The Method
Instructions
First things first, let's get that dough going. In a large bowl, combine your plain flour, yeast, a pinch of salt, some warm water, and a good drizzle of olive oil. Mix everything together until it forms a soft, slightly sticky dough. This is where the magic begins, so don't be shy about using your hands to bring it all together. Once your dough looks smooth and elastic, cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and set it aside in a warm spot. Let it rest and rise for about an hour, or until it has doubled in size and feels all fluffy and light , this is what gives your manakish that lovely texture.
After your dough has had its beauty sleep, it's time to punch it down gently to release any air bubbles. Then, divide it into equal portions depending on how big or small you want your manakish rounds. Roll each piece out on a lightly floured surface until you have nice, even rounds, about the thickness of a pancake. Don't worry if they're not perfect circles; the charm is in the homemade look!
Now, for the fun part , the toppings. You can either spread on a mixture of zaatar and olive oil, making sure each round gets a good, even coat that's fragrant and a bit oily, or go savory with akkawi cheese. If you're using the cheese, crumble or slice it thinly and scatter it generously over the dough rounds. This is where the flavors really start to shine.
Preheat your oven to a hot 450°F so it's ready to give your manakish that perfect bake. Place your topped rounds on a baking sheet and slide them into the oven. Let them bake for about 8 to 10 minutes , keeping an eye on them as they cook. You're looking for that beautiful golden color on the edges and a slight bubbling from the cheese or zaatar topping. The aroma will be incredible at this point, so get ready to enjoy your kitchen smelling amazing!
Once they're out of the oven, serve your manakish warm, straight away if you can. They make a fantastic breakfast or a delightful snack anytime you need a little something comforting and flavorful. Trust me, whether it's a lazy morning or a quick bite during the day, these babies hit the spot every time!
After your dough has had its beauty sleep, it's time to punch it down gently to release any air bubbles. Then, divide it into equal portions depending on how big or small you want your manakish rounds. Roll each piece out on a lightly floured surface until you have nice, even rounds, about the thickness of a pancake. Don't worry if they're not perfect circles; the charm is in the homemade look!
Now, for the fun part , the toppings. You can either spread on a mixture of zaatar and olive oil, making sure each round gets a good, even coat that's fragrant and a bit oily, or go savory with akkawi cheese. If you're using the cheese, crumble or slice it thinly and scatter it generously over the dough rounds. This is where the flavors really start to shine.
Preheat your oven to a hot 450°F so it's ready to give your manakish that perfect bake. Place your topped rounds on a baking sheet and slide them into the oven. Let them bake for about 8 to 10 minutes , keeping an eye on them as they cook. You're looking for that beautiful golden color on the edges and a slight bubbling from the cheese or zaatar topping. The aroma will be incredible at this point, so get ready to enjoy your kitchen smelling amazing!
Once they're out of the oven, serve your manakish warm, straight away if you can. They make a fantastic breakfast or a delightful snack anytime you need a little something comforting and flavorful. Trust me, whether it's a lazy morning or a quick bite during the day, these babies hit the spot every time!
Pairs Well With
