Go Back
+ servings
A flat bread with baked cheese and nigella seeds
Print

Akkawi Manakeesh (Arabic Cheese Bread)

A delicious flat cheese bread called Akkawi manakeesh, super popular in Saudi Arabia, and for good reason, it is delicious!
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Saudi Arabian
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Rising time 2 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 3 hours 5 minutes
Servings 8 people
Calories 347kcal
Author Darlene at International Cuisine

Ingredients

  • cup Lukewarm Water
  • 1 teaspoon Dry Yeast
  • cups All-purpose Flour
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 1 Tablespoon Sugar
  • 1 Tablespoon Vegetable Oil Plus Extra For Greasing the bowl
  • 1 pound Akkawi Cheese
  • 2 Tablespoons Nigella Seeds

Instructions

  • Put the warm water into a bowl or cup. Stir the yeast into the water and set aside for 5 minutes, or until it starts to bubble up.
  • Mix flour, salt, and sugar in a large bowl.
  • 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 when ready.
  • Place the dough into a large bowl that you’ve greased with oil. Place a damp tea towel over the dough and let it rise in a warm place for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until doubled in size.
  • Meanwhile, crumble the cheese into a large bowl. Cover with cold water to soak and help remove the salt.
  • Punch down the dough. Divide the dough into four equal-sized pieces.
  • Place the dough back into the bowl and let it rest for an extra 30 minutes.
  • Preheat oven to 450 F.
  • On a floured surface, roll each ball of dough into a disc about 10-inches in diameter.
  • Drain the akkawi cheese. Sprinkle about 1 cup of akkawi cheese over the dough. Sprinkle about 1/2 tablespoon of nigella seeds evenly over the cheese.
  • Transfer the dough to a cookie sheet or pizza stone and bake 20 minutes, or until the crust is baked and cheese is melted.
  • Serve warm

Nutrition

Calories: 347kcal | Carbohydrates: 68g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 38mg | Sodium: 496mg | Potassium: 130mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 16g | Vitamin A: 60IU | Vitamin C: 0.2mg | Calcium: 42mg | Iron: 3.9mg