Manakeesh or manakish or manoush is a Lebanese dish whose origins can be traced back to Arabian cookbooks from the 10th century AD. It is believed that what was described in the cookbooks was itself passed down from biblical times when the dough was baked in the communal oven of a village. The resulting bread was broken into small portions and eaten with different toppings. This provided a variety that would have been missing if the same type of manakeesh was eaten throughout the day.

Perfect for Modern Diets

While the origin of manakeesh dates back thousands of years, this flatbread is ideally suited to modern diets. The basic ingredients(that are widely used) are:

· All-purpose flour or bread flour or a mixture of the two

· Yeast

· Sugar

· Milk or milk powder

· Kosher salt

· Yogurt

· Olive oil

· Water

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Also Read: Unlock Your Weight Loss Journey with the Mediterranean Diet

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The ingredients themselves promise great flavor and versatility of use. Although there are variations in the way Manakeesh is made, the basic steps and ingredients remain the same across the Middle East and Mediterranean regions. Manakeesh is a very affordable dish, but that does not limit its appeal. It is not just eaten, but loved by people across borders, cultures, religions, and social and economic classes across the Mediterranean region.

In the modern era of health-conscious diets, manakeesh is the ideal staple and the fact that it tastes great just adds to its appeal.

It Is So Versatile

This fluffy flatbread is great at any time of the day and with any meal. Simply topped with cheese, it can be a great breakfast. Add a few spices and it makes a wonderful healthy lunch. And for dinner, you can go to town with the toppings. Among the great traditional toppings are:

· Zatar: This is perhaps the most popular topping in the Middle East. Zatar is wild thyme that has been dried after which it is mixed with sesame seed (often toasted), sumac and olive oil. The paste is then spread on the bread before placing it in the oven and this makes a light yet filling meal in itself.

· Cheese: A Mediterranean cheese called akawi makes a wonderful manakeesh topping. It is simply spread on the bread, and spices, salt and other condiments may be added as per personal preference.

· Minced Lamb: Minced lamb with tiny pieces of tomato mixed with vegetable oil is another very popular topping. It is one of the heavier manakeeshtopping options so it is typically eaten for lunch or dinner.

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Also Read: Discover the Abundance of Superfoods in the Mediterranean Diet

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The Pizza Alternative

Manakeesh can be used to replace the traditional pizza base. All kinds of toppings are possible – it is as versatile as pizza, if not more so. Among the most popular toppings are beef (as spicy as you like), turkey, cheese, mushrooms, tomatoes, olives, eggs and anchovies. If you are a fan of dessert pizzas, then why not try a cheese and honey topping or a chocolate or banana topping? Do not be afraid to experiment. With Manakeesh, it is difficult to go wrong.

You can easily make manakeesh at home, or you can buy it from a Mediterranean grocery. If you live in the San Francisco Bay Area, you will find the finest manakeesh ingredients at Aladdin Gourmet and the best manakeesh, with several topping options, at the store’s deli. Check out the store’s website for the location and details of products available and also for information about ordering online.

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