Gebzhalia - Georgian Cheese Bread

Ingredients

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon instant yeast 1 teaspoon instant yeast
• 1 teaspoon sugar 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (120ml) warm milk 1/2 cup (120ml) warm milk
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup (150g) sulguni cheese, grated 1 cup (150g) sulguni cheese, grated
• 1/2 cup (75g) feta cheese, crumbled 1/2 cup (75g) feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/2 cup (60g) mozzarella cheese, shredded 1/2 cup (60g) mozzarella cheese, shredded
• Fresh herbs (dill or parsley), chopped (for garnish) Fresh herbs (dill or parsley), chopped (for garnish)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 14g, 7g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 35g, 2g
• Protein: 12g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt.
2. 2.
   Gradually add the warm milk and olive oil to the dry ingredients. Mix until a soft dough forms.
3. 3.
   Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes, until it becomes 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 about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
5. 5.
   Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
6. 6.
   Punch down the dough and divide it into 4 equal portions.
7. 7.
   Roll out each portion into a circle, approximately 1/4 inch thick.
8. 8.
   In a bowl, mix together the grated sulguni cheese, crumbled feta cheese, and shredded mozzarella cheese.
9. 9.
   Spread the cheese mixture evenly over half of each dough circle, leaving a small border around the edges.
10. 10.
    Fold the other half of the dough over the cheese filling and press the edges firmly to seal.
11. 11.
    Place the filled dough circles on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
12. 12.
    Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
13. 13.
    Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
14. 14.
    Sprinkle with fresh herbs and serve warm.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Sulguni cheese — If sulguni cheese is not available, you can substitute it with a combination of mozzarella and cheddar cheese for a similar texture and flavor.
• Feta cheese — Opt for a high-quality feta cheese for the best taste. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can use a milder white cheese instead.
• Fresh herbs — Feel free to experiment with different herbs such as basil or mint to add your own twist to the recipe.

Tips & Tricks

• For a more golden and crispy crust, brush the top of the bread with beaten egg before baking.
• Serve Gebzhalia with a side of fresh tomato slices or cucumber salad for a refreshing contrast.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations to create your own unique flavor profile.
• If you prefer a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cheese filling.
• Leftover Gebzhalia can be reheated in the oven for a few minutes to regain its crispiness.

Serving advice

Gebzhalia is best served warm, straight from the oven. Cut it into wedges or squares and serve as an appetizer or snack. It pairs well with a glass of Georgian red wine or a refreshing lemonade.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, sprinkle the top of the Gebzhalia with a pinch of fresh herbs before serving. You can also garnish the serving platter with additional herbs or edible flowers for an extra touch of elegance.