Frederic Melton
Arabic pizza, also known as Manakish, is a popular Levantine food that is enjoyed in various countries, including Lebanon, Turkey, Armenia, and other parts of the Middle East and the Mediterranean region. It typically consists of dough topped with cheese, za'atar, or ground meat and is served for breakfast, lunch, or as a snack. With its diverse range of toppings and cultural significance, Arabic pizza has gained popularity worldwide, leaving many to wonder about its nutritional value. So, is Arabic cheese pizza healthy? Let's delve into the ingredients and explore the nutritional aspects of this delicious dish.
Is Arabic Cheese Pizza Healthy?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Cheese | Akkawi, Halloumi, Kashkaval, Feta, Mozzarella |
| Other Toppings | Za'atar, Olive Oil, Lamb, Beef, Vegetables, Nuts, Fruits, Seeds, Spices |
| Nutritional Information | Varies depending on toppings; Za'atar contains iron, calcium, and other antioxidants; Akkawi is a soft cow's milk cheese |
| Health Benefits | Contains antioxidants and nutrients from spices and herbs; may be a good source of calcium and iron |
| Health Concerns | High in fat and sodium depending on cheese and toppings used |
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What You'll Learn
Arabic pizza varieties
Arabic pizzas are known for their Middle Eastern flavours and use of spices. They are usually made with leavened or unleavened bread and can be topped with meat, vegetables, and cheese. Here are some popular Arabic pizza varieties:
Lahmacun
Lahmacun is a type of Arabic pizza that is popular in Turkey, Armenia, Lebanon, and other parts of the Middle East and the Mediterranean region. It typically consists of a thin, round unleavened dough topped with minced meat (usually lamb or beef), chopped vegetables like onions, garlic, tomatoes, and red peppers, and a blend of spices such as sumac, allspice, and za'atar. It is often served with a squeeze of lemon juice, fresh herbs, and lettuce, and can be rolled up and eaten as a handheld snack or a light meal.
Manakeesh
Manakeesh is a traditional Lebanese pizza made with leavened bread and topped with za'atar, a Middle Eastern blend of thyme, sesame seeds, sumac, and toasted cumin. It can also be topped with cheese, typically akawi (a type of brined curd cheese similar to feta) or halloumi. Manakeesh is usually served for breakfast or as a snack and can be sliced or folded.
Arabic Pizza with Spiced Lamb and Feta Cheese
This variety of Arabic pizza features a blend of spices and a topping of lamb mince fried with garlic and pomegranate molasses, creating an authentic Arabic flavour. The pomegranate molasses add a sweet and tangy flavour to the pizza. The base is made with flour, yoghurt, and bicarbonate of soda, and the lamb topping is spiced with cloves, cardamom, nutmeg, and cinnamon.
Arabic Cheese Pizza
This variety of Arabic pizza is topped with Arab cheese, olive oil, and za'atar. The type of Arab cheese used can vary, but it is often described as chewy, crumbly, and made from cow's milk with a slightly salty taste.
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Arabic pizza toppings
Arabic pizza, also known as Manakeesh, Manakish, or Mana'ish, is a traditional Lebanese pizza. It is a flatbread that is usually topped with cheese and Za'atar, a blend of thyme, sesame seeds, sumac, and toasted cumin. The cheese used is typically Akkawi, which is similar to Feta, or Halloumi. However, some variations of Arabic pizza use other types of cheese such as mozzarella, or a mix of cheeses.
There are different versions of Arabic pizza, and the toppings can vary. Some Manakish are made without cheese and are instead topped with Za'atar and other ingredients such as tomatoes, mint, and lemon juice. Arabic pizzas can also be made with meat, commonly minced beef or lamb, and vegetables such as onions, garlic, red peppers, and celery. These pizzas may also include nuts, dried fruits, and Middle Eastern spices such as cardamom, cloves, rose, and orange blossom.
Arabic pizzas are typically baked in a hot oven until the cheese is golden brown and the dough is lightly browned and puffed up. They can be enjoyed as a snack or a light meal and are often served with a squeeze of lemon juice and fresh herbs.
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Arabic pizza dough
Arabic pizza, also known as manakish, manaeesh, manouche, manaqish or Lebanese pizza, is a type of Middle Eastern flatbread pizza. The dough for Arabic pizza is typically made with just four ingredients: flour, water, sugar, and yeast. To make the dough, you will need to mix the dry ingredients in a large bowl, add the wet ingredients, and then knead the mixture until it forms a smooth, elastic dough. The dough should be soft and not sticky, so you may need to add a little extra flour if it is too sticky.
Once the dough is mixed and kneaded, it can be rolled out to the desired thickness. For a traditional Arabic pizza, the dough is typically rolled out into a thin, round base. The dough can be rolled out by hand or with a rolling pin, and it can be stretched to fit the desired size and shape. A traditional Arabic pizza is typically a thin, round, unleavened flatbread, but some varieties use leavened bread.
