Gata (Armenian Sweet Bread with Buttery Khoriz Filling)
Local name: Գաթա
In short: A round Armenian sweet bread with a crumbly butter, flour and sugar filling called khoriz, glazed with egg yolk and baked until deep golden. It takes about 1 h 10 min in total and makes 12 servings.
- Prep
- 30 min
- Cook
- 40 min
- Resting
- 35 min
- Total
- 1 h 10 min
- Servings
- 12
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Calories
- 320 kcal
Bakeries and home kitchens across Armenia make gata, a round sweet bread with a buttery crumb inside. A soft yogurt dough is wrapped around khoriz, a crumbly mix of butter, flour and sugar, then pressed flat, patterned with a knife and brushed with egg yolk. As it bakes, the filling melts into the dough and leaves a rich, layered center. Cut it into wedges and serve with strong coffee or tea.
Instructions
- Beat the dough butter and sugar for 2 minutes, until pale and fluffy. Beat in the egg, vanilla and yogurt until smooth.
- Mix the flour, baking powder and salt, then stir into the wet mixture. Knead for 1 minute into a soft, slightly sticky dough. Cover and chill for 20 minutes.
- Rub the filling butter into the flour and sugar with your fingertips until the khoriz looks like damp, clumpy sand. Heat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment.
- Roll the dough on a floured surface into a 30 cm (12 in) round about 1 cm (1/2 in) thick. Pile the khoriz in the center, leaving a wide border.
- Lift the edges up over the filling and pinch them together at the top to close the pouch. Turn it seam side down and press gently into a round about 24 cm (9 1/2 in) wide and 2 cm (3/4 in) thick.
- Press a pattern into the top with the back of a knife, such as a diamond grid or a spiral. Prick 3 or 4 small holes to let steam out. Whisk the yolk with the milk and brush it over the top.
- Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until deep golden brown and a skewer pushed into the edge comes out clean. Cool on a rack for 15 minutes, then cut into 12 wedges.
Tips
- Keep the khoriz crumbly, not pasty. Rub the butter into the flour and sugar with your fingertips and stop when it looks like damp sand.
- Chill the shaped gata for 15 minutes before baking. This helps the pattern keep its shape and the filling stay put.
Questions and answers
What is khoriz?
Khoriz is the sweet, crumbly filling of butter, flour and sugar that gives gata its rich center. It is mixed by hand until it looks like damp sand.
Can I make gata ahead of time?
Yes. It keeps for 4 days in an airtight tin and freezes well for 2 months. Warm slices in a low oven for 5 minutes before serving.
Can I use sour cream instead of yogurt?
Yes. Use the same weight of full-fat sour cream for a slightly richer, softer dough.
How long does it take to make Gata (Armenian Sweet Bread with Buttery Khoriz Filling)?
About 1 h 10 min in total: 30 min of preparation and 40 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Gata (Armenian Sweet Bread with Buttery Khoriz Filling)?
About 320 kcal per serving, with 5 g of protein, 42 g of carbohydrates and 15 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 320 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 5 g |
| Carbohydrates | 42 g |
| Fat | 15 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 15 g |
| Sodium | 110 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
