Cheese-Stuffed Kefir Flatbreads (Skillet)

Cooking method

1. Step 1:

   

   How do you make cheese-stuffed kefir flatbreads? Measure out your ingredients. Take the kefir out ahead of time so it comes to room temperature.

2. Step 2:

   

   Sift the flour into a wide bowl to aerate it. The flatbreads will be softer and the dough more uniform.

3. Step 3:

   

   Combine the flour with the baking soda. Mix well so the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.

4. Step 4:

   

   In a roomy bowl, stir the salt into the kefir.

5. Step 5:

   

   Add about 3/4 of the sifted flour and stir with a spoon.

6. Step 6:

   

   The dough is still too sticky and loose at this point.

7. Step 7:

   

   Add the flour in small amounts, working the dough with your hands as you go. You may need more or less flour than stated, depending on its properties and quality — so go by the consistency of the dough.

8. Step 8:

   

   The dough comes out uniform, smooth, and soft. It shouldn't be too stiff, but it should hold its shape. Wrap it in plastic wrap or cover it with a towel and let it rest on the counter for 30 minutes. During this time the gluten relaxes, and the dough becomes more elastic and pliable.

9. Step 9:

   

   Meanwhile, make the filling. Any brined cheese (like feta) or a hard cheese works well. Use any fresh herbs you like, or leave them out.

10. Step 10:

    

    Grate the cheese on the coarse side of a box grater. You can use several kinds of cheese or stick to just one.

11. Step 11:

    

    Wash and dry the herbs and remove the thick, tough stems. Chop the herbs finely.

12. Step 12:

    

    Combine the grated cheese and herbs and mix well.

13. Step 13:

    

    Roll the rested dough into a log. Divide it into equal pieces — as many as you want, depending on the size of flatbread you're after.

14. Step 14:

    

    Shape the cheese filling into balls, one for each piece of dough.

15. Step 15:

    

    Roll each piece of dough out into a round on a floured surface.

16. Step 16:

    

    Place a ball of cheese filling in the center of the round.

17. Step 17:

    

    Gather the edges of the dough up over the filling and pinch them together well to seal.

18. Step 18:

    

    Gently press the stuffed dough flat with your palm, then carefully roll it into a round — gently, so it doesn't tear. Make the flatbreads as thick or thin as you like. Shape all of them this way.

19. Step 19:

    

    The flatbreads cook in a dry skillet. Heat the pan and fry a flatbread over medium heat on one side until browned, about 2 minutes.

20. Step 20:

    

    Flip and fry the other side until golden. They cook quickly, so it's convenient to shape them all first, then fry. Time it to your own stove.

21. Step 21:

    

    Stack the finished flatbreads to keep them warm longer. Brush the top of each one with butter as soon as it comes off the pan.

22. Step 22:

    

    Serve the flatbreads warm. They're good cooled down too, and reheated in the microwave they'll be just as soft and delicious as fresh off the pan. Enjoy!