Cheese Manakish

🛒 Ingredients

• All-purpose wheat flour 300 g · 1092 kcal
• Warm water 200 g · 0 kcal
• Active dry yeast 7 g · 26 kcal
• Granulated sugar 5 g · 20 kcal
• Olive oil 20 g · 180 kcal
• Akkawi cheese (or similar) 300 g · 900 kcal

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast; let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
2. In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, the activated yeast mixture, and olive oil; mix until a shaggy dough forms, then transfer to a lightly floured surface.
3. Knead the dough for 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic, then place it in an oiled bowl.
4. Cover the bowl and let the dough rise in a warm place for 60-90 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.
5. While the dough is rising, grate the Akkawi cheese (or chosen cheese blend) and set aside.
6. Punch down the risen dough, divide it into 4 equal portions, and form each into a smooth ball.
7. On a lightly floured surface, flatten each dough ball into a thin, round disc, about 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) in diameter.
8. Sprinkle a generous amount of grated cheese evenly over each dough disc, leaving a small border around the edges.
9. Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F) with a baking stone or inverted baking sheet inside, if possible.
10. Carefully transfer the Manakish to the preheated oven and bake for 8-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
11. Remove from oven and serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh mint or parsley.