Recipe Martabak

Martabak is a popular Indonesian street food known for its savoury or sweet fillings encased in crispy yet fluffy pancake-like dough. This versatile dish can be enjoyed as a snack or a meal, and its preparation offers a delightful culinary experience. Here's a step-by-step guide to creating your own Martabak masterpiece, along with tips, variations, and nutritional insights.

Ingredients:

For the dough:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon yeast
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 cup warm water
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the filling (choose one or mix as desired):

• Savory: Ground beef, onions, garlic, eggs, spring onions, salt, pepper, and optionally, cheese.
• Sweet: Chocolate sprinkles, condensed milk, crushed peanuts, and optionally, cheese.

Additional ingredients:

• Cooking oil for frying

Instructions:

1. Prepare the dough:

   • In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, yeast, sugar, and salt.
   • Add the egg and warm water gradually while kneading the mixture until it forms a smooth, elastic dough.
   • Cover the dough with a clean cloth and let it rest in a warm place for about 1 hour, allowing it to rise.

2. Prepare the filling:

   • For savoury Martabak, sauté ground beef with onions and garlic until cooked. Season with salt and pepper, then mix in chopped spring onions. Set aside.
   • For sweet Martabak, prepare a mix of chocolate sprinkles, condensed milk, and crushed peanuts. Set aside.

3. Assemble and cook:

   • Once the dough has risen, divide it into equal portions and roll each portion into a thin, round sheet.
   • Place the desired filling on one half of the dough sheet, leaving a small border around the edges.
   • Fold the other half of the dough over the filling to create a semi-circle shape and press the edges to seal.
   • Heat a non-stick pan or griddle over medium heat and add a little cooking oil.
   • Carefully transfer the filled dough onto the pan and cook until both sides are golden brown and crispy, flipping halfway through. Ensure the filling is heated through for savoury Martabak.

4. Serve:

   • Once cooked, transfer the Martabak to a cutting board and slice it into smaller portions.
   • Serve hot with your choice of dipping sauce or condiments, such as chilli sauce or pickles.

Tips:

• Ensure the dough is rolled thinly for a crispy texture.
• Experiment with different fillings to cater to your taste preferences.
• Control the heat to prevent burning while ensuring the filling cooks through.

Variations:

• Try using shredded chicken, vegetables, or even seafood as alternative savoury fillings.
• For sweet variations, consider using Nutella, fruit jams, or shredded cheese with a sprinkle of sugar.

Nutritional Insights:

• The calorie content of Martabak can vary depending on the filling and size, but it's generally a calorie-dense dish due to the dough and fillings. Savoury versions tend to be higher in protein and fat, while sweet versions are higher in sugar and carbohydrates.

Conclusion:

Martabak is more than just a snack; it's a culinary delight that offers a perfect balance of flavours and textures. Whether you prefer it savoury or sweet, mastering the art of making Martabak allows you to explore endless possibilities in Indonesian cuisine. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and embark on a gastronomic journey with this beloved Indonesian dish!