Fatira
Ethiopian Layered Flatbread
A wonderfully flaky, buttery, and layered flatbread, traditionally served for breakfast or special occasions. It's often enjoyed with a drizzle of honey and scrambled eggs.
🧂 Ingredients
- 300g All-purpose flour(Plus extra for dusting)
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- Approximately 180-200ml Warm water(Adjust as needed to form a soft dough)
- 100g Niter kibbeh (Ethiopian spiced clarified butter)(Melted. If unavailable, unsalted butter can be used, but niter kibbeh adds authentic flavor.)
- For serving Honey(A good quality, runny honey is best.)
- For serving Eggs(Typically scrambled or fried.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Gradually add the warm water while mixing with your hands or a stand mixer until a soft, pliable dough forms. It should be slightly sticky but manageable. Knead on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover the dough with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let it rest at room temperature for at least 20 minutes. This resting period allows the gluten to relax, making the dough easier to work with.
⏱️ 25 minutes (including kneading and resting) - 2
Divide the rested dough into 6 equal portions. Roll each portion into a smooth ball. On a lightly floured surface, take one dough ball and roll it out as thinly as possible into a large, almost transparent circle, about 10-12 inches in diameter. The thinner you can roll it, the flakier the final fatira will be. Repeat with the remaining dough balls, keeping them covered with a damp cloth to prevent drying.
⏱️ 15 minutes - 3
Melt the niter kibbeh (or butter) in a small saucepan. Lightly brush the surface of one rolled-out dough circle with the melted niter kibbeh. Fold the dough in half, then in half again to form a triangle. Brush the folded dough with more niter kibbeh. Continue folding the dough into smaller triangles or squares, brushing with niter kibbeh between each fold, creating multiple layers. Aim for a compact, layered shape.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 4
Heat a non-stick skillet or a well-seasoned cast-iron pan over medium heat. No oil is needed as the pan will be greased by the butter within the dough. Carefully place one layered dough packet onto the hot pan. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and puffed up in places. You should hear a gentle sizzle and see the layers begin to separate and crisp. Adjust heat as needed to prevent burning.
⏱️ 5 minutes per fatira (total 25 minutes for 5 batches) - 5
Remove the cooked fatira from the pan and place it on a plate. If desired, you can gently pull apart some of the layers while it's still warm to enhance its flakiness. Serve immediately while hot and crisp. Traditionally, fatira is served with a generous drizzle of honey and a side of scrambled or fried eggs.
⏱️ 2 minutes
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓The key to a flaky fatira is to roll the dough as thinly as possible and to create many layers by folding and brushing with niter kibbeh.
- ✓Don't overcrowd the pan; cook each fatira individually to ensure even browning and crisping.
- ✓Niter kibbeh provides a unique, spiced flavor. If using plain butter, consider adding a pinch of cardamom or other spices to the melted butter for a similar effect.
- ✓This is a rich and satisfying dish, perfect for a festive brunch or a special breakfast.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Sweet: Add a tablespoon of sugar to the dough while mixing. Serve with a sprinkle of cinnamon and sugar alongside honey.
- Savory: Incorporate finely chopped herbs (like cilantro or parsley) or a pinch of chili flakes into the dough or the niter kibbeh. Serve with spiced scrambled eggs or a savory stew.