Murtabak

Murtabak is a stuffed pan-fried bread (prata dough) which is very popular in Singapore and Malaysia. One can order them in any indian muslim restaurants or stalls.  Murtabaks are normally served with curry and cucumber/onion pickle.  The stuffing is made of minced meat (beef or mutton), onions and eggs.

Ingredients (serves 6 persons):
470 g plain flour, to be sieved
1 tsp (heaped) sugar
225 ml water
15 g condensed milk
1/2 tsp salt
15 g clarified butter or melted ghee
1/2 egg white

Note:  Above dough ingredients yield 6 murtabaks

Stuffing Ingredients:
250 g minced beef or mutton, to be pan-fried with 1/2 tsp curry powder
2 big onions, to be peeled and diced
2 eggs, to be lightly beaten

cooking oil

Method:
In a bowl, mix together water, sugar, condensed milk, salt, clarified butter and egg white.  Lastly, add in flour and knead until the dough is pliable.  Cover dough with a damp cloth and leave aside for one hour.

Divide dough into 6 balls.  Coat them with clarified butter and let them rest for about 2 to 3 hours (better overnight) before flipping them.

Flatten the dough ball on a greased worktop by making sure the middle is thick and the outside edge is thin.  Flip the dough by using one hand as a pivot.  Spread the thin dough out and sprinkle some oil.  Then, add some beaten eggs, cubed onion and minced beef.  Fold into a parcel and fry on a hot girdle until it is browned on both sides.

Serve with Beef or Mutton Keema and Cucumber/Onion Pickle.


Beef or Mutton Keema
Ingredients:
250 g minced beef or mutton
3 tbsp meat curry powder

1 big onion, to be peeled and diced
3 big potatoes, to be peeled and diced
2 carrots, to be peeled and diced
peas (optional)
note:  some recipes call for diced tomatoes but I do not use them in this recipe
enough water
4 tbsp cooking oil

Pounded Ingredients:
1.5 cm fresh ginger, to be sliced
2 cloves of garlic, to be sliced

Stir-fry Ingredients:
1/2 big onion, to be finely sliced
3 pcs cardamon
a cinnamon stick, about 4 cm long
4 pcs cloves

Method:
In a bowl, mix together minced meat, pounded ingredients, curry powder and about 2 tbsp water. Leave aside.

Heat oil in a medium-size pot and add the stir-fry ingredients.  Fry until the onions are lightly browned.  Add in the minced meat mixture and fry until fragrant.  Then, add in cubed potatoes, carrots and enough water.  Cook over medium heat until they are tender.

Then, add in cubed onions, peas and tomatoes (if using).  Cook for a further 10 minutes.  Once ready, remove from heat.

Serve with murtabak, roti prata or capati.


Cucumber/Onion Pickle
Ingredients:
1/2 cucumber, to be halved and thinly sliced
2 big onions, to be thinly sliced
3 tbsp white vinegar
3 tsp sugar
2 tbsp tomato ketchup

Method:
In a bowl, mix together all ingredients and leave aside for a few hours.

Bon Appetit!