The Republic of Georgia sits in the Caucasus right at the threshold of Europe and Asia, and its regional and ethnic differences, diverse border cultures, and mountainous terrain have all led to a uniquely varied culinary tradition.  How better to enjoy the lunchtime game between Wales and Georgia with some Homemade Georgian Flatbread Stuffed with Lamb and Onions – also known as Kubdari. 

While this Georgian flatbread is occasionally referred to as “Svanetian khachapuri”, kubdari contains none of the gooey cheeses of its Imeruli and Acharuli cousins—their defining ingredients. Instead, the Svaneti Georgians traditionally fill their flatbreads with spices and chopped beef, goat, pork, or lamb. Our version uses ground lamb, seasoned with onions, coriander, and paprika. Feel free to swap the lamb out for any of the other meats, or a mix, if you prefer.

Georgian Flatbread Stuffed With Lamb and Onions (Kubdari)

For the dough

• Olive oil, for greasing
• 1 1/2 cups lukewarm water
• 4 1⁄2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp.  salt
• 2 tsp. sugar
• 3⁄4 tsp. dry instant yeast

For the filling

• 3 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
• 1⁄2 cup diced onion 
• 1 tbsp. ground coriander
• 2 tsp. paprika
• 700 g. ground lamb (lamb mince)
• 2 tsp. salt

Instructions

1. Make the dough: Lightly oil a large bowl with olive oil and set it aside. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, add the flour, 1 ½ cups of lukewarm water, the salt, sugar, and yeast. Mix on low speed until the dry ingredients are completely hydrated, 2-3 minutes. Increase the speed slightly and mix until a smooth, firm dough forms, 2-3 minutes. You can mix this with your hands aswell starting in a bowl and finishing off on a floured surface.
2. Transfer the dough to the oiled bowl and cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap. Set in a warm place until almost doubled in size, 50-60 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, make the filling: In a large frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until translucent and softened, 10-12 minutes. Stir in the coriander and paprika and cook until fragrant, 2-3 minutes. Add the lamb and cooking, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through, 8-10 minutes. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Spread the mixture out onto a large platter or baking sheet and let cool completely.
4. Divide the dough into five equal pieces. Loosely shape each into a ball and cover with a clean towel to prevent from drying out.
5. On a very lightly floured work surface using a rolling pin, roll out one ball of dough into a 25 cm round. Place a generous half cup of the cooled lamb filling into the center of the round, then fold and stretch the edges up to meet at the center. Pleat and pinch the dough to create a tidy center knot. Press the bundle down gently and carefully roll it down to an even, 15 cm disk. Pop any pockets of trapped air with a skewer or the tip of a sharp knife and set the kubdari back under the towel. Repeat with the remaining 4 disks and the rest of the filling.
6. Heat a large griddle or cast iron frying pan over medium-high heat until hot. Add as many kubdari as will fit in a single layer without crowding or overlapping. Cook on one side until the breads are well browned and lightly charred in some places, 3-4 minutes. Using a wide spatula, turn and repeat on the remaining side.
7. Serve immediately, or remove the breads to a baking sheet and cover with a dry towel as you repeat with the remaining breads.