About Meskhetian Tenili Cheese with Shoti Bread
ტენილი ყველი · 4 servings · Easy · 10 minutes
Tenili is a distinctive Meskhetian cheese from southern Georgia, recognized for its long, fine, pulled threads. It may be made from sheep or cow milk, washed or coated with cream, then packed tightly into a clay pot to mature. Its loose, silky strands and rich dairy flavour make the shape as memorable as the taste.
The name Tenili is associated with the idea of being packed tightly. The cheese is part of Georgia's intangible cultural heritage, and its complex stretching and maturation are specialist cheesemaking work. This recipe serves the finished cheese itself rather than attempting to recreate that process at home.
Plain shoti bread is an easy accompaniment that lets the cheese remain central. The four-person amount is a tasting portion, not a full meal. Tenili's salt and cream content vary; do not add salt, and use package nutrition when available.
