Embark on a culinary journey through the rich and diverse Azerbaijani cuisine with our featured recipe: Achma. Hailing from the heart of Azerbaijan, Achma is a delectable pastry that not only delights the taste buds but also showcases the country's culinary artistry. This layered masterpiece, with its buttery, flaky crust and a filling that blends a perfect harmony of cheeses, promises to transport you to the vibrant streets of Baku.

Achma, also known as Azerbaijani cheese khachapuri, is a savory pastry that holds a special place in Azerbaijani households and festive gatherings. The layers of dough are meticulously folded, creating a tempting display that mirrors the country's rich cultural tapestry. Join us as we unravel the secrets behind crafting this indulgent delight and discover the flavors that have made Achma a beloved dish in Azerbaijani kitchens. Prepare to be enchanted by the aroma, taste, and tradition that this culinary gem brings to your table.

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup warm milk
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast

For the Filling:

• 2 cups feta cheese, crumbled
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 cup cottage cheese
• 3 eggs
• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Prepare the Dough: a. In a bowl, dissolve the sugar in warm milk. Sprinkle yeast over the mixture and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. b. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and melted butter. c. Knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until it doubles in size.

Make the Filling: a. In a separate bowl, mix together feta cheese, mozzarella cheese, cottage cheese, eggs, Greek yogurt, and melted butter. b. Season the filling with salt and pepper according to your taste. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.

Assemble the Achma: a. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). b. Once the dough has risen, divide it into two equal portions. Roll out each portion into a thin rectangle on a floured surface. c. Spread a generous amount of the cheese filling evenly over one of the rectangles, leaving a small border around the edges. d. Carefully place the second rectangle of dough on top and press the edges to seal. You should now have a layered pastry with the cheese filling inside. e. Use a sharp knife to make diagonal cuts across the surface, creating diamond-shaped pieces.

Bake and Enjoy: a. Transfer the assembled Achma onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. b. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the cheese filling is bubbly. c. Allow the Achma to cool for a few minutes before slicing along the pre-made lines. d. Serve warm and savor the delightful layers of flavor in this Azerbaijani culinary masterpiece.

Indulge in the rich, cheesy goodness of Achma, and experience the authentic taste of Azerbaijan right in your own home!

Nutritional Values:

Providing precise nutritional values can be challenging without specific brands and variations of ingredients. However, I can offer you approximate values based on standard nutritional information. Keep in mind that these values may vary based on the actual products you use:

Nutritional Values (Approximate) for Individual Ingredients:

All-purpose flour (1 cup):

• Calories: 455
• Protein: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 95g
• Fat: 1g
• Fiber: 3g

benefits:

• Source of carbohydrates for energy.
• Contains some protein and fiber.

Warm milk (1 cup):

• Calories: 150
• Protein: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fat: 8g
• Calcium: 276mg

benefits:

• Good source of protein and calcium for bone health.
• Provides essential vitamins, including vitamin D.

Unsalted butter, melted (1/2 cup):

• Calories: 814
• Fat: 92g
• Saturated Fat: 58g
• Cholesterol: 244mg

benefits:

• Rich in healthy fats for energy.
• Contains fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K.

Sugar (1 tablespoon):

• Calories: 49
• Carbohydrates: 12g

benefits:

• Quick source of energy.
• Adds sweetness to the recipe.

Salt (1 teaspoon):

• Sodium: 2,325mg

benefits:

• Enhances flavor.
• Important for maintaining electrolyte balance in the body.

Active dry yeast (2 teaspoons):

• Calories: 8
• Protein: 2g
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fat: 0g

benefits:

• Leavening agent that helps the dough rise.
• Contains B-vitamins and protein.

Feta cheese, crumbled (1 cup):

• Calories: 396
• Protein: 21g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fat: 32g
• Calcium: 739mg

benefits:

• Good source of protein and calcium.
• Provides healthy fats.

Mozzarella cheese, shredded (1 cup):

• Calories: 336
• Protein: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fat: 27g
• Calcium: 505mg

benefits:

• Adds a creamy texture to the dish.
• Good source of protein and calcium.

Cottage cheese (1 cup):

• Calories: 220
• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fat: 8g
• Calcium: 138mg

benefits:

• High in protein, aiding muscle repair and growth.
• Contains beneficial probiotics.

Eggs (3 large):

• Calories: 210
• Protein: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 1.5g
• Fat: 15g

benefits:

• Excellent source of high-quality protein.
• Rich in vitamins like B12 and D.

Plain Greek yogurt (1/2 cup):

• Calories: 59
• Protein: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 3g
• Fat: 0g

benefits:

• Adds creaminess and tanginess.
• High in protein and probiotics for gut health.

Unsalted butter, melted (1/4 cup):

• Calories: 407
• Fat: 46g
• Saturated Fat: 29g
• Cholesterol: 122mg

benefits:

• Enhances the richness and flavor of the dish.
• Contains healthy fats.

Salt and pepper:

• Negligible caloric value

benefits:

• Enhance overall flavor.
• Provide a balanced taste to the dish.

These values provide a general idea of the nutritional content of the individual ingredients. Please note that the total nutritional values for the entire recipe will depend on the specific quantities used and the serving size. Adjustments can be made based on dietary preferences and requirements.