Entree: Georgia – Imereti – იმერეთული ხაჭაპური ➤ Imeretuli Khachapuri (Soft leavened bread from Imereti stuffed with melted regional cheeses)

Serving Size: 4

Approximate Time

Prep 45 min

Cook 25 min

Additional 1 hr 15 min

Total 2 hrs 25 min

Ingredients

- 4 cups (500 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (240 ml) warm water (about 105–110°F / 40–43°C)
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) warm milk (about 105–110°F / 40–43°C)
- 2 tsp (7 g) active dry yeast
- 1 tsp (4 g) granulated sugar
- 1 tsp (6 g) fine salt
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) melted unsalted butter, plus 2 tbsp (30 g) butter for finishing
- 1 large egg (50 g), beaten for egg wash
- 16 oz (450 g) sulguni cheese, shredded (or a mix of sulguni and young salty cheese)
- 4 oz (115 g) farmer's cheese or fresh ricotta, crumbled (to add slight moisture and tang)
- 1/4 tsp (1 g) black pepper, freshly ground

Instructions

1. In a small bowl combine warm water, warm milk, sugar, and yeast; let rest 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. In a large bowl or stand mixer bowl, combine flour and salt. Add yeast mixture and melted butter; mix until a shaggy dough forms, then knead 8–10 minutes by hand or 6–8 minutes with a dough hook until smooth and elastic.
3. Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 to 1¼ hours.
4. While dough rises, mix shredded sulguni and farmer's cheese with black pepper in a bowl; press and squeeze excess moisture from cheeses with a towel so filling is not watery.
5. Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C) with a baking stone or sheet inside. Punch dough down and divide into 4 equal pieces; let rest 10 minutes.
6. On a lightly floured surface roll each piece into a 7–8 inch (18–20 cm) circle. Place 4 oz (about 110 g) cheese mixture in the center of each circle, bring edges up and pinch tightly to seal, forming a round parcel. Gently smooth seams to form a round loaf.
7. Place sealed loaves seam-side down on parchment on the hot baking sheet or stone. Brush with beaten egg. Bake 18–25 minutes until deep golden brown and sound hollow when tapped.
8. Remove from oven, immediately brush with 1/2 tbsp (7 g) melted butter per loaf, let rest 5 minutes, then serve warm so cheese is molten inside.