Mouthwatering Murtabak: A Homemade Delight You’ll Love
Last Updated on February 12, 2026 by Aniela Recipes Team
When the kitchen fills with the mouthwatering aroma of golden-brown murtabak sizzling in a pan, it s hard not to feel excitement. This delightful dish, stuffed with a savory chicken filling and expertly folded into flaky, crisp layers, captures a world of flavors with each bite. I first encountered murtabak at a bustling street market, watching vendors work their magic with dough and spices, and from that moment, I knew I had to recreate this joy at home.
Perfect for indulging on a cozy weekend or impressing guests at your next gathering, murtabak is a versatile delight that can be personalized with various fillings. Whether it s the rich curry notes from the chicken or the crunch of fresh onions, this recipe offers a satisfying solution to the mundane weeknight dinner. So, roll up your sleeves and let s explore making this beloved dish trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
Why is Murtabak the Ultimate Comfort Food?
Irresistible Flavors: The combination of spices cumin, curry, and fresh ginger creates a mouthwatering aroma that fills your kitchen.
Flaky Perfection: Each bite reveals a crispy shell that s perfectly contrasted by the savory chicken filling, making it hard to stop at just one!
Easy to Customize: Whether you prefer chicken, beef, or vegetarian options, murtabak can be tailored to suit any palate.
A Showstopper: Impress friends and family with this stunning dish that brings street food flair to your dining table.
Time Well Spent: With a bit of patience for the dough to rest, you can create a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your home.
Fun to Make Together: Get the whole family involved in the preparation it s a great way to bond over cooking!
Give this recipe a try, and you might discover your new favorite homemade dish!
Murtabak Ingredients
For the Dough
4 ½ cups bread flour This flour gives the dough its desirable elasticity and chewiness.
pinch salt Enhances the flavor of the dough, balancing the sweetness of the flour.
4 ½ tsp ghee Adds richness and a lovely buttery aroma to the dough.
1 egg Acts as a binder, helping the dough to hold together.
1 ¼ cups warm water Warm water activates the flour to create a soft and pliable dough.
For the Filling
1 lb chicken (minced or shredded) The star ingredient, offering a hearty and satisfying taste.
2 tbsp ghee Used for sautéing the filling, it adds depth of flavor.
1 yellow onion (finely chopped) Provides sweetness and a delicious base flavor.
2 spring onions (finely chopped) Adds a nice crunch and fresh onion flavor.
2 eggs Helps bind the filling and adds a creamy texture.
1 ginger root (fresh, 2.5 cm) Grated ginger infuses warmth and spice into the filling.
2 turmeric roots (fresh) Imparts a beautiful yellow color and earthiness.
4 cloves garlic (crushed) Gives a fragrant kick to the chicken filling.
1 tsp cumin powder Adds warm, nutty notes that enhance the overall flavor.
1 tsp curry powder A delightful spiciness that complements the chicken well.
1 red onion To serve alongside, providing a fresh crunch when enjoyed.
Salt and pepper to taste Essential seasonings to bring all the flavors together.
Now that you have the ingredients for this beloved dish, you re one step closer to diving into a cooking adventure that will fill your home with irresistible aromas and your belly with deliciousness! Enjoy crafting your very own murtabak!
How to Make Murtabak
Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix four cups of bread flour and a pinch of salt to create a base for your dough. Then, add in ghee and the egg, reserving half a cup of flour for later use.
Knead Dough: Gradually incorporate the warm water with your hands or a spoon. Knead until the dough loses moisture and becomes elastic. Cover with a lid and let it rest for about two hours.
Prepare Filling: While the dough rests, heat two tablespoons of ghee in a pan. Add the crushed garlic, then mix in the yellow onion and spring onion, cooking until they are translucent.
Add Spices: Stir in the cumin, curry powder, grated turmeric, and grated ginger. Cook for about three minutes to release the spices fragrant aromas.
Cook Chicken: Add the minced or shredded chicken to the pan, stirring well to shred it while mixing with the sautéed onions and spices. Cook uncovered over high heat until the mixture is dry. Allow it to rest.
Shape Dough Balls: Take the rested dough, knead for a couple of minutes, and divide it into eight or nine balls, weighing approximately 90 grams each.
Mix Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the cooled chicken stew with two eggs. Stir well to blend the flavors together.
Form Murtabak: Grease a flat surface and your hands with oil. Stretch a dough ball from the inside out, placing a generous tablespoon of chicken filling in the center. Fold the edges over to create an envelope shape and mold it into a square. Repeat with the remaining dough balls.
Cook Murtabak: Heat ghee in a pan over medium heat. Cook each murtabak square for about three minutes on each side, until golden and crispy, adding more ghee as needed. Press down if they appear thick.
Serve Warm: Plate the murtabak and garnish with slices of red onion and finely chopped cilantro, if desired. Best enjoyed hot for maximum flavor!
Optional: Serve with a side of spicy dipping sauce for an extra kick.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Storage Tips for Murtabak
Room Temperature: Murtabak can be kept at room temperature for up to 2 hours. If you re serving it later, make sure to cover it with a clean cloth to maintain crispness.
Fridge: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a skillet with a bit of ghee to restore crispness.
