Cheese Manakeesh
This cheese manakeesh recipe is a popular Palestinian flatbread topped with akkawi cheese and has a gooey savory flavor. It is perfect for breakfast or a snack and can be enjoyed with a cup of tea and/or some sliced cucumbers and tomatoes.
- Prep time
- 20 min
- Cook time
- 15 min
- Yield
- 16 servings
- Difficulty
- MEDIUM
Ingredients
Quantities are shown as originally provided.
- 2 ½ cups flour and 2-3 tablespoons extra if needed
- 1 cup warm water
- ½ teaspoon sea salt (use up to 1 teaspoon only if triple this recipe)
- 1 teaspoon sugar (use one 1 teaspoon only with double or triple this recipe)
- 1 tablespoon yeast (use one 1 tablespoon only with double or triple this recipe)
- ¼ cup olive oil and 1 tablespoon for greasing the baking sheet
- 12 ounces (about 1 and 1/2 cups) akkawi cheese shredded
- 1-2 tablespoons of nigella seeds (optional)
Instructions
- 1
In a small bowl, combine ½ cup of warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let it sit for about 2-3 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- 2
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 and 1/2 cups of flour and salt. Then pour in the yeast mixture with the remainder of the water. With a utility whisk or a stand mixer, combine the mix well, then cover with plastic wrap and a kitchen towel, and let it sit for 10 minutes.
- 3
Add the rest of the flour and oil to the mixture and then knead on a floured surface or in the mixing bowl for about 5-7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- 4
With your hands rub the bowl and the dough with a few drops of oil, then cover it with a kitchen towel, and let the dough rest to rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes.
- 5
Preheat your oven to 420°F.
- 6
Divide the dough into smaller balls (about golf ball size).
- 7
With your hands or a dough roller flatten each ball into a flat disc (about 1/4 inch thick) and place on a greased baking pan.
- 8
Spread akkawi shredded cheese over each piece and sprinkle some nigella seeds on top.
- 9
Continue the process until all flattened dough pieces are filled.
- 10
Bake in a preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes or until the bottom and edges are golden brown and the cheese is melted.