Kitchen

Adjarian Khachapuri with Chickpeas

This version of Adjarian khachapuri keeps all the things we love about the original — the rich, cheesy filling, the golden egg in the center, and that signature boat-shaped crust — but adds something a little unexpected: chickpeas. They bring a subtle nuttiness and a bit of heartiness that balances the richness of the …

It’s a small twist that makes the dish feel just a bit more substantial, and surprisingly satisfying. Perfect for brunch, lunch, or even a cozy dinner, this khachapuri is both comforting and fun to make. The dough is simple and soft, and shaping the boats feels just a little bit special.

Serve it warm, straight from the oven, with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and your favorite dipping sauce — though honestly, it’s so good it doesn’t need much else. Enjoy the full recipe below!

Ingredients

500 g all-purpose flour
10 g dry yeast 1 packet
2 tsp sugar
20 ml olive oil
350 ml warm water
200 g cooked chickpeas (or canned)
4 eggs
400 g shredded cheese (mozzarella or a mix of mozzarella and cheddar)
1 egg for egg wash
fresh herbs for garnish (parsley, dill, green onions, fresh thyme, etc.)

Activate the yeast

In a bowl, dissolve the dry yeast and sugar in the warm water. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until it begins to foam.

Make the dough

Pour the yeast mixture over the flour, add salt and olive oil, and knead the dough until smooth and elastic (this takes about 8–10 minutes if you knead by hand or 5 if using a dough hook).Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size (about 1 hour).

Shape the boats

Once the dough has risen, divide it into 4 equal portions and roll each portion into a long strip.
Place the dough strips on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper (you can bake 2 at a time on a standard baking sheet).
Spread a generous layer of shredded cheese over each dough strip.
Fold the long edges inwards and pinch the ends together to create a boat shape.

Fill and garnish

Crack an egg into the center of each boat. Scatter cooked chickpeas around the egg.
Brush the folded edges of the dough with a beaten egg and sprinkle with chopped fresh herbs.
Bake at 220°C (430°F) for 15-20 minutes, or until the dough has risen and turned golden, and the eggs are fully cooked.
Enjoy your Khachapuri warm, served with your favorite sauce or a simple salad.