Freezer: Murtabak freezes well! Wrap each cooked piece tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Reheating: To reheat from frozen, simply take them out and allow to thaw in the fridge overnight. Then, heat in a pan over medium heat until crispy, or use an oven at 350 °F (175 °C) for about 15 minutes to warm through. Enjoy those flavorful murtabak delights!
Make Ahead Options
These Murtabak are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts looking to save time during busy weeknights! You can prepare the dough and filling up to 24 hours in advance to make your cooking process a breeze. Simply cover the kneaded dough in an airtight container and refrigerate. For the filling, let the chicken mixture cool completely before transferring it to a sealed container. When you re ready to enjoy your murtabak, take the chilled dough out and allow it to come to room temperature before shaping and cooking. This way, you ll have delicious, flaky murtabak that tastes just as fresh without any hassle!
Murtabak Variations
Feel free to get creative and customize your murtabak for delightful new flavors and dietary needs!
Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with a mix of sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, and your choice of cheese for a hearty, meat-free version. This twist still keeps the savory goodness while adding a rich, umami flavor.
Spicy Kick: Add finely chopped green chilies to the chicken filling for a zesty punch. Adjust the number of chilies according to your heat preference it s a great way to make your murtabak stand out!
Cheesy Delight: Stir in some shredded cheese, like mozzarella or cheddar, into your filling. This gooey addition will bring a wonderful creaminess that ll have cheese lovers swooning for more!
Beefy Alternative: Swap chicken for ground beef, following the same cooking process. Ground beef adds a rich and satisfying flavor, offering another delicious option for meat enthusiasts.
Herb-Infused: Incorporate freshly chopped herbs like cilantro or mint into the filling for a fragrant, bright flavor. The herbs elevate the murtabak and make it feel even more refreshing!
Sweet Touch: For a unique twist, mix in some raisins or finely chopped apples with the chicken filling to give a hint of sweetness that complements the spices beautifully.
Nutty Flavor: Stir in toasted chopped nuts, like almonds or cashews, for an added crunch and depth of flavor. This texture contrast can elevate each bite and make your murtabak unforgettable.
Eggy Goodness: Enhance your filling with a scrambled egg or two for added richness and moisture. The creaminess balances the spices perfectly and adds that extra touch of indulgence.
Let your taste buds lead the way and enjoy experimenting with these variations for your very own murtabak masterpiece!
What to Serve with Murtabak?
Bringing an unforgettable meal to your table means pairing your savory murtabak with the perfect sides and accompaniments.
Cucumber Salad: Light and refreshing, this salad adds a crisp, cool contrast to the warm, spiced filling of the murtabak, enhancing every bite.
Spicy Dipping Sauce: A side of sambal or chili sauce will bring that extra kick perfect for dipping, elevating your murtabak to an exciting taste adventure.
Raita: This cooling yogurt-based condiment complements the spices beautifully, providing a creamy texture that balances the dish s heat.
Chili Eggs: Scrambled or fried, these eggs add a protein-rich side, plus a hint of heat that harmonizes wonderfully with the murtabak s flavors.
Pickled Vegetables: A tangy, vibrant addition that adds freshness and brightness to your plate, making for an memorable combination of flavors.
Masala Chai: Serve a warm cup of spiced tea alongside to enhance your dining experience, providing comfort and warmth with every sip.
With these delightful pairings, your murtabak will shine as the star of an unforgettable meal!
Expert Tips for Murtabak
Perfect Dough: Ensure your dough is elastic enough, but don t over-knead. If it feels too sticky, add small amounts of the reserved flour gradually.
Flavorful Filling: Don t skip the resting time for the filling! This allows the spices to meld beautifully, enhancing the overall taste of the murtabak.
Crispy Texture: Use enough ghee when cooking each murtabak to achieve that lovely crispy exterior. Remember, a little extra grease can elevate the crunch!
Even Cooking: Cook each piece on medium heat and press down slightly while frying. This ensures even cooking and prevents any thick spots from being undercooked.
Serving Suggestions: Garnish with fresh cilantro and red onion. For added zest, serve with a tangy sambal or a spicy dipping sauce your guests will love it!
Murtabak Recipe FAQs
What type of bread flour should I use?
You should use high-protein bread flour for murtabak to achieve a chewier, more elastic dough. This type of flour holds up well when kneaded and helps create those flaky layers that are crucial for the perfect murtabak.
How do I store leftover murtabak?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To maintain its crispy texture, reheat in a skillet with a little ghee. If you re planning on keeping them longer, consider freezing them.
Can murtabak be frozen?
Absolutely! Wrap each cooked murtabak tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Properly sealed, they can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you re ready to enjoy them, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in a pan for a crispy finish.
What should I do if my dough feels too sticky?
If your dough feels sticky, don t fret! Gradually incorporate the reserved flour, adding just a tablespoon at a time until it reaches the right texture. The goal is for it to be elastic but not overly wet; keep kneading until you achieve that perfect consistency.
Is murtabak safe for pets?
Murtabak is typically not safe for pets because of its spices and seasoning, particularly ingredients like garlic and onion, which can be harmful to dogs and cats. Always double-check ingredients before sharing your delicious meals with furry friends!
Can I use different fillings in my murtabak?
Yes, murtabak is super versatile! Feel free to experiment with fillings. You could try minced beef, a medley of vegetables, or even mushrooms for a vegetarian option. Just ensure whatever filling you choose is cooked through and seasoned well!