Khachapuri

Discover the enchanting flavors of Khachapuri, a delightful Russian cheese-filled pastry that captivated Rachel Sauder and her husband during their time in Russia while adopting their two children. A treasured find, these marvelous cheese pies have become a beloved part of their culinary repertoire. Khachapuri, a traditional delicacy, can be savored as a celebratory supper alongside a refreshing salad or transformed into delectable bite-sized hors d’oeuvres for a delightful treat during gatherings.

INGREDIENTS:

• 3½ teaspoons active dry yeast
• ¾ cup warm milk (110° to 115°)
• 6 tablespoons butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 to 2½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground coriander

FILLING:

• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 12 ounces brick cheese, shredded

PREPARATIONS:

1. Dissolve yeast in warm milk in a large bowl. Stir in melted butter and honey.
2. In a separate bowl, combine 1¾ cups flour, salt, and ground coriander. Gradually add this mixture to the yeast mixture, beating until the dough becomes smooth.
3. Stir in enough remaining flour to create a soft dough.
4. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface until smooth and elastic, approximately 6-8 minutes.
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, turning it once to grease the top. Cover and let it rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
6. Punch the dough down and let it rise again until doubled, about 30 minutes.
7. Divide the dough into six balls on a lightly floured surface and roll each into a 6½-inch circle.
8. In a small bowl, combine the beaten egg and shredded cheese. Mound approximately ½ cup of the cheese mixture in the center of each dough circle.
9. Fold the dough over the filling and gather and twist it into a knot to seal. Place the prepared pastries on an ungreased baking sheet and let them stand for 10 minutes before baking.
10. Bake the Khachapuri at 375° for 30-35 minutes or until they are lightly browned. Serve immediately and enjoy the delectable flavors.

YIELD: 6 servings

PREP/TOTAL TIME: 30 minutes + rising time; 30 minutes bake time

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:

• For an authentic touch, use Bryndtza cheese in the filling. If unavailable, shredded brick or Muenster cheese can be delightful substitutes.
• Experiment with the shape of the pastries; they can be crafted as ovals with knobby ends, resembling calzones or even pizzas.

TIPS:

• Serve the freshly baked Khachapuri warm to fully relish the gooey, cheesy goodness.
• Explore different cheese combinations to create personalized variations of this delightful pastry.

Khachapuri, a Russian cheese-filled pastry, stands as a testament to the allure of regional culinary discoveries. Rachel Sauder’s delightful encounter with this culinary treasure during her time in Russia led to the adoption of these marvelous cheese pies into her family’s repertoire. The versatility of Khachapuri makes it a delightful choice for celebratory suppers alongside a fresh salad or as charming bite-sized hors d’oeuvres during joyous gatherings.

Crafting these flavorful pastries involves a combination of warm milk, butter, and honey, creating a luscious base for the dough. The addition of ground coriander brings an aromatic touch that elevates the overall experience. The dough is kneaded to perfection and allowed to rise, resulting in a soft and elastic texture that encapsulates the delightful cheese filling.

The unique combination of beaten egg and shredded cheese creates a delectable filling, perfect for those who savor the joy of gooey, cheesy goodness. While authentic Khachapuri utilizes Bryndtza cheese, the convenience of using shredded brick or Muenster cheese makes this dish accessible to all.

The final step involves folding and twisting the dough into charming knots, creating visual appeal and locking in the delightful flavors. Baking the pastries to a delightful golden brown hue ensures a satisfying crunch on the outside while the inside remains a delightful cheesy surprise.

Khachapuri not only celebrates the culinary heritage of Russia but also provides a canvas for culinary exploration. The possibility of experimenting with various cheese combinations allows enthusiasts to create personalized variations of this beloved pastry.

In conclusion, Khachapuri is a delightful addition to any culinary repertoire, evoking the warmth and flavors of Russian traditions. Whether served as a main course or a delectable appetizer, these cheese-filled pastries are sure to captivate the taste buds and hearts of all who savor them.