Tsaharajyn

6 servings

60 minutes

Tsakharadzhyn is a traditional Ossetian pie filled with a fragrant filling of cheese and beet greens. Its history is rooted in the culinary traditions of Ossetia, where pies hold a special place on festive tables. The taste of tsakharadzhyn is exquisite and multifaceted: the delicate dough with a slight sweetness contrasts with the spicy combination of Ossetian cheese and greens. This pie is especially good when warm, as the filling becomes soft and reveals its rich flavor. Tsakharadzhyn perfectly complements family lunches and festive gatherings, highlighting the richness of Ossetian cuisine. It can be served with homemade sour cream sauce or fresh vegetables, creating a harmony of flavors and textures.

Energy value per serving

• Calories: 478.3
• Proteins: 21.3g
• Fats: 20.8g
• Carbohydrates: 53.2g

Ingredients

• Vegetable oil: 30 ml
• Chicken egg: 2 pc
• Sugar: 5 g
• Salt: 5 g
• Wheat flour: 400 g
• Dry yeast: 10 g
• Suluguni cheese: 150 g
• Beet tops: 80 g
• Ossetian cheese: 150 g
• Water: 200 ml

Cooking steps

1. Sift the flour and add salt and sugar. Pour in water, yeast, and vegetable oil, and knead the dough. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it sit for 2 hours until it doubles in size.

   Required ingredients:

   • Wheat flour: 400 g
   • Salt: 5 g
   • Sugar: 5 g
   • Water: 200 ml
   • Dry yeast: 10 g
   • Vegetable oil: 30 ml

2. Knead the dough again, divide into 3 parts, roll into balls, cover with plastic wrap.

3. Pour boiling water over the greens for a couple of minutes, drain in a colander, rinse with cold water, squeeze, chop finely, and mix with salt. Beat the eggs slightly, pour into the mashed cheese, add the chopped greens, and mix. Divide the filling into 3 parts and form a ball from each.

   Required ingredients:

   • Beet tops: 80 g
   • Salt: 5 g
   • Chicken egg: 2 pieces
   • Suluguni cheese: 150 g
   • Ossetian cheese: 150 g

4. Sprinkle flour on the board, flatten a portion of dough with your hands into a cake about 5–7 mm thick. Place a ball of greens and cheese in the center of the cake, then gather the dough around it tightly to encase the cheese like a pouch above it. Fold and pinch the edges of the dough inward with your thumbs, then press down in the center with all fingers and from the center to the edges to evenly distribute the filling inside. Flip the cake over and make a hole in the center for steam to escape.

   Required ingredients:

   • Wheat flour: 400 g

5. Bake in the oven at 250 degrees for 15 minutes until browned. Remove, brush with melted butter, cover with a towel, and let sit for 5 minutes.

   Required ingredients:

   • Vegetable oil: 30 ml