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Two teaspoons of dry yeast, 1kg flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, a splash of olive oil and about two cups of warm water will make you one of the most popular Arabic appetisers around. So it doesn't take a genius to imagine the size of the giant Manakish made when you substitute the splash of oil for 12 litres of the stuff!
Chefs at Sidra, a Lebanese restaurant in Mirdiff did exactly that, in a courageous and ambitious attempt to break the world record for the largest Manakish ever made.
The attempt was organised as part of the Dubai Food Festival 2008, a signature event of the Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF).
Giant dough
Huge crowds gathered around the main square in Uptown Mirdiff as talents chefs from Sidra mixed, whipped and cooked up the giant dough.
The team used about 10 kilos of thyme as a topping and nearly 12 litres of oil to prepare the popular dish.
The Guinness World Record attempt was attended by Ebrahim Saleh, DSF general coordinator, as well as Bea Cohauz, wife of the Consul General of Germany in Dubai; Sultan Taher, Dubai Municipality's head of food safety and officials from the Guinness World Records.
The officials will decide whether the team set the new world record for the largest Manakish by deliberating as to whether all the rules were followed correctly and the result will be announced by the end of February.
Arabic food
Chef Adri, from Sidra, said: "It has been a lot of fun trying to make the world record and hopefully we have achieved it. It has also been great to teach people about Arabic food and open their eyes as to what is possible when it comes to the local food. We have been asked by so many people about the recipe and what it is best served with. The answer is everything – it is extremely versatile and delicious."
The ongoing Food Festival at Uptown Mirdiff is attracting food enthusiasts from around the UAE and continues until February 2.
When the giant bread was finished and the judging was over, chefs enjoyed handing out parts of the Manakish to members of the audience and passers-by to celebrate the record-breaking attempt.
As well as the Guinness World Records attempts, chefs from across the city and a number from abroad are conducting live cooking demonstrations, master classes and talks about food and nutrition.
What is a Manakish?
Manakish is a Lebanese food consisting of dough topped with cheese or thyme or ground meat, and eaten widely in many Middle Eastern countries. Similar to a pizza, it can be sliced or folded, and it can either be served for breakfast or lunch. The word Manakish is the plural of the word Mankousheh in Arabic.
How to make your own
Ingredients:
2 teaspoons dry yeast
1 kg flour (approximately 2 1/4 lbs.)
1 teaspoon table salt
little olive oil
2 cups warm water (about 37 fl oz)
fresh Palestinian/Lebanese Zaatar + olive oil
Method:
Dissolve yeast in little of warm water. Combine flour, salt, 3 to 4 spoons of fresh olive oil and warm water. Roll the dough into medium circular shape. Pour the Zaatar onto the dough then bake in the oven heated at 350°C or about 650°F (3 to 6 minutes). Be careful not to burn.
Don't miss it!
All at Uptown Mirdiff
4pm: Stage entertainment from local acts.
5.30pm: Cooking with a reputed chef.
6.30pm: Cooking competition.
7:30pm: Stage entertainment and gourmet tasting classes.
8.00pm: Have a go at cooking yourself with a local chef.
For more information about the Dubai Food Festival visit www.dff.ae and for information about the Dubai Shopping Festival visit www.mydsf.com
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