Nazuki (ნაზუქი)

Nazuki is the aromatic enriched bread of Gori and the Shida Kartli region of Georgia, sold in long golden loaves from roadside bakeries along the military highway. Scented with saffron, cinnamon, cloves, and vanilla, it occupies the same cultural space as a morning pastry — torn by hand over tea or served with fresh butter at breakfast.

Serves: 8

Ingredients

• 500g (3½ cups) strong white bread flour, plus extra for dusting
• 7g (2¼ tsp) instant dried yeast
• 200ml (¾ cup + 1 tbsp) whole milk, warmed
• 80g (¼ cup + 1 tbsp) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten (1 for dough, 1 for glaze)
• 60g (5 tbsp) caster sugar
• ¼ tsp saffron threads, steeped in 1 tbsp warm water for 15 minutes
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp ground cloves
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp fine salt

Instructions

1. Combine flour, yeast, sugar, salt, cinnamon, and cloves in a large bowl. Make a well in the centre.
2. Pour in the warm milk, saffron with its soaking liquid, melted butter, vanilla, and one beaten egg. Mix to a shaggy dough, then turn out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 10–12 minutes until smooth and elastic. The dough will be slightly tacky but should not stick heavily.
3. Shape into a ball, place in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with cling film, and let rise in a warm place for 1–1½ hours until doubled.
4. Knock back the dough and divide into two equal portions. Shape each into a long oval loaf about 25cm (10 inches) long. Place on a lined baking tray, cover loosely, and prove for a further 30–40 minutes.
5. Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F). Brush the loaves generously with the second beaten egg. Bake for 22–25 minutes until deep golden and hollow-sounding when tapped on the base.
6. Cool on a wire rack for 15 minutes before slicing. Best eaten the day it is made.

Cook's Notes: Saffron gives nazuki its characteristic gold colour and faint floral note — do not substitute turmeric, which lacks the fragrance. The loaves freeze well after baking; reheat in a 160°C oven for 10 minutes.