Sourdough Mannaeesh

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Mannaeesh is a middle eastern favorite. It is lightly leavened to produce a soft bread that puffs and forms a hollowed pouch into which all sorts of yummy things may be stuffed. This is fun to bake and fun to eat. From

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Steps

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Measure starter into large mixing bowl.

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Add salt and sugar to the warm water and stir briefly to dissolve.

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Add this mixture to the starter and mix well.

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Add flour , 1 cup at a time , stirring until it is too stiff to mix by hand.

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Turn onto a floured surface and knead in remaining flour until dough is satiny.

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Divide into 10 equal balls.

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Roll the balls into flat rounds about 1 / 4 inch thick.

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Proof the rounds , covered , at 85 degrees f for 1 to 2 hours.

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Mix the olive oil , thyme , marjoram , and sesame seeds together and spread some on the surface of each round.

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Preheat the oven and the baking sheet to 450 degrees f and using a large spatula , slide the rounds onto the heated baking sheet one at a time.

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Bake for 5 to 10 minutes , until the rounds puff up suddenly , forming a central cavity.

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Cool on wire racks.

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Shape and bake as above.

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Ingredients

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sourdough starter, salt, sugar, water, white bread flour, olive oil, dried thyme, marjoram, sesame seeds