PEYNIRLI / CHEESY BOATS

 

 

The name derives from the Turkish word peynirli, meaning ‘with cheese’. The best-known places to eat the Best peynirli  in Greece are in the suburb of Drosia, outside Athens and Panorama outside Thessaloniki.

These delicious cheesy boats are a favorite breakfast or tea time treat and we love them. They are easy to make at home; make your kitchen smell heavenly and they are very popular.

Bakeries, street stalls sell freshly baked boats (plain, with white cheese, olives or with potato & cheese filling) in Greece they make a delicious and affordable breakfast or tea time treat.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ingredients:

For dough:

*1 packet active dry yeast

*1 cup lukewarm water

*1 cup lukewarm milk

*pinch of granulated sugar

*500 g hard flour 

*1/2 tsp salt

*3 tbsp Olive oil

 

 

For peinirli – pizza boat:

*200 g grated Gruyere cheese

*Pepperoni

*tomato, sliced

*1 egg beaten + 50g melted butter, for brushing

 

 

 

Directions:

Preheat oven at 180C .

In an electric standing mixer fitted with the hook attachment beat in warm water, yeast, sugar and set aside for a few minutes until the mixture is frothy. Then add the milk and olive oil. Beat in medium speed and add the flour and salt.

Mix for 5-7 min, until we have a pliable dough, fluffy and elastic.

 

Cover the bowl with a clean towel and leave for about 40 minutes until the dough doubles in size.

Divide the dough into small balls. Roll out, with a rolling pin, each ball to a oval shape.

Spread the grated cheese nicely over each oval shaped dough, dividing it evenly between them and add the pepperoni and tomato slices.

Create peinirli – pizza boat by raising the edges of the dough and folding it inwards to form a border.

Line 2 baking pans with parchment paper and dust with some flour. Transfer peinirli to baking pans.  Brush with the egg and  bake for 15-20 minutes, until golden.  When ready, brush with melted butter and serve.