Dive into the rich culinary heritage of Georgia with our Kubdari, a delectable meat-filled bread that encapsulates the essence of Georgian cuisine. Crafted with tender minced meat, aromatic spices, and encased in a golden, fluffy dough, each bite offers a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Whether enjoyed as a hearty snack or a fulfilling meal, Kubdari embodies the warmth and tradition of Georgian cooking, making it a must-try for culinary adventurers and food enthusiasts alike.

Ingredients:

For the dough:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup warm water
• 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil

For the filling:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef or lamb
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Instructions:

1- Prepare the dough: In a small bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy.

2- In a large mixing bowl, sift the flour and salt together. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and vegetable oil. Mix until a dough forms.

3- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.

4- While the dough is rising, prepare the filling: In a skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.

5- Add the ground meat to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.

6- Stir in the tomato paste, ground coriander, ground cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 5-7 minutes, until the flavors meld together. Remove from heat and let the filling cool slightly.

7- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

8- Punch down the risen dough and divide it into equal-sized balls, about the size of a tennis ball.

9- Roll out each ball of dough into a circle, about 1/4 inch thick.

10- Place a spoonful of the meat filling in the center of each dough circle. Fold the edges of the dough over the filling, pinching them together to seal and form a bun-like shape.

11- Place the filled bread on the prepared baking sheet and brush the tops with a little vegetable oil.

12- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and cooked through.

13- Serve the Georgia Kubdari warm, either as a snack or a main dish, and enjoy the delicious flavors of Georgian cuisine!

Nutritional Values :

For the dough (per serving, assuming 8 servings):

• Calories: 290
• Total Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 292mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 47g
• Dietary Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 1g
• Protein: 7g

benefits

• All-purpose flour: Provides carbohydrates for energy and contains some protein and dietary fiber.
• Warm water: Helps activate the yeast and aids in the formation of gluten in the dough.
• Active dry yeast: Acts as a leavening agent, causing the dough to rise and become light and fluffy.
• Sugar: Provides food for the yeast to ferment and produce carbon dioxide gas, which helps the dough rise.
• Salt: Enhances the flavor of the dough and regulates yeast activity.
• Vegetable oil: Adds moisture to the dough, resulting in a softer texture and richer flavor.

For the filling (per serving, assuming 8 servings):

• Calories: 150
• Total Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Cholesterol: 30mg
• Sodium: 180mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 3g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 1g
• Protein: 12g

benefits

• Ground beef or lamb: Excellent source of protein, iron, zinc, and B vitamins.
• Onion: Rich in antioxidants, vitamins C and B6, and fiber. Adds flavor and aroma to the filling.
• Garlic: Contains allicin, a compound with antimicrobial properties, as well as antioxidants and immune-boosting nutrients.
• Tomato paste: Adds depth of flavor, richness, and acidity to the filling.
• Ground coriander: Adds a warm, citrusy flavor and contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Ground cumin: Provides a distinctive earthy flavor and is rich in iron, manganese, and antioxidants.
• Paprika: Adds color and a mild, sweet flavor, and contains vitamin C, vitamin A, and capsaicin, which may have health benefits.
• Salt and pepper: Enhance the overall flavor of the filling.

Keep in mind that these values are approximate and may vary based on factors such as specific brands of ingredients and portion sizes. Additionally, these values do not include any additional oil used for brushing or any other accompaniments that may be served with the Kubdari.