Markouk: What is it and How to Eat it

Markook, Saj Bread, Shrak, Mashrooh

Markouk is a Lebanese flatbread so thin you could read a newspaper through it! It can be torn and eaten as a snack or used as a sandwich wrap. Here’s everything you need to know about Markouk and how to eat it. 

“This is REAL pita,” she said holding up a bag of Markouk.

My friend, Olivia, and I were exploring a Middle Eastern store in Pennsylvania called Elias Market. Liv was showing me all these funky, cool ingredients like caviar spread, pickled labneh, and Syrian string cheese. I would have bought them all…but my arms were already full of goodies like couscous, rose water, and cardamom tea.

Olivia’s dad is Lebanese, so she grew up eating all kinds of REAL authentic Middle Eastern food. Markouk seemed the most approachable. I mean, come on, it’s bread. Nothing scary about that. Once you get past its insanely large size, markouk is actually a really fun ingredient to have in your kitchen, especially if you love making wraps or burritos. My mom even used it as a pizza crust!

I like to think of it as a thinner, larger alternative to flour tortillas. So have fun exploring the possibilities of Markouk!

T 🧡

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What is Markouk?

Markouk is a paper-thin Middle Eastern flatbread made with a combination of different flours, salt, and water. It’s a light and delicate bread roughly the size of a pillowcase and can reach up to 2 feet in diameter! Markouk is often compared to pita but it’s actually more similar to a tortilla because it’s best eaten as a wrap. With origins in Syria and Lebanon, it’s delicious fresh from the bakery.

Ingredients:

My package of Markouk is made of whole wheat flour, corn flour, water, vegetable oil, yeast, salt, sugar, and calcium propionate (for freshness). Ingredients may vary from brand to brand.

Calories:

My package of Markouk is 260 calories per 1 serving, but these numbers can differ based on size, ingredients, and brand.

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What Does Markouk Taste Like?

Markouk has a fine, chewy texture. Some versions may be slightly nutty, especially if whole-wheat or toasted flours are used. The flavors will vary between store-bought and bakery-made (it always does). Regardless, it’s best eaten fresh and pairs well with roasted meats, soups, and vegetables.

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Where Can I Buy Markouk?

You can find markouk at Middle Eastern stores near flatbreads or at a Lebanese bakery. You can also ask local Middle Eastern restaurants if they serve it.

Online:

You can buy Markouk online at Amazon or Pita Land.

Cost: 

Markouk pricing may vary from vendor to vendor, I bought a 4-pack for $5.

Storage:

If eaten within a week, Markouk will keep at room temperature. For longer storage, store it in its original packaging in the fridge or freezer.

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How Markouk is Made 

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How to Eat Markouk

Serve markouk with soups and stews, or fill and wrap them like a burrito. Stuff it with your favorite meats and veggies, fold the sides and roll it up. You can really pack markouk with lots of ingredients, so don’t be shy!

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Markouk Substitutes 

You can substitute markouk with large tortillas, roti, or other large flatbreads. You could attempt to make it yourself, but it requires specific baking equipment and meticulous technique (proceed at your own risk).

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Recipes with Markouk 

Markouk Veggie Hummus Wrap

Markouk Pizza

Msakhan Chicken-Sumac Rolls (via CookPad)

Beef & Pistachio Kebab Wraps (via Food Network)

 

What do you know about Markouk? Let me know in the comments below!