Mtabaq with za'atar (oregano)

Mtabaq with Za'atar: A Flavorful Pie with Fresh Oregano

Welcome to the culinary universe, where we will explore together a delicious and traditional recipe: mtabaq with za'atar. These pies are a perfect choice for a savory dinner or a light lunch. Preparing them is a true art, but with a little patience and some useful tips, you will achieve an outstanding result.

What is Mtabaq?

Mtabaq is a term that does not have an exact translation, but it refers to a pie with a dough similar to bread, which can be filled with various ingredients. This recipe focuses on the savory filling, with a fresh taste of oregano. Mtabaq is a versatile dish that can be adapted with various sweet or savory fillings, and for today, we will use fresh oregano and other aromatic ingredients.

Preparation Time

- Preparation time: 30 minutes
- Rising time: 10 minutes
- Baking time: 20 minutes
- Total time: 1 hour
- Number of servings: 6

Ingredients

*For the dough:*
- 5 cups of flour
- 2 tablespoons of dry yeast
- 70 ml of olive oil
- 2 tablespoons of sugar
- 2 cups of warm water
- 1 teaspoon of salt

*For the filling:*
- 200 g of fresh oregano, finely chopped
- 150 ml of olive oil
- 3 green onions, sliced
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- Salt, to taste
- 4 tablespoons of sumac (a tangy spice available in supermarkets)
- 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
- Olive oil, for greasing the trays and thinning the sheets

Ingredient Details

- Flour: Choose a good quality flour to achieve a fluffy and elastic dough. Type 000 flour is ideal for a fine texture.
- Yeast: Make sure to use fresh or well-stored yeast for optimal rising.
- Oregano: If you can't find fresh oregano, you can also use dried oregano. It is important to hydrate it in warm water to restore its aroma and texture.
- Sumac: This adds a pleasant acidity to the dish and is an excellent choice for enhancing flavors.

Preparing the Dough

1. In a large bowl, combine the 2 cups of warm water with the 2 tablespoons of sugar and the dry yeast. Let it rise for 10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy.
2. Gradually add the 5 cups of flour and 1 teaspoon of salt, mixing with a spatula or your hands until a dough begins to form.
3. Start kneading the dough, gradually adding the olive oil. Continue kneading until the dough becomes elastic and easily separates from your hands. This step is crucial for achieving a good texture.
4. Cover the dough with a damp towel and let it rest for 10 minutes.

Preparing the Filling

1. In a bowl, mix the oregano, green onions, onion, salt, sumac, and lemon juice. Ensure all ingredients are well integrated.
2. Taste the filling and adjust the salt level according to your preferences.

Forming the Mtabaq

1. After the dough has rested, divide it into small portions the size of a golf ball.
2. Take each piece of dough and, using your fingers, stretch it with olive oil until it becomes a thin, almost transparent sheet.
3. Place a portion of the oregano filling on one side of the sheet and fold the dough like a pastry. Gently press the edges to seal.
4. Shape each mtabaq into a rectangle and place them on trays greased with olive oil.

Baking the Mtabaq

1. Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius. It is essential for the oven to be hot to achieve a crispy crust.
2. Bake the mtabaqs for 15-20 minutes until they are golden and crispy. Check them occasionally to avoid burning.
3. After removing them from the oven, brush them with a little olive oil for an attractive shine.

Serving and Suggestions

These mtabaq with za'atar can be served hot or cold, making them ideal for a dinner alongside a creamy red lentil soup or as an appetizer at a festive meal. They can be accompanied by a fresh salad or yogurt for an extra burst of flavor.

Sweet Variation

If you are looking for a sweeter option, try filling the mtabaq with nuts, cinnamon, and sugar. These will turn out just as delicious and will add a note of diversity to your menu.

Nutritional Benefits

These pies are a good source of complex carbohydrates from the flour, while oregano has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Olive oil provides healthy fats, and the onion adds a boost of vitamins. A serving of mtabaq with za'atar contains approximately 300-400 calories, depending on the size and ingredients used.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use other types of herbs?
Yes, you can substitute oregano with other aromatic herbs such as basil or parsley.

2. How can I store the mtabaqs?
These pies can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, and to reheat them, use a toaster or the oven.

3. What other recipes can I try with this dough?
This dough can be used to make stuffed pies with cheese, spinach, or even sweet fillings like apples with cinnamon.

I hope this mtabaq with za'atar recipe has inspired you to explore the rich flavors of cuisine and enjoy a delicious and comforting dish. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: Dough:-5 cups of flour-2 tablespoons of dry yeast-olive oil, approx. 70 ml.-2 tablespoons of sugar-2 cups of water-a teaspoon of salt Filling:-200 g of finely chopped green oregano-150 ml of olive oil-3 green onions sliced into rings-1 onion finely chopped-salt to taste-4 tablespoons of sumac (which can be found under this name in larger supermarkets, it is maroon in color and has a tangy taste)-2 tablespoons of lemon juice-olive oil for greasing the trays and for thinning the sheets.