Soko Kecze (Georgian Cheese-Stuffed Mushrooms)
Large mushroom caps generously filled with a blend of Georgian cheese (like Sulguni or a mix of mozzarella and feta), seasoned with aromatic spices, and baked until golden and bubbly. This appetizer is a delightful representation of Georgia's love for cheese and simple, flavorful preparations.
🧂 Ingredients
- 10 medium-large Large Button Mushrooms(about 1 lb, cremini or small portobellos also work)
- 5 oz Sulguni Cheese(cubed or grated; mozzarella or a mix of mozzarella and feta can be substituted)
- 2 Tbsp Butter(cubed)
- 2 tsp Vegetable Oil
- 1/2 tsp Adjika(optional, for a spicy kick)
- 1 tsp Blue Fenugreek Powder (Utskho Suneli)(optional, for authentic flavor)
- 1/8 tsp Black Pepper(freshly ground)
- to taste Salt
- for garnish optional Fresh Cilantro or Parsley
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
💡 Tip: Ensure the oven is fully preheated. - 2
Gently scrub the mushrooms clean and remove the stems. Be careful not to break the caps.
💡 Tip: You can chop the mushroom stems finely and sauté them with garlic and add to the cheese filling for extra flavor. - 3
In a small bowl, combine vegetable oil, adjika (if using), blue fenugreek (if using), black pepper, and salt. Mix well.
- 4
Add the mushroom caps to the bowl and gently toss to coat them evenly with the seasoning mixture.
💡 Tip: Use a spatula or your hands to ensure all mushrooms are coated. - 5
Place the seasoned mushroom caps, cavity-side up, in a baking dish. Add a cube of butter into each mushroom cap.
💡 Tip: The butter will melt and add richness to the filling. - 6
Bake for 15 minutes, allowing the butter to melt and the mushrooms to soften slightly.
⏱️ 15 minutes - 7
Remove the mushrooms from the oven and carefully add the cubed or grated cheese into each cap.
- 8
Return to the oven and bake for another 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For browned cheese, set the oven to broil for the last 5 minutes.
⏱️ 15-20 minutes💡 Tip: Watch carefully during broiling to prevent burning. - 9
Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley, if desired, and serve immediately.
💡 Tip: These are best served hot.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓If Sulguni cheese is unavailable, a good substitute is a mix of mozzarella and feta for a similar salty and stretchy texture.
- ✓For a vegetarian option, ensure all ingredients are vegetarian-friendly.
- ✓These can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving.
🔄 Variations
- Add finely chopped sautéed garlic and onion to the cheese filling.
- Incorporate a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Experiment with different types of Georgian cheeses if available.