Manakish (Arabic Bread with Indian Flavour - Fusion Style)

          Manakish is a very popular Arabic bread made of plain flour and is topped with Zaatar  (Middle Eastern Spice) and cheese. It is generally had as breakfast with olives, cucumbers and tomatoes. They are also served for the main course with meat, hummus and salads. It is almost similar to Pizza. 

           Today I gave a twist to the original recipe and made it with whole wheat flour and topped with some Idli podi (gun powder) and cheese - a la Indian style. It is very easy to make and they go well as snacks with hummus. So check out the step by step pictorial recipe to prepare this yummy delicacy.

• 2 cups whole wheat flour
• 1 tbsp. olive oil to knead 
• 1 tsp. active yeast
• 1/2 tsp. sugar
• 1 cup lukewarm water
• salt to taste
• 2 tbsp. zaatar spice mix
• 3 tbsp. grated cheese
• 2 tbsp. idli podi
• olive oil as required

          In a bowl, mix together yeast, sugar and lukewarm water. Cover and keep aside for 10-15 minutes.

          In another bowl, take flour and salt to taste. Make a well in the center and add 1 tbsp. oil. Combine everything well and add the yeast liquid. knead into a dough. Cover with a cling film and keep aside for an hour. 

          Meanwhile in separate individual bowls, mix together zaatar and idli podi with some olive oil and keep aside.

          Divide the dough into 6-7 equal portions. Roll out each portion with your hands into a small round disc. You can also roll the same by dusting some flour.

          Spread the zaatar mix, idli podi mix and the cheese on it according to your preference. 

          Bake in a preheated microwave oven at 180 degrees C for 12-15 minutes (depending on your oven). Serve with hummus, any dip or just relish as it is.

                   Mix yeast, sugar & lukewarm water. Cover & keep aside for 10-15 min.

                                  After 15 minutes it has swelled up.

                  In separate bowls, mix zaatar & idli podi with some olive oil & keep aside.

                 In another bowl, take flour & salt to taste. Make a well in the center & add
                 1 tbsp. oil. 

                                  Combine everything well. 

                                 Add yeast liquid & knead into a dough. 

                                 Cover with a cling film & keep aside for an hour. 

                                 After an hour it has doubled in size.

                  Divide the dough into 6-7 equal portions. Roll out each portion with your hands
                  into a small round disc. You can also roll the same by dusting some flour.

                                  Spread the zaatar mix, idli podi mix & cheese.

                              Bake in a preheated oven at 180 degrees C for 12-15 minutes.

                                 Serve with hummus or just relish as it is.