Chatti pathiri
is a layered pastry made in the
Malabar
region, of
Kerala
,
India
. It is made in both sweet and savoury variations. The dish is similar to the Italian
lasagna
, but instead of pasta, pastry sheets / pancakes made with
flour
,
egg
,
oil
and water are used. The filling depends on the variation desired. The sweet ones are made with sweetened beaten eggs, nuts and raisins, seasoned with
cardamom
. The savoury ones are made with traditional meat filling used in making
samosas
or savoury puffs. The flour is kneaded into soft dough and rolled into thin pancakes. These pancakes are soaked in milk to soften them and arranged in layers. The fillings are added between these layers. Once layered, it goes in for baking at 180 degrees for approximately 20 minutes.
An essential ingredient to enhance the authenticity of the dish is white
poppy seeds
, used extensively in Malabar cuisine while making
biryani
and meat stews. It is considered an essential part of any festival, pre- and post-wedding events, and
Iftar
. This dish is popular during the Ramadan Fasting period.
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Similar dishes
Similar dishes available in Malabar cuisine include: