Manaakish (مناقيش)

 

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Manaakish 

Recipe

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ½ cup warm water
• ½ cup warm milk
• 1 tablespoon active dry yeast (or ¾ tablespoon instant dry yeast)
• 1 teaspoon sugar

For the Toppings:

• Zaatar Topping:

  • Zaatar spice blend
  • Olive oil (enough to create a smooth, spreadable paste)

• Cheese Topping:

  • Akawi cheese (soak in water for a few hours to reduce saltiness, then drain)
  • Alternative blends:
    • Cream cheese + mozzarella
    • Nabulsi cheese + mozzarella
    • Feta cheese + mozzarella
  • Nigella seeds (optional, for added flavor)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough:

1. In a small bowl, proof the yeast:
   • Mix warm water, warm milk, and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the top. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt.
3. Add the proofed yeast mixture and olive oil to the flour mixture.
4. Knead the dough until smooth and elastic (about 8–10 minutes by hand or 5 minutes with a stand mixer).
5. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place for 1–2 hours or until doubled in size.

2. Prepare the Toppings:

• Zaatar: Mix zaatar and olive oil to form a smooth paste.
• Cheese: Prepare your choice of cheese and ensure it is ready for topping.

3. Shape the Dough:

1. After the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 6–8 equal balls.
2. Roll each ball into a flat circle, about ¼ inch thick.
3. For cheese toppings: lightly brush the dough circles with olive oil.

4. Assemble the Manaakish:

1. Spread the zaatar mixture or cheese topping evenly over the rolled dough.
2. Sprinkle nigella seeds over the cheese, if using.

5. Bake:

1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F).
2. Place the topped dough circles on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. Bake for:
   • Zaatar manakish: 5–8 minutes, or until the edges are golden and crisp.
   • Cheese manakish: 8–12 minutes, or until the cheese melts and the edges are golden.

6. Serve:

• Serve warm with tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and extra cheese.

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Tips for Success:

1. Refrigerating Dough: Prepare the dough a day in advance and refrigerate. Bring to room temperature before shaping and baking.
2. Reheating: For leftovers, reheat at 160°C (320°F) for 5 minutes.
3. Customization: Experiment with other toppings like spinach, minced meat, or a mix of zaatar and cheese.