Banerov Hatz (Cheese-Onion Bread)

Prep Time:

Cook Time:

Yields: about 7 loaves

Ingredients
Dough Ingredients:

1 pkg. dry yeast 5 lb. bag pre-sifted flour ½ c. oil 1 ½ tsp salt Water (about 5 cups)

Cheese-Onion Topping Ingredients: 2 lbs cottage cheese 4 to 5 lbs finely chopped onions (Frozen, chopped onions that are defrosted can be used, but that’s cheating!) 4 oz. blue cheese, crumbled ½ cup Parmesan cheese ½ tsp. cumin ½ tsp. allspice ½ tsp. paprika 3 Tbsp. dried oregano 3 Tbsp. red pepper paste (Note: Red pepper paste can be purchased in some Middle Eastern stores. If it is unavailable, you can use tomato paste, but something will be lost in the substitution.) 1 cup olive oi

Directions
Directions for dough preparation:

1. Dissolve yeast in ¼ cup lukewarm water. 2. In large bowl combine 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.) 3. Knead dough for 5 minutes. Place in a large bowl. 4. Lightly oil the top of the dough. Cover, and let rise for 30 minutes to an hour. 5. Divide dough into 7 balls, keeping them covered until ready to use. (Short on time? Buy prepared pizza dough in your local grocery store!)

Topping Directions:

1.Combine cottage cheese and some of the red pepper paste to achieve a reddish color. 2. In a separate bowl add onions, blue cheese, Parmesan cheese, and seasonings, mixing well. 3. Add the cottage cheese and stir well.

Assembling Directions:

1. Lightly grease a large baking sheet. 2. Roll out one ball of dough into a rectangular shape large enough to fit into the baking sheet. 3. Spread cheese filling all over the dough. 4. Bake in a preheated 375°F oven until dough is golden brown on the bottom and around the edges (approx. 20 minutes). 5. Continue this procedure until all 7 loaves are done. 6. Cool each loaf completely. 7. To serve: cut into large squares (roughly 3“x3“). 8. To store: completely cool, cut each loaf into squares. Wrap and freeze. When ready to serve, defrost in the refrigerator, then heat in a 350°F oven until warm.