Akkawi Manakeesh - Arabic Cheese Bread with Nigella
Author: 
Recipe type: Breads
Cuisine: Arabic
Prep time: 
Cook time: 
Total time: 
Serves: 4 pizzas
 
Ingredients
For the dough:
  • 3½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp dry yeast
  • 1¼ cups lukewarm water
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 Tbsp sugar
  • 1 Tbsp vegetable oil
For the topping:
  • 500g akkawi cheese, soaked and drained
  • 2 Tbsp nigella seeds
Instructions
  1. Stir the yeast in the water and set aside for 5 minutes, or until it starts to bubble up.
  2. Mix flour, salt, and sugar in a large bowl.
  3. Gradually pour the yeast water and oil into the dry ingredients. Stir well to bind, then knead for 5 to 10 minutes. The dough should be smooth and elastic, and feel a bit like an earlobe.
  4. Place the dough into a large bowl greased with olive oil. Place a damp tea towel over the dough and let rise in a warm place for 1½ to 2 hours, or until doubled in size.
  5. Meanwhile, grate the cheese into a large bowl. Cover with cold water to soak and help draw out some of the salt.
  6. Punch down the dough. Divide the dough into four equal-sized pieces.
  7. Place the dough back into the bowl and let rest for an extra 30 minutes.
  8. Preheat oven to 450F.
  9. On a floured surface, roll each ball of dough into a disc about 10-inches or 25-cm in diameter.
  10. Sprinkle about 1 cup of akkawi cheese over the dough. Sprinkle about ½ Tbsp of nigella seeds evenly over the cheese.
  11. Transfer the dough to a cookie sheet or pizza stone and bake 20 minutes, or until the crust is baked and cheese is melted.
Recipe by Kiku Corner at https://www.kikucorner.com/2014/12/08/akkawi-manakeesh-arabic-cheese-bread-with-nigella/