- What is Sumac?
- It's a ground berry with a tart, lemony flavor. If you can't find it, a squeeze of lemon juice works as a substitute.
- Can I use a pizza stone?
- Yes! A hot stone gives the bottom the best crispy texture.
Spicy Pepper Manakish (Middle Eastern Flatbread)
Manakish is the star of Levantine breakfasts, often dubbed 'Arab pizza,' though its dough and toppings give it a unique character. The name comes from the verb 'to carve,' referring to the way fingertips press indentations into the dough to hold the spicy oil. This version features a rustic spelt base topped with a zesty 'Muhammara-style' pepper mix and tangy Sumac.
Ingredients
2 1/2
cups
Spelt Flour (or All-Purpose Flour)
3/4
cup
Warm Water (plus 1-2 tbsp if needed)
1
packet
Active Dry Yeast (0.25 oz)
4
tbsp
Olive Oil (divided)
1
tsp
Salt
2
cloves
Garlic
1
whole
Fresh Chili Pepper (e.g., Jalapeño)
1
tsp
Sumac
2
tbsp
Fresh Parsley
1
tbsp
Sesame Seeds
Shopping List (0)
Equipment Needed
- Parchment paper
- Baking sheet or Pizza Stone
- Mixing bowl
Allergen Information
Wheat
Sesame
Instructions
1
✓
Combine flour, yeast, and salt. Stir in 2 tbsp olive oil and the warm water. Knead into a soft, elastic dough (about 8-10 minutes).
Tip: Spelt flour has a more delicate gluten structure, so be gentle—don't overwork it.
2
✓
Place in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour until doubled in size.
Tip: Slow rising develops better flavor.
3
✓
Make the topping: Mix the remaining 2 tbsp olive oil with crushed garlic, finely chopped chili, sumac, and sesame seeds.
Tip: The oil helps carry the flavors into the dough while baking.
4
✓
Divide dough into 4 parts and roll into oval flatbreads. Press dimples into the surface with your fingertips.
Tip: These dimples prevent the dough from puffing up too much and hold the topping.
5
✓
Brush the breads with the spicy oil mixture. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 10-12 minutes until the edges are crispy.
Tip: High heat is key for a soft interior and crispy crust.
6
✓
Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
Recipe FAQ
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups Spelt Flour (or All-Purpose Flour)
- 3/4 cup Warm Water (plus 1-2 tbsp if needed)
- 1 packet Active Dry Yeast (0.25 oz)
- 4 tbsp Olive Oil (divided)
- 1 tsp Salt
- 2 cloves Garlic
- 1 whole Fresh Chili Pepper (e.g., Jalapeño)
- 1 tsp Sumac
- 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley
- 1 tbsp Sesame Seeds