Cheese Manakeesh

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups flour and 2-3 tablespoons extra if needed
• 1 cup warm water
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt (use up to 1 teaspoon only if triple this recipe)
• 1 teaspoon sugar (use one 1 teaspoon only with double or triple this recipe)
• 1 tablespoon yeast (use one 1 tablespoon only with double or triple this recipe)
• 1/4 cup olive oil and 1 tablespoon for greasing the baking sheet
• 12 ounces (about 1 and 1/2 cups) akkawi cheese shredded
• 1-2 tablespoons of nigella seeds (optional)

Instructions

1. 1

   In a small bowl, combine ½ cup of warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let it sit for about 2-3 minutes until it becomes frothy.

2. 2

   In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 and 1/2 cups of flour and salt. Then pour in the yeast mixture with the remainder of the water. With a utility whisk or a stand mixer, combine the mix well, then cover with plastic wrap and a kitchen towel, and let it sit for 10 minutes.

3. 3

   Add the rest of the flour and oil to the mixture and then knead on a floured surface or in the mixing bowl for about 5-7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.

4. 4

   With your hands rub the bowl and the dough with a few drops of oil, then cover it with a kitchen towel, and let the dough rest to rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes.

5. 5

   Preheat your oven to 420°F.

6. 6

   Divide the dough into smaller balls (about golf ball size).

7. 7

   With your hands or a dough roller flatten each ball into a flat disc (about 1/4 inch thick) and place on a greased baking pan.

8. 8

   Spread akkawi shredded cheese over each piece and sprinkle some nigella seeds on top.

9. 9

   Continue the process until all flattened dough pieces are filled.

10. 10

    Bake in a preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes or until the bottom and edges are golden brown and the cheese is melted.