Cheese & Za'atar Flatbread

Submitted by gailanng

"Middle Eastern-inspired flatbreads from Arabic Chef Suzanne Husseini. from her cookbook "Suzanne Husseini's Modern Flavors of Arabia"."

 

• Ready In: 3hrs 12mins
• Ingredients: 9
• Serves: 8

ingredients

• 828.06 ml flour
• 14.79 ml salt
• 14.79 ml sugar
• 4.92 ml instant dry yeast
• 29.58 ml olive oil
• 295.73 ml lukewarm water
• 236.59 ml za'atar spice mix (spice mixture with dried thyme)
• 118.29 ml extra-virgin olive oil
• 453.59 g akkawi cheese (can use a combination of both or can sub any white cheese you like) or 453.59 g mozzarella cheese (can use a combination of both or can sub any white cheese you like)

directions

1. In a large bowl mix the flour, salt, sugar and yeast. Pour in the 2 tablespoons oil and the water gradually. Mix to form a dough. Turn out onto a floured surface and knead for 5 minutes until the dough becomes elastic and smooth.
2. Place in a greased bowl and cover with a damp cloth. Leave to rise in a draft-free place for 1-1/2 hours until it doubles in size.
3. Cut the dough into 8 equal parts and shape into balls. Dust with a little flour and cover with a towel. Leave to rest for an additional 30 minutes.
4. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
5. Combine the za'atar and the 1/2 cup olive oil to make the topping. Shred the cheese and set aside.
6. On a floured surface, flatten each ball and with a rolling pin roll into a circle of approximately 6-8". Place on greased baking sheets and spread the za'atar/oil mixture on some of the circles leaving a 1/2" border. Do the same for the cheese flatbreads. Use your fingers to spread the fillings evenly. Pinch and crimp the edges to create a decorative border.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes until lightly golden, and serve hot.