Authentic Adjarian Khachapuri

Ingredients

• For the dough: For the dough:
• 500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour 500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour
• 7g (2 ¼ tsp) instant yeast 7g (2 ¼ tsp) instant yeast
• 1 tsp sugar 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp salt 1 tsp salt
• 250ml (1 cup) warm milk 250ml (1 cup) warm milk
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• For the filling: For the filling:
• 200g (7 oz) feta cheese, crumbled 200g (7 oz) feta cheese, crumbled
• 200g (7 oz) mozzarella cheese, shredded 200g (7 oz) mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 2 eggs 2 eggs
• 2 tbsp butter, melted 2 tbsp butter, melted
• For the topping: For the topping:
• 1 egg yolk 1 egg yolk
• 1 tbsp milk 1 tbsp milk
• For serving: For serving:
• 2 tbsp butter 2 tbsp butter
• Freshly ground black pepper Freshly ground black pepper

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 20g, 10g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 50g, 3g
• Protein: 15g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Mix well.
2. 2.
   Gradually add the warm milk and vegetable oil to the dry ingredients. Stir until a dough forms.
3. 3.
   Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
4. 4.
   Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
5. 5.
   Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
6. 6.
   In a separate bowl, mix together the feta cheese, mozzarella cheese, and eggs until well combined.
7. 7.
   Divide the dough into 4 equal portions. Roll out each portion into an oval shape, about 1/4 inch thick.
8. 8.
   Spoon the cheese filling onto the center of each dough oval, leaving a border around the edges.
9. 9.
   Fold the edges of the dough over the filling, creating a boat shape. Pinch the ends to secure.
10. 10.
    Transfer the khachapuri boats to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
11. 11.
    In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk and milk. Brush the mixture over the dough.
12. 12.
    Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the khachapuri is golden brown.
13. 13.
    Remove from the oven and brush the melted butter over the hot khachapuri.
14. 14.
    Sprinkle freshly ground black pepper over the top.
15. 15.
    Serve the Adjarian Khachapuri hot, allowing the cheese to ooze out of the boat-shaped bread. Tear off pieces of the bread and dip them into the melted cheese for a truly indulgent experience.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Feta cheese — If you prefer a milder flavor, you can use a combination of feta and ricotta cheese instead.
• Mozzarella cheese — For a stretchier cheese filling, use fresh mozzarella instead of shredded mozzarella.
• Instant yeast — If you don't have instant yeast, you can use active dry yeast. Activate it by dissolving it in warm milk with a pinch of sugar before adding it to the dough.

Tips & Tricks

• To enhance the flavor, sprinkle some chopped fresh herbs such as dill or parsley over the cheese filling before baking.
• For a spicier twist, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cheese filling.
• Serve the khachapuri with a side of fresh tomato and cucumber salad for a refreshing contrast.
• If you prefer a crispier crust, brush the edges of the dough with beaten egg before baking.
• Leftover khachapuri can be reheated in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 5 minutes.

Serving advice

Serve the Adjarian Khachapuri as a main course for brunch or dinner. It is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven when the cheese is still gooey and the bread is warm and crusty. Cut the khachapuri into individual portions and serve with a side of butter for spreading.

Presentation advice

To present the Adjarian Khachapuri beautifully, place each boat-shaped bread on a wooden cutting board or a rustic serving platter. Sprinkle some freshly ground black pepper over the top and garnish with a sprig of fresh herbs, such as dill or parsley. Serve it as the centerpiece of your table, allowing everyone to tear off pieces and savor the cheesy goodness.