Katlama: Flavorful Central Asian Flatbread (Poor Man’s Pizza)

40 minutes

767 reads

4 from 5 votes

About Katlama: Flavorful Central Asian Flatbread (Poor Man's Pizza)

Craving a savory, satisfying flatbread with a taste of Central Asian tradition? Katlama, affectionately known as "poor man's pizza," offers a delicious and hearty experience, traditionally enjoyed as a deep-fried street food in Punjab and Lahore.
This recipe presents a healthier, shallow-fried version that doesn't compromise on authentic flavor. Made with wholesome whole wheat flour and fragrant nigella seeds, each bite delivers a wonderfully satisfying texture.
Discover a budget-friendly and flavorful alternative to pizza with this lighter take on Katlama. It's the perfect way to experience a taste of tradition without the guilt!
30-Day Indian Vegetarian Weight Loss Meal Plan

Stop Thinking About What to Cook Every Day

Weight loss, PCOS, and Healthy Eating, all planned out for you. Just follow the plan and cook. From ₹399.

Explore Meal Plans

Recipe Time & More

Prep20 minutes
Cook20 minutes
Total40 minutes
Calories302 kcal
Serves6

Ingredients
 

Dough

Topping

For Cooking

  • 1/2 cup Oil for shallow frying
Start Focussed Cooking Mode →

Instructions
 

  • In a large bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, salt, and nigella seeds.
    Katlama: Flavorful Central Asian Flatbread (Poor Man's Pizza) - Plattershare - Recipes, food stories and food lovers
  • Gradually add the milk and water, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough for 2-3 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  • Cover the dough and let it rest for 15-20 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax, resulting in a softer flatbread.
  • Boil the tomatoes in a pan with a little water until they soften. This step makes it easier to peel the skins.
    Katlama: Flavorful Central Asian Flatbread (Poor Man's Pizza) - Plattershare - Recipes, food stories and food lovers
  • Once the tomatoes are cool enough to handle, peel off their skins.
  • In a blender, combine the peeled tomatoes, red chili powder, gram flour, and salt. Blend until a smooth paste forms.
    Katlama: Flavorful Central Asian Flatbread (Poor Man's Pizza) - Plattershare - Recipes, food stories and food lovers
  • Divide the dough into two equal portions. On a lightly floured surface, roll each portion into a 10-inch circle, slightly thick.
    Katlama: Flavorful Central Asian Flatbread (Poor Man's Pizza) - Plattershare - Recipes, food stories and food lovers
  • Heat the oil in a large skillet or tawa over medium heat.
  • Place one roti in the hot skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and slightly crisp.
    Katlama: Flavorful Central Asian Flatbread (Poor Man's Pizza) - Plattershare - Recipes, food stories and food lovers
  • Flip the roti. Quickly spread half of the tomato mixture over the cooked surface. Sprinkle with crushed coriander seeds, cumin seeds, and chili flakes. Add kasuri methi, if desired.
    Katlama: Flavorful Central Asian Flatbread (Poor Man's Pizza) - Plattershare - Recipes, food stories and food lovers
  • Cook for another 3 minutes, or until the tomato topping is heated through and the bottom is golden brown.
    Katlama: Flavorful Central Asian Flatbread (Poor Man's Pizza) - Plattershare - Recipes, food stories and food lovers
  • Repeat the cooking process with the second roti and remaining topping.
  • Serve the Katlama hot, ideally with chaas (yogurt drink) and a fresh salad.
    Katlama: Flavorful Central Asian Flatbread (Poor Man's Pizza) - Plattershare - Recipes, food stories and food lovers

Recipe Notes

Good To Know

  • Red food color is optional. Kashmiri chili powder can be used for a bright red color.
  • Urad dal (blackgram), anardana powder, or a combination of both can be used as toppings.
  • For an extra tangy flavor, brush the Katlama with a mixture of tamarind pulp and chili paste before frying.
  • For a crispier texture, let the rolled-out dough rest uncovered for 10-15 minutes before shallow frying.
  • For a vegan version, replace warm milk with unsweetened plant-based milk or additional water.

Expert Tips

  • Experiment with different fillings! Sweet fillings like spiced lentils or sweetened ricotta cheese can create a delicious dessert Katlama.
  • Serve Katlama hot off the griddle with a side of chutney or raita for dipping.
  • Don't overcrowd the pan when frying. Give each Katlama enough space to cook evenly and achieve a crispy texture.

Storage Instructions

  • Leftover Katlama can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
  • Reheat in a dry skillet to restore crispness. Alternatively, use leftover Katlama as a base for wraps.
Explore Recipes by Tags bread recipesflatbreadpizza

Please appreciate the author by voting!

4 from 5 votes

Recipe Nutrition

Calories: 302kcalCarbohydrates: 29gProtein: 5gFat: 19gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4.8gMonounsaturated Fat: 9.6gSodium: 380mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2g

Zeenath Amaanullah
Zeenath Amaanullah
Articles: 92
30-Day Indian Vegetarian Weight Loss Meal Plan

Guest Post / Advertise on Plattershare

Writers, food bloggers & brands - collaborate with us

See Details

5 Comments

4 from 5 votes

Leave a Reply