CHEESE MANAKEESH

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Cheese Manakeesh image

Cheese manakeesh, or mana'eesh, is a Middle Eastern flatbread topped with shredded Akawi cheese, which is similar to whole-milk mozzarella. This is a Lebanese-style manakeesh that I learned how to make from my mother. It's easy to prepare from scratch, but you can also use a 1-pound ball of store-bought pizza dough (or your favorite pizza dough recipe).

Provided by Yumna Jawad

Time 1h40m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 8

2 1/2 teaspoons instant yeast
1 cup warm water
2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for coating
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon granulated sugar
3 cups all-purpose flour (see Cook's Note), plus more for shaping
8 ounces Akawi cheese, shredded (see Cook's Note)
Whole or chopped fresh mint leaves, for serving; optional

Steps:

  • For the dough: Place the yeast in a large bowl. Add the warm water and stir until the yeast dissolves. Set aside until the mixture foams and the yeast activates, about 10 minutes.
  • Add the olive oil, salt and sugar and mix with a wooden spoon until combined. Wait a few minutes, then add the flour and mix until the dough becomes shaggy and you're no longer able to mix.
  • Transfer the dough to a floured surface, reserving the bowl, and knead by hand until it feels soft and stretchy, about 5 to 7 minutes. (Make sure you knead the dough enough. A properly kneaded dough will allow you to later shape it into smaller balls without it breaking.) Form a tight ball.
  • Coat the reserved bowl with oil, then place the dough back in the bowl. Cover with plastic wrap or a towel and set aside at room temperature to rise for 60 minutes.
  • When the dough is almost ready, preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • For the assembly: Divide the dough into 8 to 12 equal pieces, depending on how large you'd like the manakeesh, and place on the baking sheet. Use your fingers to spread each piece into a round flat disc about 1 1/2 inches thick. Top each disc with an equal amount of the cheese.
  • Bake until the dough is lightly golden and puffs slightly, about 10 to 12 minutes. Enjoy warm with fresh mint (if using).

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