Khachapuri Acharuli (Adjaruli Georgian Cheese Boat)

Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp instant yeast
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup warm water
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 12 oz sulguni cheese, shredded (or fresh mozzarella)
• 6 oz imeruli-style cheese, crumbled (or feta)
• 4 large eggs
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, cut into pats

Before you cook

• In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt.
• Make a well in the center and pour in the warm water and olive oil.
• Mix with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough comes together.
• Turn the dough onto a floured counter and knead for about 8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
• Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, until doubled.
• Mix the shredded and crumbled cheeses together in a bowl.
• Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 4 equal pieces.
• Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C) with a baking sheet or pizza stone inside.

Steps

1. On a floured surface, roll one piece of dough into an oval about 10 inches long.
2. Spread a quarter of the cheese mixture down the center of the oval, leaving a border on all sides.
3. Roll the two long edges of the dough tightly inward toward the center, leaving a strip of cheese exposed down the middle.
4. Pinch and twist the pointed ends together firmly to seal, shaping a boat.
5. Transfer the shaped boat onto a piece of parchment paper.
6. Repeat shaping the remaining three boats.
7. Slide the boats, still on parchment, onto the hot baking sheet or stone.
8. Bake for about 10 minutes, until the dough is set and lightly golden but the center cheese is still pale.
9. Remove the baking sheet from the oven.
10. Crack one egg into the open center of each boat.
11. Return the boats to the oven.
12. Bake for another 3 to 4 minutes, just until the egg white is barely set and the yolk stays runny.
13. Remove the khachapuri from the oven and immediately press a pat of butter into each one.
14. Serve immediately, telling diners to stir the egg and butter into the melted cheese with torn bread before eating.