Manakeesh is Pizza dough is topped with Cheese and Zaatar and baked till delicious

I’ve made Lahmajoun before which is an Arabic pizza made with ground meat. These Manakeesh pizzas are usually made with Cheese or Zaatar – both are delicious and very easy to put together.

Typically Akawi Cheese is used. It is available in Toronto but a little expensive so I’m using a combination of Mozzarella and Feta as I like to make many of these for my kids and it’s a more affordable option.

The second kind is made with Zaatar and Olive Oil. These pizzas make great appetizers as well.

Manakeesh

4.20 from 307 votes

Ingredients
  

Dough

  • 1 tbsp of active Yeast
  • 1 tbsp Sugar
  • 1 cup warm Water
  • Salt to taste
  • 1/4 cup Olive Oil
  • 2.5 cups all purpose Flour

Toppings

  • 1 cup Mozzarella
  • 1/2 cup crumbled Feta
  • Sprinkle of Onion Kalonji or Nigella seeds
  • 1/2 cup Zaatar
  • 2 -3 tbsps Olive Oil

Instructions
 

  • Add the yeast, sugar and water together and allow it to froth for about 10-15 mins
  • Add the salt, olive oil and the flour and mix well and eventually start to knead
  • Add the kneaded dough to an oiled bowl and allow this to rise in a warm dark place till double in size – I usually like to leave it for 2 hours
  • After this remove, knead again and cut the dough in half
  • Roll out one portion into a circle and add the mozzarella and feta and sprinkle with onion seeds
  • For the other half roll it out as well and mix the zaatar and olive oil together and spread over the pizza
  • Bake in a preheated oven for about 10 – 15 mins and they are ready to serve!