Khachapuri Megrelian

There are many varieties of khachapuri. Previously, we prepared khachapuri Adjarian, and today we will prepare khachapuri Megrelian – this is a flatbread with a double filling of ‘Suluguni’ cheese. It is very easy to prepare, as we only need to make the dough and combine it with the cheese filling. For variety, the dish can even be cooked in a frying pan, but today we will work with the classic recipe.

History

The history of khachapuri Megrelian goes back centuries. This dish was traditionally prepared and served at holidays and special family events in Mingrelia. It held special significance in the local culture and was a symbol of hospitality and warmth of the Georgian people. Over time, the dish became widely known and popular throughout Georgia and then beyond its borders.

Caloric content: 269 kcal per 100 grams of the dish.

Cooking time: 180 minutes.

Serves: 3.

Cuisine: Georgian.

Ingredients

• 330 g of flour;
• 100 ml of water;
• 80 ml of milk;
• 1 tsp of sugar;
• 1 chicken egg yolk;
• 8 g of dry yeast;
• 1 tsp of salt;
• 30 g of butter;
• 300 g of ‘Suluguni’ cheese.

Preparation

1. Heat the water to about 30-40 degrees Celsius and add the yeast with sugar – this is the starter for the future dough. Leave it in a warm place for 15 minutes, covering the container with plastic wrap.

2. When a ‘cap’ appears on the surface of the starter, you can start kneading the dough. Pour in the warm milk, gradually sift the flour, and add salt. While the dough is liquid, we mix it with a fork, and as it thickens, we knead it on the table. Place the dough in a bowl and let it sit in a warm place for 1.5–2 hours. Don’t forget to cover the bowl with plastic wrap so the top of the dough doesn’t dry out.

3. Traditionally, this recipe uses Suluguni; you can try making Megrelian khachapuri with another type of cheese. Grate the Suluguni using a grater with large holes.

4. Punch down the risen dough and divide it in half. Roll out a thin layer of dough about 3-4 mm thick.

5. In the center of the rolled-out dough, place a quarter of the grated cheese. Grate a little hard butter on the cheese, which will give tenderness to the filling. If you are a fan of greens, you can mix the cheese with green onions, cilantro, or parsley.

6. Gather the edges of the dough together, forming the shape of khinkali, and pinch them at the top. Try to connect the edges tightly so that the dough does not fall apart.

7. Flip the dough over with the pinched side down and roll it out into a flat shape. To release air from the filling, make a small hole in the center of the khachapuri. Transfer the dough to parchment paper. If you are afraid of tearing the dough, you can roll it out directly on the parchment.

8. Brush the khachapuri with raw egg yolk on top and generously sprinkle with cheese. Place the parchment with the khachapuri on a hot baking sheet. Bake the cheese pie at 200 degrees for 15-20 minutes, watching for a golden color.

9. Similarly, assemble the second Megrelian khachapuri. After baking, brush the pies with butter. Enjoy your meal!

How to serve

Megrelian khachapuri is traditionally served hot. You can cut it into portions and serve it at the table. The baked dish can be enjoyed on its own or in combination with various Georgian sauces and salads.

Cooking tips

• When choosing cheese for the filling, prefer varieties with a high fat content and soft texture. This will help achieve the perfect consistency of the filling and give the dish a rich flavor.
• Knead the dough thoroughly. Spend enough time and attention to make the dough soft and elastic. Well-kneaded dough will help achieve the perfect structure of the pie.
• If you do not have access to Georgian cheeses, you can use cheeses with a similar texture and flavor.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can Georgian cheeses be substituted in the recipe? Yes, you can use cheeses with a similar texture and flavor if Georgian cheeses are not available for you.

2. Can Megrelian khachapuri be frozen? Yes, you can freeze it and reheat it before serving.

3. What filling can be added? The main filling is cheese, but you can also add greens, onions, or spices to your taste.

4. What can khachapuri megrelian be served with? Khachapuri megrelian goes well with Georgian sauces, fresh vegetables, or salads.