After rolling out the dough, it is time to add the toppings. Traditional Arabic pizzas typically feature Middle Eastern flavours and ingredients, such as lamb, beef, vegetables, garlic, tomatoes, and a blend of herbs and spices. Common spice blends include za'atar (a mix of thyme, sesame seeds, sumac, and toasted cumin), dukkah, and sumac. Arabic pizzas may also include a variety of cheeses, such as akawi (a brined curd cheese similar to feta), halloumi, mozzarella, or a mix of cheeses.
Once the toppings have been added, the pizza is baked in the oven until the dough is lightly browned and the toppings are cooked. Arabic pizzas are typically baked at a high temperature (around 260°C or 500°F) for a short time (5-12 minutes). The exact baking time will depend on the size and thickness of the pizza, as well as the desired level of browning.
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Arabic pizza cheese types
Arabic pizza, or Lebanese pizza, comes in many varieties, with some using leavened bread and some using unleavened bread. Some Arabic pizzas are meat-free, while others include meat. Some are also cheese-free, but many include cheese.
Manakish, or man'ousheh, is a popular Levantine food consisting of dough topped with za'atar, cheese, or ground meat. It can be sliced or folded and served for breakfast or lunch. Manakish is traditionally made in a wood-fire oven, but it can also be made in a regular oven. The two main types of cheese used on manakish are akkawi (or akawi) and kashkaval. However, other cheeses such as halloumi, mozzarella, and feta are also used.
Lahmacun is another variety of Arabic pizza that consists of a thin, round unleavened dough topped with minced meat (usually beef or lamb), vegetables, and a blend of herbs and spices.
When making Arabic pizza, it is important to highlight the incredible Middle Eastern flavours prevalent in many Levantine dishes. These include aromatic spices such as cardamom, cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, and sumac, as well as floral ingredients like rose and orange blossom. Nuts and dried fruits are also commonly used, such as sesame seeds, pine nuts, pistachios, dates, apricots, and pomegranates.
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Arabic pizza health benefits
Arabic pizza, or lahmacun, is a delicious handheld snack or light meal enjoyed in Turkey, Armenia, Lebanon, and other parts of the Middle East and the Mediterranean region. It typically consists of a thin, round unleavened dough base topped with a variety of nutritious ingredients, offering several health benefits.
The dough-making process involves mixing flour, olive oil, yeast, salt, sugar, and warm water to create a supple dough that is then hand-stretched to form the flatbread base. This base is rich in carbohydrates, providing energy for the body, and olive oil, a source of healthy fats.
The traditional toppings on Arabic pizza include a blend of minced meat, commonly lamb or beef, and finely chopped vegetables such as onions, garlic, tomatoes, and red peppers. These ingredients offer a good source of protein and essential vitamins and minerals. Lamb, in particular, is a rich source of iron, zinc, and B vitamins. Additionally, the vegetables contribute to the recommended daily intake of fiber and antioxidants, boosting overall health and well-being.
The Arabic pizza is often seasoned with a blend of herbs and spices, such as sumac, allspice, za'atar, and pomegranate. These spices not only enhance the flavor but also provide additional health benefits. For example, sumac is rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties, while pomegranate has been associated with improved heart health and lower blood pressure.
One of the most popular varieties of Arabic pizza is Manakeesh, which uses leavened bread topped with za'atar and akawi cheese, a cured and brined curd cheese similar to feta. This variety offers the health benefits of dairy, including protein and calcium. Additionally, za'atar, a blend of thyme, sesame seeds, sumac, and toasted cumin, provides additional antioxidants and flavor to the pizza.
Arabic pizzas can also be made without meat, accommodating vegetarian preferences. Some varieties use cheese, such as mozzarella, halloumi, or a mix of cheeses, providing a good source of protein and calcium. Overall, Arabic pizza can be a healthy option when made with fresh, high-quality ingredients and enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
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Frequently asked questions
Arabic pizza, or Manakish, is a popular Levantine food consisting of dough topped with za'atar, cheese, or ground meat. It can be sliced or folded and is usually served for breakfast or lunch.
The two main types of cheese used on Arabic pizza are akawi (akawī) and kashkaval (qašqawān). However, other types of cheese such as mozzarella, halloumi, and feta are also commonly used.
Arabic pizza typically uses leavened or unleavened bread, a variety of toppings, and does not include pizza sauce. Italian pizza, on the other hand, usually consists of a flatbread base with various toppings and tomato sauce.
Arabic cheese pizza can be a part of a healthy diet when consumed in moderation. While it provides essential nutrients like protein, calcium, and vitamins, it is also high in fat and sodium. Therefore, it should be enjoyed occasionally as a treat rather than a regular meal.
You can find Arabic cheese pizza in Middle Eastern restaurants, bakeries, or specialty food stores. Alternatively, you can make it at home by following various recipes available online, allowing you to customize the ingredients to your preference.
