Chvishtari - Georgian Cheese Bread

Ingredients

• 1 cup (120g) cornmeal 1 cup (120g) cornmeal
• 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (120ml) milk 1/2 cup (120ml) milk
• 2 eggs 2 eggs
• 1/4 cup (60ml) vegetable oil 1/4 cup (60ml) vegetable oil
• 1 cup (150g) crumbled feta cheese 1 cup (150g) crumbled feta cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
• Vegetable oil, for cooking Vegetable oil, for cooking

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 6g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 30g, 2g
• Protein: 10g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 0.8g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large bowl, combine the cornmeal, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. 2.
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, and vegetable oil.
3. 3.
   Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until well combined.
4. 4.
   Stir in the crumbled feta cheese, chopped parsley, and chopped dill.
5. 5.
   Heat a drizzle of vegetable oil in a griddle or cast-iron skillet over medium heat.
6. 6.
   Spoon the batter onto the hot surface, forming round patties approximately 4 inches in diameter.
7. 7.
   Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
8. 8.
   Remove from the heat and serve warm.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Cornmeal — Make sure to use fine cornmeal for a smoother texture in the bread.
• Feta cheese — Opt for a good quality feta cheese for the best flavor. You can also experiment with different types of cheese, such as goat cheese or mozzarella, for a unique twist.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra burst of flavor, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the batter.
• Serve the Chvishtari with a dollop of sour cream or yogurt for a creamy accompaniment.
• Experiment with different herbs and spices, such as mint or oregano, to customize the flavor to your liking.
• If you prefer a softer texture, cover the skillet with a lid while cooking the Chvishtari.
• Leftover Chvishtari can be reheated in a toaster or oven for a quick and delicious snack.

Serving advice

Serve the Chvishtari warm as a standalone snack or appetizer. It pairs wonderfully with a fresh salad or as a side dish to complement a Georgian feast.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Chvishtari on a platter, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, such as parsley or dill, to add a pop of color. Serve it alongside a bowl of sour cream or yogurt for dipping.