Mana-eesh Be Za'tar (Thyme Loaves)

Ingredients

• •Dough:
• •1/2 teaspoon sugar
• •1 1/3 cups lukewarm water
• •2 teaspoons yeast granules
• •1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• •3 cups all purpose flour
• •1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• •Topping:
• •1 cup za'tar (thyme) mixture
• •3/4 cup vegetable or olive oil

Directions

1. 1Dissolve sugar in the water, add yeast, and let it stand for ten minutes. Add salt to the flour and mix. Pour the yeast mixture over the flour and mix thoroughly. If the dough feels too sticky, add more flour.
2. 2Sprinkle a handful of flour on the countertop and knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic (about 5 minutes). Form it into a longish shape and pat it with vegetable oil.
3. 3Divide the dough into 3 or 4 portions and roll each into a smooth ball. Place the balls on a tea towel, cover with another tea towel, and let them rest for 10 minutes. Roll each ball flat to about 1 1/2 inches thick.
4. 4Place the dough rounds on a greased baking sheet or a baking sheet sprinkled with cornmeal. Cover with a tea towel and let them rise in a warm, draft-free place for at least 1 hour. Use your fingers to create indentations all over the surface of the dough to make wells for the oil.
5. 5Mix Za'atar with oil and spread it over the loaves. Bake in a hot 450°F oven for about 15 minutes, or until the bottoms are golden brown. Broil the tops briefly for added color.
6. 6Serve piping hot, accompanied by wedges of tomato. Enjoy with a nice cup of tea for an extra touch of pleasure!