MUTABBAQ RECIPE

Mutabbaq is a delicious stuffed pastry that is popular in many Middle Eastern and Southeast Asian cuisines. It typically consists of a thin, flaky dough filled with a savory or sweet filling. Here's a recipe for a savory mutabbaq:

Ingredients:

For the dough:

- 2 cups all-purpose flour

- 1/2 teaspoon salt

- 1/4 cup vegetable oil

- 1/2 cup warm water

For the filling:

- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

- 1 small onion, finely chopped

- 2 cloves garlic, minced

- 250 grams ground beef or lamb

- 1 teaspoon ground cumin

- 1 teaspoon ground coriander

- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric

- 1/2 teaspoon paprika

- Salt and pepper to taste

- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

For frying:

- Vegetable oil

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the vegetable oil and mix until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
2. Gradually add the warm water while kneading the dough until it comes together and forms a smooth ball. If the dough is too dry, add a little more water, or if it's too sticky, add a little more flour. Knead the dough for about 5 minutes until it's elastic.
3. Divide the dough into small balls, about the size of a golf ball. Cover the dough balls with a damp cloth and let them rest for 15-20 minutes.
4. While the dough is resting, prepare the filling. Heat the vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic and sauté until they are softened and lightly golden.
5. Add the ground beef or lamb to the pan and cook until it's browned and cooked through. Add the cumin, coriander, turmeric, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all the spices with the meat. Cook for another 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the chopped parsley. Allow the filling to cool slightly.
6. Preheat a large skillet or frying pan over medium heat and add enough vegetable oil to shallow fry the mutabbaq.
7. Take one dough ball and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a thin circle, about 6-7 inches in diameter. Place a spoonful of the filling in the center of the circle.
8. Fold the edges of the dough over the filling, forming a square or rectangular shape. Press the edges firmly to seal the mutabbaq.
9. Carefully transfer the mutabbaq to the hot oil and fry until golden brown and crispy on both sides, flipping it once. This should take about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove from the oil and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
10. Repeat the process with the remaining dough balls and filling.
11. Serve the mutabbaq warm as an appetizer or snack. You can enjoy it on its own or with a dipping sauce of your choice.

Note: This recipe can be customized with different fillings according to your preference. You can use vegetables, cheese, or even sweet fillings like dates or nutella for a dessert version of mutabbaq. Just make sure the filling is cooked or prepared before stuffing it into the dough.

Mutabbaq is a popular street food in many parts of the Middle East and South Asia, especially in Saudi Arabia, Yemen, and India. It's a stuffed flatbread that can be filled with a variety of ingredients, including spiced meat, vegetables, or cheese. Here is a recipe for mutabbaq:

Ingredients:

- 2 cups all-purpose flour

- 1/2 tsp salt

- 1/2 cup warm water

- 1/4 cup vegetable oil

- 1 egg

- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion

- 1/4 cup finely chopped tomato

- 1/4 cup finely chopped cilantro

- 1 tsp ground cumin

- 1/2 tsp ground coriander

- 1/2 tsp turmeric

- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

- Salt to taste

- Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, mix together the flour and salt. Gradually add the warm water and mix until a dough forms. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until it's smooth and elastic. Cover with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes.

2. In a skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the tomato and cilantro and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Add the cumin, coriander, turmeric, cayenne pepper, and salt to taste. Stir to combine and cook for 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool.
3. Divide the dough into 6-8 equal portions and roll each portion into a ball. Using a rolling pin, roll each ball into a thin circle. Place a spoonful of the filling in the center of each circle.
4. Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Pinch the edges together to seal the mutabbaq.
5. Heat some vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the mutabbaq and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.
6. Serve hot with chutney or yogurt dip.