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 stand for ten minutes. Add salt to flour and mix. Pour the yeast mixture over the flour and mix thoroughly. If you find it too sticky add more flour.
2. 2Sprinkle a handful of flour on the counter top and knead dough until smooth and elastic (about 5 minutes). Form into a longish shape and pat with vegetable oil.
3. 3Divide dough into 3 or 4 portions. Roll into smooth balls. Place on a tea towel, cover with another tea towel and let rest for 10 minutes. Roll flat until 1 1/2 inch thick.
4. 4Place on a greased baking sheet--or on a baking sheet sprinkled with cornmeal. Cover with a tea towel and put in a warm draft-free place for at least 1 hour. Indent all over the surface with your fingers in order to make wells for the oil. (singular for Mana-eesh) is baking.
5. 5Mix Za'tar with oil and spread over the loaves. Bake in a hot 450 degree Fahrenheit oven for about 15 minutes or until the bottoms are golden brown. Broil the tops a bit.
6. 6Serve piping hot, and always accompany with wedges of tomato! A nice cup of tea will also add to your pleasure!