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.