Khachapuri: Traditional Georgian Cheese-Filled Bread

Khachapuri: Traditional Georgian Cheese-Filled Bread

Khachapuri is a delightful and universally loved dish from Georgia, featuring a boat-shaped bread filled with a rich mixture of cheese, butter, and egg. This dish is comforting, savory, and perfect for breakfast or a hearty snack. The combination of melted cheese and a runny egg yolk in a warm, soft bread boat is simply irresistible. Here is a step-by-step recipe to make this delicious treat at home.

Ingredients:

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup warm water
• 1/4 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 1/2 cups crumbled feta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons butter

Instructions:
Preparing the Dough:

1. In a large bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until frothy.
2. Add the milk, olive oil, salt, and 1 1/2 cups of flour to the yeast mixture. Stir until the ingredients are well combined.
3. Gradually add the remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time, until a soft dough forms. You may not need all the flour.
4. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic.
5. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

Preparing the Filling:

1. In a bowl, mix together the feta cheese, mozzarella cheese, and ricotta cheese.

Assembling the Khachapuri:

1. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. After the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into two equal portions.
3. Roll out each portion into an oval shape, approximately 9-10 inches long.
4. Place the rolled dough on the prepared baking sheet. Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the center of each dough oval, leaving a border around the edges.
5. Fold the edges of the dough over the cheese filling to create a boat shape, pinching the ends to seal.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Remove the khachapuri from the oven. Make a small well in the center of the cheese mixture and crack an egg into each one. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5-6 minutes, or until the egg whites are set but the yolks are still runny.

Serving:

1. Remove the khachapuri from the oven and brush the edges of the bread with the melted butter.
2. Serve hot, breaking the egg yolk and mixing it with the melted cheese before tearing off pieces of bread to scoop up the gooey, delicious filling.

Enjoy your homemade Khachapuri, a true taste of Georgian culinary tradition!