The utterly cheesy Khachapuri is a classic Georgian dish.
It is similar to a pizza but without the tomato sauce base.
The Recipe:
Makes 2, 10 inch flatbreads
For the Dough:
1 1/3 cup All Purpose Flour
1tbsp Olive Oil
1.5 tsp Salt
1tsp Yeast (preferably instant dry)
1/2 tsp Sugar
2/3 cup Water (at Room Temperature)
For the Cheese Mix:
3 cups Shredded Mozzarella (preferably Pizza Mozzarella)
1 1/4 Cup Feta
2 Eggs
Method:
- First and foremost, preheat the oven to 250 degrees celsius.
- Ensure to place a baking tray/pizza stone in the oven to pre heat as well.
- To make the dough, combine all the ingredients together in a stand mixer and knead (using the dough hook attachment) on low speed till it comes together (2 mins approx) and then continue kneading till a smooth wet dough is formed (4 mins approx).
- Let the dough rest covered with a wet towel for 60 mins, till it doubles in volume.
- Meanwhile, combine the cheeses together in a bowl.
- Separate the Egg yolks and White, Ensuring not to break the yolks. (Would suggest keeping the yolks in 2 separate bowls)
- Once the dough has rested, divide into 2 equal halves. Cover again with a damp towel and let proof for 15 mins.
- On a well floured surface, roll one of the dough half’s into an oblong shape.
- Place the rolled out dough on a well floured parchment paper.
- Place the cheese in the middle of the dough, ensure to leave a 1.5-2 inch margin all around.
- Roll the margin in towards to the cheese as to create a high border, ensure to pinch the edges together to seal the Khachapuri.
- Do the same with the second half.
- Let the Khachapuri rest for 15 mins more, to let the bread base become aerated.
- Brush the edges with melted butter or oil.
- Transfer to the hot baking tray/ stone.
- Bake for 13-15 mins, till the edges are nice golden brown and cheese has melted.
- Open the oven, and carefully add one egg yolk in each Khachapuri and bake for 2-3 mins more.
- Serve immediately.
Note: For an Eggless Version, Just skip the eggs and additional 2-3 mins baking!
Notes:
- Can spice up the cheese blend by adding herbs, caramelised onions, pancetta etc.
- Another fun thing to try would be switching up the cheese blend with Béchamel, Parmesan, Gouda and Fontina.
- Try switching the Olive oil in the dough with Chicken Fat or Butter for a different texture (A lot more crumbly).
