Mutabbaq (Stuffed Savory Pancake) Crispy, golden parcels

 

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🥙 Mutabbaq (Stuffed Savory Pancake)

Crispy, golden parcels filled with savory goodness – a popular street food from the Middle East!

Mutabbaq (also spelled Murtabak) is a delicious stuffed flatbread commonly found in the bustling street markets of the Middle East, especially in Saudi Arabia, Yemen, and also across South and Southeast Asia. It’s usually filled with a mix of spiced meat, vegetables, and eggs, folded into thin pastry sheets and pan-fried until golden and crisp. Here’s how I make  at home, including homemade sheets and two filling options.

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🫓 Homemade Sheets for Mutabbaq

Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour (you can use wheat flour if preferred)

• Salt – to taste

• 1 tsp oil or ghee

• 80–90 ml water (or as needed to form a soft dough)

For Cornstarch-Oil Paste (optional, for layered method):

• 1–2 tsp cornstarch

• 1–2 tsp oil
  Mix to form a smooth paste

Instructions:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, and oil/ghee.

2. Gradually add water and knead into a soft, smooth dough.

3. Cover and let it rest for 15–30 minutes.

4. Divide the dough into 12 equal balls.

Option 1: Roll & Use Directly

• Roll each dough ball into a thin sheet using a rolling pin.

Option 2: Using Rotimaker (Layered Method)

1. Flatten each dough ball into a small disc.

2. Brush the top with cornstarch-oil paste.

3. Stack 3 discs together, brushing paste between each layer.

4. Gently press to seal, then place the stack on a preheated rotimaker.

5. Press and cook for a few seconds, just until dry.

6. Peel and separate the sheets while still warm.

Or Use spring roll sheets

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🍗 Chicken Filling

Ingredients:

• Boneless chicken breast, cut into chunks

• Salt, pepper – to taste

• Turmeric, chili/paprika powder, garam masala, fennel, cumin – to taste

• 1–2 tbsp yogurt

• 1 onion – finely chopped

• 1 tomato – finely chopped

• Fresh parsley – finely chopped

• 2–3 eggs

• Mozzarella cheese (optional)

Instructions:

1. Marinate chicken with salt, spices, and yogurt. Let sit for 15–30 minutes.

2. Cook chicken until done, then cut or shred into small pieces.

3. In the same pan, sauté onion until soft, then add tomato and cook until well done.

4. Add in the cooked chicken and mix well.

5. Turn off the heat and stir in chopped parsley.

6. Once the mixture cools, add in eggs and mozzarella cheese (if using). Mix until well combined.

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🥕 Vegetable & Egg Filling

Ingredients:

• 1 cup grated carrot

• 1 cup chopped cabbage

• 1 onion – finely chopped

• Salt and pepper – to taste

• Fresh parsley – finely chopped

• 1–2 eggs

• Mozzarella cheese (optional)

Instructions:

1. Mix all the vegetables, parsley, seasoning, and cheese (if using) in a bowl.

2. Crack in the eggs and mix.
   Add just enough egg to bind the vegetables — don’t overdo it.

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🧑‍🍳 Assembling & Cooking the Mutabbaq

1. Place a prepared sheet on your work surface.

2. Add a portion of the filling in the center.

3. Fold the sides inward to form a rectangle or square, sealing the filling inside.

4. Heat a pan and lightly grease with oil, butter, or ghee.

5. Place the mutabbaq fold side down and cook over medium heat.

6. Flip and cook until both sides are golden brown and crisp.

7. You’ll notice the mutabbaq slightly puffs up when it’s done.

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💡 Tips:

• Keep the prepared sheets covered to avoid drying out.

• Mutabbaq tastes best when served hot with a dipping sauce or plain yogurt.

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Enjoy them with a Cup of tea

Check out other versions I've tried.

Mortadella, Eggs & Spring onion

Mutabbaq with Chappathi Dough & Other fillings