Kutluma

Kutluma or Qatlama (Urdu: قتلمہ) is a Pakistani savory flatbread. It is served around the world in top Pakistani restaurants.

Qatlama
قتلمہ

Qatlama making in Lahore, Pakistan
Alternative names	Kutluma, katlama
Type	Flatbread
Course	Lunch, side dish, fast food
Place of origin	Pakistan
Region or state	Lahore
Serving temperature	Hot or warm

Origin

Main article: Qatlama

Kutluma originates in Central Asian cuisine and the name derives from the Turkic word katlama meaning "folded", from the verb katlamak "to fold", likely referring to the traditional method of preparing the original Central Asian variety. The dish was evidently brought to the Punjab region by the Turco-Mongol Mughal Empire.

Preparation

It is made with dough mixed with powdered red chilli peppers, garam masala (a hot spice blend) and red food coloring. Small balls of this dough are sprinkled with mash urad dal, coriander and anar dana, rolled out and then deep fried in oil. Sometimes before frying, it is also covered with besan (chickpea flour).

Regional varieties

In many places around Pakistan, qatlama has a yeast-based dough and is topped with spiced minced beef or lamb. This variety differs from the vegan dish primarily served in the eastern city of Lahore.