Adjaruli Khachapuri (Georgian Cheese Bread Boat)
Experience the rich flavors of Georgian cuisine with this Adjaruli Khachapuri, a cheese-filled bread boat topped with a creamy egg.
Contents (2 sections)▾
Ingredients
- 250 g all-purpose flour
- 150 ml warm water
- 7 g active dry yeast
- 5 g salt
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 200 g sulguni cheese or mozzarella, shredded
- 50 g feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 large egg
- 30 g unsalted butter
Steps
In a bowl, combine warm water and yeast, letting it sit for 5 minutes until frothy. This activates the yeast for a better rise.
In a larger bowl, mix flour, salt, and olive oil. Add the yeast mixture and knead until a smooth dough forms, about 10 minutes.
Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Preheat your oven to 220°C (428°F).
Once risen, punch down the dough and divide it into two equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rope, then shape into a boat by twisting the ends and pinching them together.
Place shaped dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Fill each boat with a mix of sulguni and feta cheese.
Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, until the bread is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
Remove from the oven, crack an egg into the center of each khachapuri, add butter, and return to the oven for 3 minutes to set the egg.
Serve immediately, swirling the egg and butter into the molten cheese at the table for a delightful experience.
Why this works
The combination of sulguni cheese and feta creates a rich, creamy filling that melts beautifully during baking, enhancing the flavor profile of the khachapuri. The dough's structure, created by kneading, ensures it can hold the shape of a boat while baking, allowing for a perfect vessel for the cheesy filling. The high oven temperature encourages a beautifully crisp crust while keeping the inside soft. If the dough seems too sticky while shaping, add a little more flour to your hands to prevent it from tearing. The egg adds a luxurious texture and flavor once swirled into the cheese, making each bite indulgent. This dish's appeal lies in its interactive nature, where diners can mix the ingredients to their liking, enhancing the meal experience.
Safety note — the egg. Bake the cracked egg until set to your liking; for a fully cooked egg, or when serving anyone who should avoid undercooked egg, bake a few minutes longer until the yolk is firm, or use a pasteurized egg.