Cheese manakish

Ingredients

• 500 g Akkawi cheese ((baladi or chikkie))
• vegetable or mild olive oil (for brushing)
• 3 cups bread flour
• 1 cup of lukewarm water
• 1 tbsp of dried active yeast
• 1 tsp of salt
• 1/2 tsp of sugar
• 4 tbsp mild olive oil

Instructions

1. 1

   --- To prepare the cheese ---

2. 2

   If you are using akkawi baladi cheese, grate it in a bowl and set aside.

3. 3

   If you are using Akkawi chikkie cheese, then grate the cheese and soak it in a bowl of water for half an hour before. Drain in a sieve then squeeze out the extra moisture with your hands and set aside

4. 4

   --- To make the Dough ---

5. 5

   Add the sugar to the luke warm water along with the dried active yeast and stir well until it dissolves. Leave for 10-15 minutes allowing the yeast to bubble

6. 6

   In a large bowl, add the salt and flour, oil and yeast liquid and bring together until you have a smooth ball.

7. 7

   If the dough is too dry add a little water 1 tablespoon at a time until it comes together. Adjust with more flour if it is too sticky

8. 8

   Then turn out into a floured surface and knead for 5-10 minutes so the dough springs back slightly when you poke it

9. 9

   If you are using a stand mixer, knead the dough for approximately 8 minutes

10. 10

    Place the kneaded dough ball into a large bowl and cover with cling film or a damp cloth. Leave to rise for at least 2 hours or until doubled in size

11. 11

    --- To make the manakish ---

12. 12

    Preheat the oven on your highest setting and make sure it is well heated before putting in the manakish

13. 13

    Divide the dough into 8 manakish balls, dust lightly with flour and cover with a teacloth

14. 14

    Roll out a dough ball between 3-5mm thick, dusting with extra flour to avoid sticking

15. 15

    Brush on a little vegetable or mild olive oil, and add a fair amount of cheese spreading it with your hands and leaving a small margin.

16. 16

    Lightly dimple the surface with three outstretched fingers a few times

17. 17

    Bake until the cheese bubbles and the manakish start to brown on the outside, turning if necessary to get an even bake.