Banerov Hatz (Cheese and onion Bread)

Remembering Hatz Baboog got me thinking about the different breads that make meal-time or holidays so special.

There is one bread that my grandmother, Yeranuhe Nanny, made that was truly outstanding --Banerov Hatz (Cheese-Onion Bread) -- another one of her labor-of-love recipes.

You knew a special event was just around the corner when Nanny started to chop so many onions. My mouth waters just thinking about it.

If you've never heard of Banerov Hatz, picture this: rectangular pizza dough rolled as thin or thick as you like, then smothered with some of the cheese-onion topping, baked until the dough is slightly crisp on the edges and golden on the bottom, the onions are tender, and the cheese is soft and slightly melted. The aroma is heavenly - and the taste, even better!
(FYI: My personal preference: thin crust.)


Banerov Hatz (Cheese-Onion Bread)
Yield: about 7 loaves

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

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!)

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 oil

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