How Sujuk and Cheese Create the Ultimate Lebanese Pizza

1. How Sujuk and Cheese Create the Ultimate Lebanese Pizza A Fusion of Flavours: Lebanese-Style Pizza Lebanese pizza—known locally as manoush or manakish—is a delightful twist on the familiar flatbread format. While zaatar-topped flatbreads are perhaps the most famous, the combination of sujuk and cheese has firmly earned its place as a favourite. If you’re exploring Lebanese Newtown, this version of manoush offers a perfect balance of spice, creaminess, and that satisfying crunch of freshly baked bread. What Makes Sujuk So Special? Sujuk is a dry-cured sausage that brings bold, spiced character to any dish. Made from minced lamb (or sometimes beef) seasoned with garlic, cumin, paprika, and chilli, it adds depth and a gentle heat. When thin slices of sujuk are layered atop

2. dough and baked, the spicing infuses the bread, lending an aromatic warmth that’s hard to resist. The Role of Cheese Lebanese pizzerias often use white cheeses like halloumi, akkawi, or a local mozzarella blend. These cheeses melt beautifully, offering a stretchy, creamy counterpoint to the robust flavour of sujuk. The slight saltiness of the cheese also helps balance the sausage’s spice, creating a harmonious union that’s both indulgent and approachable. Crafting the Perfect Manoush 1. Dough Preparation The foundation of any good manoush is its dough: soft, hand-stretched, and baked until the edges turn a light gold. In Newtown’s Lebanese bakeries and restaurants, bakers often rely on a simple mix of flour, water, yeast, salt, and a touch of sugar—nothing more. 2. Layering Cheese Once the dough is stretched, a generous layer of cheese is added, ensuring each bite delivers gooey satisfaction. 3. Adding Sujuk Thin slices of sujuk are then arranged over the cheese. As the manoush bakes, the sausage crisps slightly on the edges, releasing its spiced oils into the cheese and dough below. 4. Baking to Perfection Whether in a wood-fired oven or a modern deck oven, the manoush bakes quickly—typically in just a few minutes. The result is a pliable centre, crisp crust, melted cheese, and slightly charred sujuk that sings of smoky spice. Toppings and Variations While sujuk and cheese manoush is a classic, Newtown’s Lebanese eateries sometimes offer twists:

3. ● Added Herbs: A sprinkle of parsley or dried mint just before serving. ● Chilli Flakes: For those seeking extra heat. ● Olives or Capsicum: To introduce briny or sweet notes. These optional toppings let you tailor the manoush to your preference, but the core duo of sujuk and cheese remains the star. Perfect as a Snack or Meal Manoush sujuk with cheese is versatile. It’s often enjoyed: ● For Breakfast: A flavourful alternative to cereal or toast. ● As a Quick Snack: Grab a folded slice on the go. ● At Lunch or Dinner: Paired with a simple salad like tabouleh or fattoush to balance richness. Its portability and satisfying taste make it a go-to for locals and visitors alike in Newtown. Finding It in Newtown Many Lebanese Newtown outlets feature sujuk and cheese manoush on their menu boards. Look for artisan bakeries or family-run restaurants where the dough is made in-house daily. Freshness and authenticity are key—seek places where the aroma of baking bread and spiced sausage greets you at the door. In summary, sujuk and cheese manoush is a shining example of how Lebanese cuisine adapts familiar formats—like pizza—to local tastes and ingredients. Its combination of spiced sausage, creamy cheese, and crisp bread makes it a standout dish in Newtown’s vibrant Lebanese scene. If you’re on the hunt for a delicious, easy-to-share treat, this is one Lebanese pizza that truly hits the spot.