These &Pizza& Flatbreads Will Change Breakfast Forever!
Recipe Overview
Overview
If you’ve never had freshly baked Manaeesh for breakfast, you’re missing out on a delightful experience. This recipe brings the magic of Middle Eastern flatbreads right into your kitchen, combining the best elements of pizza and bread. The dough is soft and versatile, making it perfect for a weekend breakfast or brunch. The process begins with blooming yeast in warm water, which is essential for achieving that fluffy texture.
As you prepare the dough, you’ll find that it absorbs the flavors of whatever toppings you choose. The classic cheese topping, made with a stretchy cheese similar to halloumi, is a must-try. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also experiment with spiced meat mixtures that add a savory depth to the flatbreads. The beauty of Manaeesh lies in its versatility; you can customize it to suit your taste.
Once the dough has risen, rolling it out and adding your toppings is a fun and rewarding process. Whether you choose to bake them in an oven or cook them in a pan, the result is a deliciously satisfying flatbread that is sure to impress. Plus, these flatbreads freeze and reheat beautifully, making them a great option for meal prep or quick breakfasts during the week. Enjoy the delightful flavors and textures of Manaeesh, and share them with family and friends for a truly enjoyable meal.
Recipe Details
Steps & Tips
Measure 250 g of warm water into a jug or bowl, add 8 g of dried active yeast and 20 g of sugar, mix, cover, and set aside for 15 minutes.
Tip: Make sure your yeast is alive; if no foam has developed, your yeast is probably expired.
In a stand mixer, add 500 g of all-purpose flour and 6 g of salt, mix, then add the yeasty water and mix for 3 minutes.
Tip: Add fat to the dough to prevent overdeveloping gluten.
Slowly stream in 30 g of vegetable oil while mixing, then knead for 3 to 4 minutes until the dough is smooth.
Tip: Let the dough rest to relax the gluten before using.
Form the dough into a ball, add a little oil to the bowl, cover, and let it rest for 30 minutes.
Tip: Prep toppings while the dough is resting.
Tip: Use a pizza stone or steel for better cooking results.
Preheat the oven to 275° C with a pizza stone or steel inside for at least half an hour.
Tip: Preheat your oven for at least half an hour for optimal cooking.
Tip: Use fresh low moisture mozzarella for the best texture.
Tip: Create a custom cheese blend by adding herbs and spices.
Chop 125 g of onion and 175 g of tomatoes, pulse in a food processor, and strain excess liquid.
Tip: Drain excess liquid from the vegetable mixture to prevent sogginess.
In a bowl, combine 250 g of minced lamb or beef, the strained vegetables, 30 g of tomato paste, and spices.
Tip: Let the meat mixture rest for 10 minutes to firm up before using.
Combine equal weights of zaatar and extra virgin olive oil into a thick paste.
Tip: Dock the dough thoroughly to prevent air bubbles while baking.
Punch down the risen dough, portion it into 8 pieces weighing about 100 g each, and form into balls.
Lightly flour the work surface, roll each dough ball into an 8 in or 20 cm circle.
Poke the rolled dough with fingers to create dents to prevent air bubbles.
Tip: Use a spiky dough docker to make docking easier.
Add toppings to the center of the dough and spread into a thin layer, leaving a small edge.
Tip: Don't add too much cheese to prevent it from falling off when transferring.
Transfer the topped dough to the preheated oven and cook for 2.5 to 3 minutes.
Cook rolled dough in a preheated cast iron pan for 60 seconds, flip, add toppings, cover, and steam for 3 minutes.
Tip: Using baking paper can prevent the bottom from browning well.
Tip: Cooking in a pizza oven gives a slight char that enhances flavor.
Cook plain dough for 2 minutes, then spread with labneh or cream cheese and top with vegetables.
Tip: These flatbreads freeze and reheat well, making them great for meal prep.
Ingredients
Ingredient: Dairy
→ Substitution: Almond Milk
Ingredient: Gluten
→ Substitution: Gluten-Free Flour
Ingredient: Meat
→ Substitution: Plant-Based Ground Meat
Nutrition
Skill Level
Frequently asked questions
Below you will find answers to the most common questions about this recipe.
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Interesting Tidbits
- •Manaeesh is a traditional Middle Eastern flatbread that can be topped with a variety of ingredients.
- •The dough for Manaeesh is quick to make and can absorb the flavors of its toppings.
- •Using a pizza stone or steel can enhance the cooking process, giving the dough a better texture.
- •The classic topping for Manaeesh includes a blend of spiced meat and vegetables.
