Cookbook | Recipes | Ingredients | Cuisines

The people of the Republic of Georgia enjoy many diverse and distinct foods. Here are some favorites, made with ingredients that may not be identical to those used in Georgia, but are readily available in US grocery stores.

Khachapuri (Made with common ingredients)

Dough: 1/2 c. warm water 1 packet (1/4 oz) dry, active yeast 1 TBSP sugar 3 eggs 2 cups flour, plus more to dust counter top, hands, etc.

Filling: 3 eggs 8 oz feta cheese 12 oz smoked provolone cheese 2 oz grated Parmesan cheese

Add sugar to warm water in a large bowl. Add yeast. Wait 5 minutes. Add eggs. Add 2 cups flour and salt. Mix with fork until dough becomes too stiff. Then knead with hands until smooth, approximately five minutes, on floured surface. Add flour as needed if dough sticks to your hands. Let dough rise in greased bowl for 30 minutes in a warm place or until doubled in size. Punch down dough. Let it rise again.

While dough is rising, mix ingredients for filling in separate bowl. Cheese should be grated or cut into small pieces.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

When dough is ready, divide in half. With a rolling pin, flatten dough until it is the size and shape of your cookie sheet. Carefully lay flattened dough on greased cookie sheet. Cover dough with cheese filling prepared as above, spreading evenly to within half an inch of the edge of dough. Roll out the remaining dough to the same size as shape. Cover cheese filling with second layer of dough. Moisten the edges of the dough with water and press to seal.

Bake at 350 degrees F for 10 minutes. Butter the top layer of dough liberally. Return Khachapuri to oven and continue cooking until dough is golden brown.

Cut with a pizza cutter or knife. Khachapuri is delicious hot, cold, or reheated in the microwave!

Note: In Georgia, Khachapuri is often made with homemade cheese. If you're feeling ambitious, find a simple cheese recipe and give it a shot! Also, if you would prefer not to make your own dough, a refrigerated tube of French bread dough (e.g. Pillsbury) work nicely as well.