Indulge in the rich culinary heritage of Georgia with Shotis Puri, a beloved traditional bread that embodies centuries of cultural significance. Crafted with expertise and passion, Shotis Puri is characterized by its distinctive circular shape and golden-brown crust, achieved through a unique baking method in a circular clay oven called a tone. Made from simple ingredients like flour, water, salt, and yeast, this bread offers a delightful combination of chewy texture and subtle sweetness, perfect for pairing with savory dishes or enjoying on its own. Whether you're savoring it at a Georgian feast or discovering its flavors in your own kitchen, Shotis Puri promises a delicious journey into the heart of Georgian culinary tradition.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups warm water
• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt
• Cornmeal or flour, for dusting

Instructions:

Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, mix the warm water with the yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until the yeast activates and becomes frothy.

Prepare the Dough:

1- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.

2- Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and pour in the activated yeast mixture.

3- Gradually incorporate the flour into the yeast mixture, stirring until a dough forms.

Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead it for about 10-15 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment for this step.

First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for 1 to 1 ½ hours, or until it doubles in size.

Preheat the Oven: While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to its highest temperature. Traditionally, Shotis Puri is baked in a tone (clay oven), but you can use a pizza stone or a heavy baking sheet in your home oven.

Shape the Dough:

1- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles and transfer it to a lightly floured surface.

2- Divide the dough into two equal portions.

3- Shape each portion into a round, slightly flattened disk, about 1/2 inch thick.

Second Rise:

1- Sprinkle a baking sheet or pizza peel with cornmeal or flour to prevent sticking.

2- Transfer the shaped dough rounds onto the prepared surface and let them rise for another 15-20 minutes.

Bake the Bread:

1- Carefully transfer the risen dough rounds onto the preheated baking surface.

2- Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and puffed up.

3- Optionally, you can brush the surface of the bread with water during baking to create a crispy crust.

Serve:

1- Once baked, remove the Shotis Puri from the oven and let it cool slightly on a wire rack.

2- Serve warm, sliced or torn, alongside your favorite Georgian dishes or enjoy it on its own.

Enjoy the authentic taste of Georgia with freshly baked Shotis Puri!

Nutritional Values :

All-Purpose Flour (1 cup):

• Calories: 455 kcal
• Total Fat: 1.2 g
• Saturated Fat: 0.2 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Sodium: 1.6 mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 95 g
• Dietary Fiber: 3.4 g
• Sugars: 0.4 g
• Protein: 12.9 g

benefits

• Provides carbohydrates for energy
• Contains some protein for muscle repair and growth
• Contains small amounts of essential nutrients like iron and B vitamins

Water (1 cup):

• Calories: 0 kcal
• Total Fat: 0 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Sodium: 9 mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 0 g
• Dietary Fiber: 0 g
• Sugars: 0 g
• Protein: 0 g

benefits

• Essential for hydration and overall bodily function
• Helps regulate body temperature
• Aids in digestion and nutrient absorption

Active Dry Yeast (2 teaspoons):

• Calories: 12 kcal
• Total Fat: 0.2 g
• Sodium: 1.4 mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 2.5 g
• Dietary Fiber: 1.5 g
• Sugars: 0 g
• Protein: 2.6 g

benefits

• Acts as a leavening agent, helping the bread dough rise by producing carbon dioxide gas
• Adds a subtle fermentation flavor to the bread
• Contains small amounts of B vitamins and minerals like zinc and selenium

Salt (1 teaspoon):

• Calories: 0 kcal
• Total Fat: 0 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Sodium: 2325 mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 0 g
• Dietary Fiber: 0 g
• Sugars: 0 g
• Protein: 0 g

benefits

• Enhances flavor and helps balance sweetness
• Regulates yeast activity and fermentation
• Provides essential minerals like sodium and chloride, necessary for electrolyte balance and nerve function

These values are approximate and may vary based on specific brands and variations in ingredients. Additionally, the serving size may vary depending on personal preference and how the bread is sliced or portioned.