Azerbaijani Qatlama

A traditional Azerbaijani layered fried bread. The dough is rolled thin, generously brushed with butter, folded into layers, and deep-fried until golden. Served warm with powdered sugar, granulated sugar, or honey.

Details

Cuisine	Azerbaijani
Servings	8-10 pieces
Prep Time	1 hour 30 minutes (including rising)
Cook Time	20-30 minutes

Ingredients

Dough

Ingredient	Imperial	Metric
All-purpose flour	5 cups	600 g
Milk	1½ cups	150 ml
Salt	½ tablespoon	—
Granulated sugar	1 tablespoon	—
Dry yeast	½ teaspoon	3 g
Eggs	2	2
Vegetable oil	½ cup	50 ml

For Greasing

Ingredient	Imperial	Metric
Butter (melted)	7 oz	200 g

For Frying

Ingredient
Sunflower oil	enough for deep frying	—

For Topping

Ingredient
Powdered sugar, granulated sugar, or honey	to taste

Instructions

Make the Dough

1. Warm the milk slightly. Add the dry yeast and sugar, stir, and let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
2. In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center.
3. Add the yeast mixture, eggs, and vegetable oil to the well. Mix until a soft dough forms.
4. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. Cover the bowl and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, until doubled in size.

Shape and Layer

1. Divide the dough into 8-10 equal pieces and roll each into a ball.
2. On a floured surface, roll each ball out into a thin circle.
3. Brush the surface generously with melted butter.
4. Fold the dough into layers — either roll it up like a log and coil it into a spiral, or fold it in thirds like a letter. Repeat rolling and folding once more to build up flaky layers.
5. Roll the layered dough out again into a flat round, about ¼ inch thick.

Fry

1. Heat sunflower oil in a deep pan or pot to 340-350°F (170-175°C).
2. Carefully place one qatlama at a time into the hot oil. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side until puffed and golden brown.
3. Remove and drain on paper towels.

Serve

1. While still warm, dust with powdered sugar, sprinkle with granulated sugar, or drizzle with honey.

Nutrition

Approximate values per piece (9 pieces).

	Per Piece
Calories	630
Protein	8g
Carbs	45g
Fat	47g

Notes

• The original Azerbaijani recipe is traditionally deep-fried for the most authentic result.
• Generous butter between the layers is key — it creates the signature flaky texture.
• Serve warm for the best texture.
• Source: Facebook video