Mlawi
A layered square flatbread folded with oil and cooked in a dry pan, so it separates into leaves. Sold from stalls at breakfast, split and filled.
Photograph credit: Mlawi 1 by Touzrimounir · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons · this resized copy is shared under the same licence
Method
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Mix the semolina, flour, salt and sugar, then work in the water to a soft, slightly sticky dough. Knead 10 minutes until smooth.
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Divide into 6, coat each ball in olive oil, cover and rest 30 minutes so the gluten slackens.
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Oil a large work surface generously. Never use flour.
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Press and stretch one ball out with oiled palms until it is a thin, almost translucent sheet.
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Brush with oil, dust lightly with the extra semolina, then fold the four sides in to make a square parcel. Press gently to flatten.
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Repeat with the rest, then rest the squares 10 minutes.
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Cook one at a time in a dry heavy pan over medium heat, 3 minutes a side, pressing with a spatula, until blistered brown in patches. Pull apart to check it has separated into layers.
Chef’s Tips
- Oil on the surface, never flour.
- Rest before stretching or the sheet tears.
- A dry pan. Fat in the pan fries the outside too fast.
Pairing Suggestions
- Harissa and olive oil
- Tuna and egg
- Sweet mint tea
Storage & Reheating
Best hot. Two days wrapped; reheat in a dry pan. They freeze cooked for 2 months.
Common questions
How long does Mlawi take to make?
About 50 minutes in total — 30 minutes of preparation and 20 minutes of cooking. The recipe serves 6.
What are the key tips for making Mlawi?
Oil on the surface, never flour. Rest before stretching or the sheet tears. A dry pan. Fat in the pan fries the outside too fast.
What should I serve with Mlawi?
Harissa and olive oil; Tuna and egg; Sweet mint tea.
Can Mlawi be made ahead or frozen?
Best hot. Two days wrapped; reheat in a dry pan. They freeze cooked for 2 months.
Is Mlawi suitable for a special diet?
This recipe is vegan, vegetarian and dairy-free. Those labels are checked against the ingredient list, so a dish is only marked when nothing in it contradicts the claim.
How many calories are in Mlawi?
About 385 kcal per serving, with 9 g protein, 58 g carbohydrate and 13 g fat. The figures are calculated from the ingredient list and are an estimate.
Nutritional Highlights
Per serving, calculated from the ingredient list. Treat these as an estimate — brands and cuts vary.
Reader Reviews
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Written and tested by Turab
One person, one kitchen — no test kitchen, no team. How every recipe on this site is checked before it goes up.