Katmer is a flaky, buttery flatbread, often enjoyed as a savory or slightly sweet treat. With its golden layers and optional cheese filling, it’s perfect as a breakfast dish or a delightful snack.
Total Time
- Preparation Time: 30 minutes
- Resting Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
- Baking Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 4 hours
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- All-Purpose Wheat Flour: 2.5 cups (280 g)
- Warm Water: 1 glass (200 ml)
- Salt: 1 teaspoon (5 g)
For Assembling:
- Butter: 100 g, melted
- Optional Filling: Cheese (100 g, with 1 teaspoon of salt for seasoning)
Directions
1. Prepare the Dough:
- Mix Ingredients: Combine flour, warm water, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Mix until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.
- Knead: Sprinkle a working surface with flour and knead the dough for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Rest: Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let it rest for 10 minutes.
- Divide and Rest Again: Divide the dough into 4 equal parts, cover, and let rest for another 5 minutes.
2. Roll and Assemble the Dough:
- Roll Out: Roll out one piece of dough on a floured surface as thinly as possible using a rolling pin.
- Butter: Spread a portion of melted butter over the dough.
- Layer and Butter: Repeat with the remaining dough pieces, layering them on top of each other and spreading butter between each layer.
- Stretch: Carefully stretch the layered dough to make it even thinner.
- Chill: Cover and refrigerate for 3 hours (or overnight).
3. Shape and Cook the Katmer:
- Slice Dough: After chilling, slice the dough into pieces about 2 fingers thick.
- Roll and Shape: Roll each slice to about 1 cm thickness.
- Add Cheese (Optional): For a cheesy variation, place a small amount of cheese between layers before shaping.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 190°C (374°F). Place the shaped pieces on a baking tray, brush with a little vegetable oil, and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
4. Serve
- Serve the hot, crispy Katmer straight from the oven.
Serving Suggestions
- Enjoy with a drizzle of honey for a sweet treat.
- Pair with a dollop of clotted cream or yogurt for a tangy contrast.
- Serve alongside scrambled eggs or olives for a savory breakfast.
- Top with fresh herbs like parsley or dill for added flavor.
- Enjoy with a cup of hot tea or coffee.
Cooking Tips
- Use chilled butter to keep the layers distinct and flaky.
- Be gentle when stretching the dough to avoid tears.
- If the dough feels too sticky, sprinkle with a little flour as you roll it out.
- For added texture, sprinkle sesame or nigella seeds on top before baking.
- Ensure the oven is fully preheated to achieve an even golden crust.
Nutritional Benefits
- Carbohydrates: Provides energy from the flour.
- Butter: Offers healthy fats and a rich flavor.
- Cheese (optional): Adds protein and calcium.
- No Added Sugar: Makes it a versatile dish for various dietary preferences.
Dietary Information
- Vegetarian: Suitable without meat-based fillings.
- Customizable: Can be made vegan by replacing butter with plant-based margarine and skipping cheese.
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving, Makes 6 Servings)
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 6 g
- Fat: 18 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 2 g
Storage
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerator: Keep in a sealed container for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) until warm and crispy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flaky and Buttery: Perfect layers that melt in your mouth.
- Versatile: Enjoy as a sweet or savory dish.
- Easy to Make Ahead: Prepare the dough the night before for a quick bake.
- Comforting and Delicious: A treat for any time of day.
- Customizable: Adjust fillings and toppings to suit your taste.
Conclusion
Katmer is the ultimate comfort food, with its buttery layers and crisp texture. Whether served plain, with cheese, or sweetened with honey, it’s a versatile dish that’s easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy. Perfect for breakfast, tea time, or as a snack, it’s bound to become a family favorite!
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this recipe vegan? Yes, substitute butter with plant-based margarine and skip cheese or use vegan cheese.
- How do I ensure the layers stay flaky? Use chilled butter and handle the dough gently.
- Can I freeze Katmer dough? Yes, freeze it after rolling and layering. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
- What other fillings can I use? Try sweet options like Nutella or savory ones like spinach and feta.
- Can I cook it on a stovetop? Yes, pan-fry on medium heat until golden brown on both sides.
- How thin should I roll the dough? As thin as possible without tearing.
- What type of cheese works best? Mozzarella, feta, or cheddar are great choices.
- Can I use whole wheat flour? Yes, but the texture may be slightly denser.
- How do I reheat leftovers? Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 5-7 minutes until warm and crispy.
- Can I add herbs or spices to the dough? Absolutely! Add dried oregano, thyme, or sesame seeds for extra flavor.