Churek

Churek Recipe: A Vegetarian Dish from Abkhazia with Dry Active Yeast and Honey

Region / culture: Abkhazia | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 10 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Churek is a traditional Central Asian bread that is soft, spongy, and slightly sweet. It is often enjoyed with tea or as a snack on its own. In this recipe, we will show you how to make this delicious bread at home.

History

Churek has been a staple in Central Asian cuisine for centuries. It is believed to have originated in Uzbekistan and has since spread to other countries in the region. The bread is typically made for special occasions and celebrations, and is a symbol of hospitality and warmth.

Ingredients

1 package of dry active yeast
1 tbsp of honey
2.25 cups of lukewarm water (110 to 115°F (46°C))
6 cups of all-purpose flour
0.25 lb (113 g) of unsalted butter, melted
1 tbsp of salt
2 tbsp of white sesame seeds

How to prepare

Sprinkle the yeast and 1 tsp of sugar into 0.25 cup of lukewarm water in a small, shallow bowl. Let it stand for 2 or 3 minutes, then stir to dissolve the yeast completely. Set the bowl aside in a warm, draft-free spot (such as an unlighted oven) for about 5 to 10 minutes, or until the mixture almost doubles in volume.
Pour the flour into a large mixing bowl and make a well in the center.
Pour in the yeast mixture, remaining water, melted butter, honey, and salt. With a large spoon, beat the flour into the liquid ingredients, continuing to beat for as long as 10 minutes, or until a soft, spongy dough is formed.
Cover loosely with a kitchen towel and set aside in a warm, draft-free spot until the mixture doubles in volume.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
Place the dough on a lightly floured surface and divide it into 10 equal parts. Roll out each part as thinly as possible into circles, then place 2 or 3 circles on a cookie sheet.
Sprinkle lightly with cold water and a few sesame seeds, then set the cookie sheet on the floor of the oven.
Bake for about 20 minutes, or until the bread is pale golden brown. Transfer the breads with a wide spatula to a wire rack and bake the remaining rounds similarly.
The bread will keep several days at room temperature if wrapped securely in foil.

Variations

You can add raisins, nuts, or seeds to the dough for added flavor and texture. You can also brush the bread with egg wash before baking for a shiny crust.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure the water you use to activate the yeast is at the right temperature (110 to 115°F) to ensure the yeast activates properly.

- Knead the dough well to develop gluten and create a soft, spongy texture.

- Sprinkling sesame seeds on top of the bread before baking adds a nutty flavor and a crunchy texture.

Serving Suggestions

Churek can be enjoyed on its own, with butter, jam, or cheese. It is also delicious when served with tea or coffee.

Cooking Techniques

Kneading the dough well and allowing it to rise properly are key steps in making soft and spongy Churek.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use whole wheat flour or a mix of whole wheat and all-purpose flour for a healthier version of Churek. You can also use olive oil instead of butter.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight. Allow it to come to room temperature before shaping and baking.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Churek on a platter with fresh herbs, olives, and cheese for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Churek pairs well with soups, stews, and grilled meats. It is also delicious with hummus, tzatziki, or baba ganoush.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Churek in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, wrap the bread in foil and warm in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Churek contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Churek contains approximately 30g of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Churek contains approximately 5g of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Churek contains approximately 6g of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Churek is a good source of iron, magnesium, and B vitamins.

Alergens

Churek contains gluten and dairy.

Summary

Churek is a delicious bread that is rich in carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious addition to your diet.

Summary

Churek is a delicious and versatile bread that is easy to make at home. With a soft, spongy texture and a slightly sweet flavor, it is perfect for any occasion. Enjoy this Central Asian delicacy with your favorite spreads or as a snack on its own.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is etched in my memory forever. It was a warm summer day, and I was rummaging through an old box of my grandmother's belongings in the attic. As I sifted through yellowed papers and faded photographs, my eyes landed on a worn, tattered recipe card. The handwriting was elegant yet slightly faded, and the title at the top read "Churek - Traditional Armenian Sweet Bread."

I felt a surge of excitement as I realized what I had stumbled upon. Churek was a delicacy that my grandmother used to make when I was a child, a sweet bread that was always a hit at family gatherings. I had always loved the taste of the soft, slightly sweet bread, but I had never learned how to make it myself.

As I carefully studied the recipe card, memories flooded back to me of my grandmother's kitchen, the warm aroma of freshly baked bread filling the air. I could almost hear her laughter and feel her gentle touch as she taught me the art of baking.

The recipe itself was simple yet intricate, a combination of flour, sugar, yeast, and eggs, along with a touch of orange zest and mahlab, a spice commonly used in Armenian baking. The instructions were clear, but I knew that the key to making the perfect Churek lay in the technique, in the subtle nuances that my grandmother had passed down to me through years of baking together.

I wasted no time in gathering the ingredients and setting to work in my own kitchen. As I mixed the dough and kneaded it to perfection, I could almost hear my grandmother's voice guiding me, her hands gently shaping the bread just so. I let the dough rise, the sweet aroma filling the room, and I felt a sense of peace and contentment wash over me.

As the Churek baked in the oven, I watched with bated breath, the anticipation almost unbearable. When it emerged golden brown and fragrant, I knew that I had succeeded. I had recreated a piece of my childhood, a taste of home that brought back memories of love and warmth.

I shared the Churek with my family, watching as their faces lit up with joy and nostalgia. They praised my baking skills, but I knew that it was not just about the bread itself. It was about the connection to my heritage, to my grandmother and the traditions that she had passed down to me.

From that moment on, Churek became a staple in my kitchen, a recipe that I would make time and time again, each batch a tribute to my grandmother and the love that she had poured into every loaf. And as I continued to bake and share the sweet bread with those I loved, I knew that her spirit lived on in every bite, in every moment of joy and connection that it brought.

As I sit here now, reflecting on that fateful day in the attic, I am filled with gratitude for the gift that my grandmother gave me, the gift of her recipes and the memories that they hold. And as I continue to bake and pass down these traditions to future generations, I know that her legacy will live on, one loaf of Churek at a time.