Manakish made with za'atar

Za'atar bread

Manakish, also manaqish, manaeesh or manakeesh or in singular form man'ousheh (Arabic: مناقيش‎ manāqīsh; sometimes called معجنات mu‘ajjanāt 'pastry') is a popular Levantine food consisting of dough topped with thyme, cheese, or ground meat. Similar to a pizza, it can be sliced or folded, and it can either be served for breakfast or lunch. The word manaqish is the plural of the Arabic word manqūshah (from the root verb naqasha 'to sculpt, carve out'), meaning that after the dough has been rolled flat, it is pressed by the fingertips to create little dips for the topping to lie in.

Traditionally, Levantine women would bake dough in a communal oven in the morning, to provide their family with their daily bread needs, and would prepare smaller portions of dough with different toppings for breakfast at this time.^[1]

Classic toppings[link]

• Zaatar (Arabic: زعتر, za'tar, manaqish bi'l za'tar). The most popular form of manakish uses zaatar as a topping. The zaatar is mixed with olive oil and spread onto the bread before baking it in the oven. It is a favourite breakfast preparation in Levantine cuisine.^[2][3] It is also served by Palestinian and Lebanese cooks as part of a mezze, or as a snack with a glass of mint tea and feta cheese on the side.^[2] Popular also in the Arabian Peninsula, it was likely introduced there by Palestinians making the pilgrimage to Mecca.^[1]

• Cheese (Arabic: جبنة, jubnah). There are two main types of cheese manakish: ‘Akkāwī (Arabic: عكاوي), and Kashqwān (Arabic: قشقوان). People usually mix cheese with zaatar, chicken, or meat when baking manakish to give it a better taste.

• Minced lamb (Arabic: لحم بعجين, lāḥm bi-‘ajīn, "meat with dough", sfiha). Other manakish are served for lunch because of their heavier contents. This popular manakish has lamb topping. The minced lamb is mixed with tiny pieces of diced tomato and vegetable oil, and this manakish is optionally served with ground pepper or pickles and yogurt.

• Chili (Arabic: فليفلة‎ or فلفل حر).

• Kishq (Arabic: كشك‎).
• Spinach (Arabic: سبانخ‎), Swiss Chard (Arabic: سلق‎).

References[link]

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Mohammed El Helani (born November 28, 1970), widely known as Assi El Helani (in Arabic عاصي الحلاني), is a Lebanese singer who has been a major figure in the music scene of the Middle East since the 1990s. Assi's musical career officially started after winning the Art Studio TV Program for young artists at the age of 17.

He has released more than a dozen albums. His biggest hits are Wani Mareq Mareet, Amshi Lihali, Mali Saber, Ahebbak Gedan, Ahla Al Oyoun, Shoag El Sahara and Kayed Ozzalak.

Biography[link]

Early life[link]

Assi was born in Baalbeck, Lebanon and comes third youngest among his 13 brothers and sisters. Assi's musical talent became evident very early, when as a child he was performing Lebanese songs with his friends and family. Assi studied for approximately five years (1985–1990) at the Higher Institute of Music in Lebanon concentrating on the Oud performance and Arab vocal techniques.

Present[link]

Assi El Helani has participated in numerous important musical events, including the Baalbeck International Festival, Jerash Festival, the Carthage Festival, and a number of concerts around Europe, the Arab world and America.

Despite his soaring popularity, Helani has remained consistently involved in humanitarian issues.

He regularly performs at fund-raising concerts throughout the Middle East in support of a range of charities in the region, including the Women's Development Association Hayati.

In August 2005, Helani added his voice to the growing roster of celebrities helping WFP raise awareness about global hunger and poverty, recording a Public Service Announcement drawing attention to the tragic fact that 25,000 people die of hunger every day, 18,000 of them children.^[1][2]

Helani’s recent music videos have earned him the reputation as an extremely talented actor. The singer is receiving numerous offers from Arab producers and directors for leading roles in different films and television series.

He is now married with 3 children, one son ( Walid ) and two daughters (Dana & Mareeta). His wife Colette , once Miss Lebanon, wanted to pursue a music career however, Assi was not happy about it as he believed his wife should stick to her conservative roles, so they both agreed and she did not go ahead with it.^{[citation needed]}

Discography[link]

Albums

• 1991 : Mahlana Sawa.
• 1992 : Ya Hala.
• 1993 : Mahr El Zina.
• 1994 : Wani Mareg Mareit
• 1995 : Ahebek Jedan.
• 1996 : Ya Maima.
• 1998 : Ahla El Oyoun.
• 1999 : Shog El Sahara.
• 2000 : Kid Ozzalak.
• 2001 : Ater El Mahabah.
• 2002 : E Qarar.
• 2003 : Forsat Omor.
• 2004 : Zghiri El Dinney.
• 2006 : Dagat Galbi.
• 2007 : Ouwetna Bi Wehdetna.
• 2008 : Yemkin
• 2010 : 010
• 2011 : Rouhi Ana (12-07-2011)

References[link]

1994

External links[link]

• Official Website

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