The Knobbly Plate

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Maneesh, Arabic Bread

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It’s been quite a long week this week. With me having to travel from here on the south coast to London for work. I hate travelling to London, it’s 2 hours each way and London as always is just so, so busy with people. I decided to make this flat bread to go with a paneer masala curry for my dinner this evening. It’s so easy to make with no time wasted waiting for the dough to rise. I particularly like the sesame seed topping which adds so much flavour and texture to the final bread.

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Maneesh
Author: 
Recipe type: Bread
Cuisine: Arabic
Prep time: 
Cook time: 
Total time: 
 
Ingredients
  • * 500g/1lb 2oz strong white flour, plus extra for dusting
  • * 10g/¼oz salt
  • * 25g/1oz caster sugar
  • * 10g/¼oz instant yeast
  • * 20ml/4 tsp olive oil, plus extra for kneading
  • * 360ml/12fl oz tepid water
  • For the topping
  • * 6 tbsp sesame seeds
  • * 4 tbsp dried thyme
  • * 2 tbsp dried marjoram
  • * a little olive oil
Instructions
  1. Method
  2. Mix together the flour, salt, sugar and yeast. Add the olive oil and 270ml/9½fl oz of the water. Using your fingers, mix the ingredients together. Gradually add the remaining water until all the flour has come away from the sides of the bowl and you have a soft dough (you may not need all the water; the dough should be soft and not sticky).
  3. Pour a little oil onto your work top. Place the dough on top and knead for 5-10 minutes. The dough will be wet in the beginning but will form a smooth dough once kneaded.
  4. Once a smooth dough is achieved, place into a clean oiled bowl, cover and leave to double in size.
  5. Line three baking trays with parchment paper.
  6. Tip the dough onto an oiled work top. Knock the dough back by folding it on itself, repeating this until all the air is knocked out and the dough is smooth. Split the dough into three and roll into large circles.
  7. Place onto the lined baking trays and cover each tray with a carrier bag. Leave to rest for 20 minutes.
  8. Mix the topping ingredients with a little olive oil until you have a thick paste. Preheat the oven to 230C/450F/Gas 8.
  9. Just before baking, brush the surface of the breads with olive oil. Spread the topping over each of the breads and bake for approximately 15 minutes.
  10. Remove from the oven and transfer to a wire rack to cool.