Khachapuri

Name: Khachapuri
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 6 servings.
Cuisine: Europe, Russian
Ingredients: 3-1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast; 3/4 cup warm whole milk (110° to 115°); 6 tablespoons butter, melted; 2 tablespoons honey; 2 to 2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon ground coriander; FILLING:; 1 large egg, lightly beaten; 12 ounces brick cheese, shredded

TOTAL TIME: Prep: 30 min. + rising Bake: 30 min. YIELD: 6 servings.

While in Russia, where we adopted our two children, my husband and I discovered these marvelous cheese pies. The traditional pastries, named khachapuri, can be served with a salad for a celebratory supper or shaped into bite-sized hors d’oeuvres. —Rachel Sauder, Tremont, Illinois

Ingredients

3-1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast
3/4 cup warm whole milk (110° to 115°)
6 tablespoons butter, melted
2 tablespoons honey
2 to 2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground coriander
FILLING:
1 large egg, lightly beaten
12 ounces brick cheese, shredded

Directions

1. In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm milk. Stir in butter and honey. In another bowl, combine 1-3/4 cups flour, salt and coriander; gradually add to yeast mixture, beating until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough.
2. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
3. Punch dough down. Let rise until doubled, about 30 minutes. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; divide into six balls. Roll each into a 6-1/2-in. circle.
4. In a small bowl, combine egg and cheese. Mound about 1/2 cup cheese mixture in the center of each circle. Fold dough over filling, gathering and twisting into a knot to seal. Place on an ungreased baking sheet. Let stand for 10 minutes. Bake at 375° for 30-35 minutes or until lightly browned. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts

1 roll: 511 calories, 30g fat (18g saturated fat), 128mg cholesterol, 820mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 2g fiber), 21g protein.