Patyr-i Gubandor
Tajik Flatbread with Herbs
A delightful and aromatic Tajik flatbread, Patyr-i Gubandor is characterized by its soft, chewy texture and generous filling of fresh herbs. It's a versatile bread, perfect as a side to soups and stews, or enjoyed on its own.

๐ง Ingredients
- 500 g All-purpose Flour
- 250 ml Warm Water
- 7 g Yeast(instant or active dry)
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Sugar
- 1 cup Fresh Cilantro(finely chopped)
- 0.5 cup Fresh Dill(finely chopped)
- 0.5 cup Green Onions(finely chopped)
- 50 g Butter or Ghee(melted, for brushing)
๐จโ๐ณ Instructions
- 1
In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
๐ก Tip: Ensure water is warm, not hot, to activate yeast. - 2
In a large bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Make a well in the center.
๐ก Tip: Sifting flour can result in a lighter bread. - 3
Pour the yeast mixture into the well and gradually mix in the flour to form a soft dough.
๐ก Tip: Add more water if the dough is too dry, or more flour if too sticky. - 4
Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- 5
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- 6
While the dough is rising, finely chop the cilantro, dill, and green onions. Combine them in a small bowl.
๐ก Tip: You can add other herbs like parsley or mint if desired. - 7
Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 8 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball.
๐ก Tip: Work with one portion at a time, keeping the others covered. - 8
Flatten each dough ball into a circle about 15-20 cm in diameter. Spread a generous amount of the herb mixture over half of the circle, leaving a small border.
๐ก Tip: Don't overfill, or the herbs might spill out during cooking. - 9
Fold the other half of the dough over the filling to create a semi-circle. Pinch the edges to seal.
๐ก Tip: Ensure the edges are well sealed to prevent the filling from escaping. - 10
Heat a lightly oiled griddle or frying pan over medium heat. Cook each flatbread for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
๐ก Tip: Adjust heat as needed to prevent burning. - 11
Brush the cooked flatbreads with melted butter or ghee immediately after removing them from the pan.
๐ก Tip: This adds a lovely sheen and extra flavor.
๐ก Pro Tips
- โThe herb filling can be customized with your favorite fresh herbs.
- โFor a crispier bread, cook for a minute or two longer on each side.
- โPatyr-i Gubandor is best served warm, shortly after cooking.
โจ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the herb mixture for a touch of heat.
- Mix in a tablespoon of yogurt into the dough for a softer texture.
- Instead of folding, you can spread the herbs on top of a flattened circle and then fold the edges inwards to create a more open-faced pie.