Bolani
| Bolani, Borekai | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Type | Flatbread |
| Course | Appetizer, side dish, or main course |
| Place of origin | Afghanistan |
 Cookbook:Bolani, Borekai  Bolani, Borekai | |
Bolani (Persian: بولانی), or Borekai (Pashto: پيراک), is a vegan[1] flat-bread from Afghanistan, baked or fried with a vegetable filling. It has a thin crust and can be stuffed with a variety of ingredients, such as potatoes, spinach, lentils, pumpkin, or leeks. It can be served with plain yogurt or mint yogurt.[2]
Bolani is made for special occasions like birthday parties, engagement parties or holidays.[3]
In America, the Bolani is the quintessential food item at any Kabob House. The variations are endless. Toppings typically include potato, lentils, leeks and other vegetables. However, it is not limited to traditional toppings; items such as falafel, gyro meat, carne asada and bacon and all fair game. The dough is only limited to the imagination. While white flour is common, many enthusiast prefer whole wheat or rye.
Variations
America
Egg-role Wrapper Method
Due to the ease of use, many in the western countries prefer making bolani in Egg role wrappers, sometimes referred to as, Spring roll shells. The wrappers edges are brushed with water to allow for sticking, then are filled halfway and folded length wise. These "mini" Bolanis are pan fried and served with yogurt or a vinegar and cilantro based dipping sauce known as chutney. These method of is the easiest and fastest as there is no need to make dough and due to size frying times are very short.
Baked dough Method
Another popular method for making Bolani is baking them. Although, Frying is the most popular method for special occasions, baking is becoming very popular amongst the western crowd. While, baking Bolani was originally to cut back on fat, it has now popular because of its unique flavor. Baking allows for a thicker crust that leads to a fluffy pastry filled with toppings. Some argue that baked Bolani is not traditional due to its thick nature and meat stuffed variations. Regardless, it remains as on the most popular methods of preparing Bolani in America.
References
- ↑ "Food of The Middle East: Bolani (Fried Afghan Flatbread)". Weaving Life. October 19, 2012.
- ↑ "Afghani Bolani or Boulanee e Katchaloo". My Diverse Kitchen: Food & Photography from a Vegetarian kitchen in India. July 31, 2013.
- ↑ "Bolani: Afghan Potato and Scallion Turnover". Afghan Culture Unveiled. 2009-12-30.
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