Banerov Hatz
A classic cheese-onion flatbread recipe from Musa Dagh
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients:
- 1 pkg. dry, active yeast
- 1 5-lb. bag all-purpose flour (sifted)
- ½ cup oil (olive oil or vegetable oil can be used)
- 1½ tsp. salt
- water - about 5 cups (Do not add water all at once!)
Cheese-Onion Topping Ingredients:
- 2 lbs. cottage cheese (small curd)
- 4-5 lbs. onions (finely chopped)
- 4 oz. blue cheese (crumbled)
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- ½ tsp. EACH of cumin, allspice, paprika
- 3 Tbsp. dried oregano (crushed)
- 3 Tbsp. red pepper paste (Sold in Middle Eastern stores. 3 Tbsp.Tomato paste mixed with 1/2 tsp. paprika can be substituted)
- ½ cup olive oil
Instructions
Directions for Dough Preparation:
- Dissolve yeast in ¼ cup lukewarm water.
- In large bowl combine sifted flour, oil, salt, dissolved yeast, and enough water to make a smooth dough. (The amount of water you use isn’t exact. There may be some trial-and error involved here.)
- Knead dough for 5 minutes. Place in a large bowl.
- Lightly oil the top of the dough. Cover, and let rise for 30 minutes to one hour.
- Punch down dough. Divide dough into 7 balls, keeping them covered until ready to use.
Topping Directions:
- Combine cottage cheese and the red pepper paste to achieve a reddish color.
- In a separate large bowl add onions, blue cheese, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, and seasonings, mixing well.
- Add the cottage cheese mixture and stir well to combine. Set aside until ready to use.
Assembling Directions:
- Lightly grease a large baking sheet with one-inch sides. Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Working with one ball of dough at a time, roll the dough into a rectangular shape large enough to fit into the baking sheet. Press dough with fingers to fit, if necessary.
- Spread some cheese filling on the dough to about 1/4-inch from the dough's edge.
- Bake until dough is golden brown on the bottom and around the edges (approx. 20 minutes).
- Continue this procedure until all 7 loaves are done.
- Cool each loaf completely on wire racks.
- To serve: cut into large squares (roughly 3“x3“).
- To store: completely cool, cut each loaf into squares. Wrap several squares in plastic wrap without stacking them, then place in freezer bags, and freeze. When ready to serve, defrost in the refrigerator, then heat in a 350°F oven until warm.
Notes
Short on time? Buy prepared pizza dough from your local grocery store! You'll need several packages, though.
The cheese filling can be made a day in advance.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!