Khabizgina (Ossetian Cheese and Potato Bread)

Khabizgina (ხაბიზგინა, Cheese and Potato Bread) recipe for #EattheWorld Georgia! This Ossetian Khachapuri is stuffed with mashed potatoes and two types of cheese.

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#EattheWorld

It is time again for the #EattheWorld Recipe Challenge created by Evelyne of Culture Eatz! Each month we are assigned a different country (check out some of my previous posts for Ireland, Kenya, Sweden, and Argentina) as inspiration and post on the 10th. This month, we are celebrating Georgia and I made Khabizgina (ხაბიზგინა) for the event.

Khabizgina (ხაბიზგინა, Ossetian Cheese and Potato Bread)

Khabizgina is a type of Khachapuri (cheese-filled bread) from South Ossetia (Tskhinvali Region) high in the Caucasus Mountains. Adapted from a recipe in Tasting Georgia, the yeast-based bread is formed into a circle and filled with grated potatoes, butter, and a mixture of sheep’s and cow’s cheese (I used a combination of feta and mozzarella). Other fillings may include herbs or cabbage.

After mixing the ingredients together and kneading, the soft dough is allowed to rise in a warm spot for about 1 1/2 hours. During this time, you can prep the filling by boiling, peeling, and grating the potatoes before mixing with melted butter, and the cheese.

Check out what everyone else made for the event:

Check out all the wonderful Georgian dishes prepared by fellow Eat the World members and share with #eattheworld. Click here to find out how to join and have fun exploring a country a month in the kitchen with us!

Bernice: Fresh Herb Walnut Tomato Cucumber Salad
Camilla: A Georgian Salad Duo: Ispanakhis Pkhali and Charkhlis Mkhali
Tara: Khabizgina (Ossetian Cheese and Potato Bread)
Juli: Satsivi – Georgian Walnut Turkey
Evelyne: Georgian Ajika Dry Spice Paste
Amy: Georgian Chicken Stew with Tomatoes and Herbs [Chakhokhbili]
Margaret: Charkhlis Chogi (Georgian Beets with Sour Cherry Sauce)
Amy: Lobiani (Georgian Bean-Stuffed Bread) #EattheWorld
Wendy: Khinkali (Georgian Dumplings)
Simply Inspired Meals: Fruit Leather aka Tklapi

Khabizgina (ხაბიზგინა, Ossetian Cheese and Potato Bread) Recipe

Adapted from Tasting Georgia

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Khabizgina (Ossetian Cheese and Potato Bread)

Course Side Dish

Cuisine Georgian

Keyword bread, cheese, Georgia, Georgian, khabizgina, potato

Prep Time 45 minutes

Cook Time 40 minutes

Resting Time 1 hour 30 minutes

Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes

Servings 1 Khabizgina

Ingredients

Bread:

• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) milk lukewarm at 105-115˚F
• 1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
• 1/3 cup (80 milliliters) yogurt room temperature
• 1 large egg room temperature
• 1 tablespoon sour cream room temperature
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon (200 grams) bread flour

Filling:

• 9 ounces (260 grams) potatoes
• 2 tablespoons (30 grams) butter melted
• 4 ounces (113 grams) feta cheese crumbled
• 4 ounces (113 grams) mozzarella cheese shredded
• 1/2 teaspoon salt to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper

Topping:

• 1 egg beaten, for brushing
• 1 tablespoon butter for brushing after baking

Instructions

To make the bread:

• In a small bowl, combine the milk, sugar, and yeast. Allow to rest for 10 minutes, until frothy.
• In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough attachment or a large bowl, combine the yeast mixture with the yogurt, egg, sour cream, salt, and bread flour to create a smooth and slightly sticky dough. 
• On a lightly floured surface, knead the dough to form a smooth and elastic ball, about 4-5 minutes. Transfer to a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat, and cover. Allow to rest in a warm spot for 75-90 minutes, until puffed. 

To make the filling:

• Place the unpeeled potatoes in a pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil, add salt, and reduce heat to medium low and cover. Cook until the potatoes are tender. Drain and allow to cool enough to handle.
• Peel the potatoes and grate or mash into a mixing bowl. Fold in the melted butter, feta, and mozzarella (don't overmix). Season to taste with salt and pepper. 

To assemble:

• Preheat oven to 400˚F (200˚C). Place a pizza stone or large round baking sheet on the center rack of the oven. 
• On a lightly floured surface, roll the risen dough into a large, thin circle. Place the filling in the center, spreading it out into a flat layer, leaving a large border around the edges.
• Fold the edges in towards the center and seal the edges well to completely cover the filling. Flip the bread over, seam-side down, and gently pat or roll to create a smooth, stretched circle with the filling sealed inside. 
• Pierce the top of the bread all over with a fork and brush with the beaten egg. 
• Transfer to the stone or hot pan in the preheated oven and bake until golden, 30-40 minutes. The bread may puff, but will settle back down when removed from the oven.
• Immediately brush the top with butter. Cut into wedges and serve hot.