Description
Elevate your culinary journey with this irresistible Cheese Manakeesh, a Middle Eastern delicacy that blends rich flavors and traditional baking techniques. Crisp edges, melted cheese, and aromatic herbs promise a delightful experience you’ll savor with every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients (Cheese):
- 500 grams (17.6 ounces) Akkawi cheese, grated
- Optional: mixture of mozzarella and feta cheese
Dough Ingredients:
- 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup warm water
- 4 tablespoons mild olive oil
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon sugar
Additional Ingredients:
- 1.5 tablespoons nigella seeds
- Mild olive oil or vegetable oil (for brushing)
Instructions
- Create a soft, pliable dough by dissolving sugar in warm water, then activate the yeast by allowing it to foam for 10-15 minutes.
- Blend flour and salt in a mixing bowl, incorporating the yeast mixture and olive oil until a cohesive dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes, developing its elasticity and smoothness.
- Transfer the dough to an oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm environment for approximately 1 hour until it doubles in volume.
- Prepare the cheese filling by soaking Akkawi cheese in water to reduce saltiness, then drain and squeeze out excess moisture.
- Combine grated Akkawi with mozzarella and feta cheeses in a bowl, ensuring an even mixture.
- Heat the oven to 475F (245C), positioning a baking stone or inverted baking sheet inside to create an intense cooking surface.
- Deflate the risen dough and divide it into 8 equal portions, shaping each into a ball.
- Roll each dough ball into a thin, 6-inch circular shape on a lightly floured surface.
- Brush the dough circles with oil to enhance browning and flavor.
- Distribute the cheese mixture evenly across each circle, maintaining a small border around the edges.
- Optionally sprinkle nigella seeds over the cheese for added texture and aroma.
- Carefully transfer the prepared manakeesh onto the preheated baking surface.
- Bake for 7-10 minutes until the crust turns golden and the cheese melts into a bubbly, appetizing topping.
- Allow the manakeesh to cool briefly after removing from the oven.
- Slice and serve warm, perfectly paired with tea or your preferred beverage.
Notes
- Cheese Selection Matters: Choose a blend of soft and hard cheeses like Akkawi, mozzarella, and feta for a complex, rich flavor profile that melts beautifully.
- Dough Hydration Tip: Ensure the water temperature is warm but not hot to activate yeast perfectly without killing it, creating a soft, airy texture.
- Salt Reduction Hack: Soak Akkawi cheese in water to remove excess saltiness, transforming the intense flavor into a more balanced, creamy experience.
- Gluten-Free Adaptation: Substitute wheat flour with a gluten-free blend or almond flour for those with dietary restrictions, maintaining the authentic Middle Eastern taste.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 460 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 730 mg
- Fat: 23 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 44 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg