Manakish
Levantine flatbread topped with various ingredients
Manakish (Arabic: مناقيش , also spelled manakeesh, manaqish, or manousheh) is a popular Levantine dish consisting of a flatbread topped with various ingredients. It is commonly consumed in countries such as Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and Palestine. The dish is often enjoyed for breakfast or lunch and is similar in concept to a pizza.
Etymology[edit | edit source]
The word "manakish" is derived from the Arabic root "naqasha" (نقش), which means "to sculpt" or "to carve out." This refers to the traditional method of pressing the dough with fingertips to create small indentations before adding the toppings.
Preparation[edit | edit source]
The preparation of manakish begins with a simple dough made from flour, water, yeast, and salt. Once the dough has risen, it is divided into small balls and rolled out into flat, round discs. The dough is then topped with a variety of ingredients before being baked in a hot oven.
Common Toppings[edit | edit source]
The most traditional topping for manakish is za'atar, a blend of herbs, sesame seeds, and sumac. Other popular toppings include:
- Cheese: Typically Akkawi or Kashkaval cheese is used, providing a rich and creamy flavor.
- Minced meat: Often lamb or beef, seasoned with spices such as cinnamon and allspice.
- Spinach: Mixed with onions and lemon juice, offering a tangy and fresh taste.
- Vegetables: Such as tomatoes, olives, and onions, which add a variety of flavors and textures.
Cultural Significance[edit | edit source]
Manakish holds a special place in Levantine cuisine and culture. It is a staple food in many households and is often shared among family and friends. The dish is also a common offering in bakeries and street food stalls, making it an accessible and beloved meal for people of all ages.
Variations[edit | edit source]
While the basic concept of manakish remains the same, there are numerous regional and personal variations. Some people prefer a thicker crust, while others enjoy a thin and crispy base. The choice of toppings can also vary widely, reflecting local tastes and available ingredients.
Related pages[edit | edit source]
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
|
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
| Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates, categories Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
