Palestinian: Manaqeesh (Pizza)

Recipe by Fairouz AbuGhazaleh <fairouzabughazaleh@gmail.com>

(makes approx 4 pizzas)

Manaqeesh (aka manakeesh, manakish, manaeesh, or manaqish) are one of the most popular breakfast foods in the Middle East — but they’re excellent any time of day. Most often topped with a za’atar and olive oil mixture but these simple flatbreads can be found coated with cheese, labneh, pepper paste, eggs and even sweet spreads. Za’atar is a middle eastern spice blend that’s primarily made with sumac, thyme and sesame seeds.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons instant yeast
• 1¼ cup warm water
• 4½ cups all-purpose flour (divided), plus more for shaping
• 3 tablespoons dried milk powder
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• ½ cup sunflower oil, plus more for oiling
• 2½ cups za’atar
• 1 cup grated Akkawi cheese (or sub a blend of Haloumi & mozzarella cheeses)
• 1⅔ cup olive oil

Procedure:

1. Preheat the oven to 450° F
2. In a large bowl, activate the yeast in warm water; allow to sit for 10 minutes to proof
3. Add milk powder, yogurt, sugar, salt, oil; use a wooden spoon to combine
4. Add 1 cup of flour, continue to mix until combined (tip: use an electric mixer if available)
5. Wait a few minutes, then add the remaining flour and mix until the dough becomes stiff and you’re no longer able to mix
6. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and cut into 25-35 small balls
7. Place balls on lightly oiled baking tray, cover with towel and leave to rise for about 10 minutes
8. Make the zaatar spread: mix the zaatar with olive oil in small bowl until it forms a consistent and spreadable mixture
9. Optional: shred the cheese(s); set aside
10. Flatten the balls to make circle shapes (about ¼ inch thick)
11. Place 1-2 tablespoons of zaatar spread on each disc and use the back of the spoon to spread evenly (or top each disc with cheese)
12. Place discs on a baking sheet with parchment paper and leave to rest for a final 5-10 minutes
13. Bake until the dough becomes light golden in color and puffs slightly (about 10 minutes)  
14. Enjoy warm with cheese and vegetables (if desired)