🇰🇿 Kazakh Cuisine

Shelpek

Fried Flatbread

Prep Time 30 min
Servings 8
Difficulty Easy
Calories 221 kcal

Thin, round flatbreads deep-fried until puffed and golden, traditionally prepared on Fridays and for memorial gatherings.

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. 1 Combine flour, salt, and sugar. Add warm water and oil, knead into a soft, smooth dough.
  2. 2 Divide dough into 7 equal balls (seven is traditional). Rest 15 min.
  3. 3 Roll each ball into a thin circle about 20 cm in diameter.
  4. 4 Heat oil (about 3 cm deep) in a skillet to 180°C.
  5. 5 Fry each flatbread for 30-40 seconds per side until puffed and golden.
  6. 6 Drain on paper towels. Stack and serve warm.

Did You Know?

Kazakhs traditionally make exactly seven shelpek on Fridays, one for each layer of heaven, and share them with neighbors as a spiritual offering.