KHACHAPURI: What it is, how to make it at home and where to try the real thing

SAMAIA’s recipes
Georgian Restaurant

If you like freshly baked bread and melted cheese, khachapuri is one of the most irresistible dishes in Georgian cuisine. Crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside and served fresh from the oven, it has become one of the most sought-after recipes for lovers of Caucasian gastronomy.

In this article we tell you what khachapuri is, its most famous varieties, how you can prepare it at home step by step and, of course, where to try the authentic traditional khachapuri at Samaia restaurant.

What is khachapuri

Khachapuri is a bread stuffed with cheese typical of Georgia. Its name comes from:

Khacho = cheese

Puri = bread

It is one of the most representative dishes of the country and is part of its cultural identity. In fact, each region has its own version and way of preparing it.

It is served hot and freshly baked, with the cheese melted and the dough fluffy. In some varieties egg and butter are added at the end, creating a creamy texture that is mixed by breaking the yolk before eating.

Most popular types of khachapuri

There are several versions, but these are the most popular:

Khachapuri Adjaruli (the most famous)

It is the most visual and the most requested in Georgian restaurants.

Characteristics:

  • Boat shape
  • Lots of melted cheese
  • Egg yolk in the center
  • Piece of butter when serving

It is eaten by breaking the egg and mixing it with the hot cheese, and using the edges of the bread for dipping.

Khachapuri Georgian dish

Khachapuri Megruli

Extra cheese on top.

Characteristics:

  • Round
  • Cheese inside and out
  • More intense and gratin
Khachapuri Megruli

Homemade khachapuri recipe step by step

If you want to try making it at home, this is an adapted version with easily available ingredients.

Ingredients for the dough

  • 500 g wheat flour
  • 250 ml of warm water
  • 7 g dry yeast
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Ingredients for the filling

Traditionally sulguni or imeruli cheese is used, but you can substitute:

  • Mozzarella
  • Feta cheese
  • Fresh cheese

Mix mozzarella + feta (very good result)

Quantities:

  • 350-400 g shredded or crumbled cheese
  • 1 egg per piece (optional Adjaruli style)
  • A little butter

Preparation

1️⃣ Activate the yeast
Mix the warm water with the yeast and sugar. Let stand for 10 minutes.

2️⃣ Make the dough
Add flour, salt and oil. Knead for 8-10 minutes until elastic.

3️⃣ Fermentation
Let stand covered for 1 hour until doubled in volume.

4️⃣ Form the base
Divide the dough and stretch it into an oval shape.

5️⃣ Add the cheese
Place the filling in the center and fold the edges into a boat shape.

6️⃣ Bake
Bake at 220 °C for 12-15 minutes.

7️⃣ Add egg (optional)
Remove from oven, add the egg in the center and bake again for 2-3 minutes.

8️⃣ Serve
Put a small piece of butter on top and serve immediately.

Khachapuri Adjaruli

Come and taste the khachapuri at Samaia restaurant.

Although making it at home is fun, the result changes a lot when it is prepared in the traditional way.

In Samaia we elaborate it:

  • With authentic Georgian recipe
  • Dough fermented to perfection
  • Professional high temperature oven
  • Blend of selected cheeses
  • Ready to use
  • Served fresh from the oven

The texture, aroma and creaminess are difficult to reproduce in a domestic oven.

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