Recipe for Cheese Stuffed Flatbread Inspired by Khachapuri
Inspired by the Georgian cuisine Khachapuri, this cheese-stuffed flatbread is a delectable delicacy with a gooey cheese filling encased in a crispy, golden dough. Here’s how to prepare it:
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon active dry yeast
- 3/4 cup lukewarm water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Cheese Filling:
- 1 cup finely grated mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded feta cheese
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 egg (optional; for binding)
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- Olive oil for cooking
Instructions:
Preparing the Dough:
- Dissolve the yeast and sugar in a small bowl of lukewarm water. Let it rest until it becomes foamy, about five minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the olive oil and yeast mixture.
- Stir the ingredients until a dough forms. On a floured surface, knead the dough for 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
- Grease a bowl, place the dough in it, cover with a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour, or until it has doubled in size.
Preparing the Cheese Filling:
- In a medium bowl, combine the mozzarella, feta, and ricotta cheeses. If using, add the egg and chopped parsley. Mix until well combined.
Assembling the Flatbread:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Divide the dough into two equal parts. Roll each piece into a circle about 1/4 inch thick.
- Place half of the cheese mixture in the center of each dough circle, leaving about an inch of dough around the edges.
- Fold the edges over the cheese filling and pinch the seams to seal, forming a round or oval shape. Gently flatten the filled dough with your hands to distribute the cheese evenly.
Cooking the Flatbread:
- Drizzle olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Place one of the filled dough circles in the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crisp.
- Transfer the cooked flatbread to a baking sheet and brush with melted butter.
- Repeat with the second dough round.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serving:
- Allow the flatbreads to cool for a few minutes before slicing.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Tips:
- Feel free to use your favorite cheeses or add herbs or garlic to the cheese filling for additional flavor.
- If preferred, the flatbread can be fully cooked in the skillet without baking. Simply cover the skillet with a lid after flipping to ensure the cheese melts thoroughly.
- This cheesy flatbread pairs wonderfully with a fresh salad, tomato soup, or can be enjoyed as a stand-alone snack.
This sumptuous cheese-stuffed flatbread promises to tantalize your taste buds with its perfect blend of gooey cheese and crispy crust.