whether you're looking to make a delicious Middle Eastern flatbread recipe for a family gathering or just for a tasty meal at home, you've come to the right place. In this article, we'll be exploring some of the top Middle Eastern flatbread recipes that are sure to satisfy your cravings. Let's start with a guide to Eastern Mediterranean flatbreads, which are known for their unique flavors and textures. These flatbreads are typically made with a combination of flour, water, yeast, and salt, and are often baked in a hot oven or on a griddle. They can be enjoyed on their own or used as a base for a variety of different toppings and fillings. One popular type of Middle Eastern flatbread is the pita, which is often filled with meat, vegetables, and other flavorful ingredients. To make pita bread from scratch, you'll need the following ingredients: Ingredients: - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 tsp. salt - 2 tsp. instant yeast - 1 1/4 cups warm water - 1 tbsp. olive oil Tools: - Mixing bowl - Measuring cups and spoons - Rolling pin - Baking sheet - Oven How to make: 1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and yeast. 2. Slowly add in the warm water and olive oil, stirring until the dough comes together. 3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. 4. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover with a damp towel. Allow it to rise for 1-2 hours, until it has doubled in size. 5. Preheat the oven to 450°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. 6. Cut the dough into eight equal pieces and roll each one out into a circle shape. Place the circles on the baking sheet. 7. Bake the pitas for 5-7 minutes, until they start to puff up and turn golden brown. 8. Remove them from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes before serving. Tips: - You can brush the pitas with melted butter or garlic oil before baking for added flavor. - If you don't have instant yeast, you can use active dry yeast instead. Just make sure to activate it in warm water before adding it to the flour mixture. - To make mini pitas, just divide the dough into smaller pieces and roll them out to a smaller size. Another popular type of Middle Eastern flatbread is the manakish, which is a Lebanese flatbread that is often topped with a blend of spices and herbs. Here's how to make manakish at home: Ingredients: - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 tsp. salt - 1 tsp. sugar - 1 tbsp. instant yeast - 3/4 cup warm water - 1/4 cup olive oil - 2 tbsp. za'atar spice blend - 1 tbsp. sesame seeds Tools: - Mixing bowl - Measuring cups and spoons - Rolling pin - Baking sheet - Oven How to make: 1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, sugar, and yeast. 2. Slowly add in the warm water and olive oil, stirring until the dough comes together. 3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. 4. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover with a damp towel. Allow it to rise for 1-2 hours, until it has doubled in size. 5. Preheat the oven to 450°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. 6. Divide the dough into six equal pieces and roll each one out into a circle shape. Place the circles on the baking sheet. 7. Spread a tablespoon of za'atar spice blend over each circle of dough, leaving a small border around the edges. 8. Sprinkle sesame seeds over the top of the za'atar. 9. Bake the manakish for 10-12 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and crispy. 10. Remove them from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes before serving. Tips: - You can add toppings like cheese or ground meat to the manakish if you'd like. - If you can't find za'atar spice blend, you can make your own by combining equal parts thyme, sesame seeds, sumac, and oregano. No matter which Middle Eastern flatbread recipe you choose to make, you're sure to impress your friends and family with your culinary skills. Just make sure to follow the recipe carefully and keep an eye on the dough as it rises and bakes. Happy cooking!

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