How to Make Shelpek: A Traditional, Simple and Delicious Bread
Shelpek is a traditional, quick and delicious bread that is suitable for snacks, breakfast or dinner, and has an attractive and delicious taste. This homemade fried bread, which has a special place in the food culture of Central Asian countries, especially Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and parts of Iran, is very popular due to its simplicity in preparation and pleasant taste.
In this article, we intend to introduce you to the brief history of Shelpek, its step-by-step preparation method, key tips for making it tastier, and also the nutritional value of this traditional bread. So if you would like to make a fresh and fragrant bread at home, stay with us until the end of this article.
What is Shelpek?
Shelpek is a type of fried bread that is prepared using wheat flour, yogurt or milk, eggs, butter or oil, and a little salt and sugar. Its dough is prepared very simply and quickly, and unlike some traditional breads, it does not require a long time to rest and rise.
This bread is usually made during Ramadan, on special religious days, or as a quick and delicious meal at home. In Kazakhstan, it is customary to make Shelpek on Fridays or religious occasions to commemorate the deceased. In Iran, some regions such as Khorasan and Turkmen Sahara also make a similar bread and it is prepared quickly and immediately like Regag bread.
Ingredients for making traditional Shelpek
To make Shelpek, you need simple and available ingredients:
| White flour | 3 cups |
| Egg | 1 pc |
| Sugar | 1 tablespoon |
| Baking powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Butter or melted oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Oil for frying | As needed |
Step-by-step method of making Shelpek
Step 1: Preparing the ingredients
First, bring all the ingredients to room temperature so that they are not cold or too hot. This will help the dough to form better.
Step 2: Make the dough
In a large bowl, mix the eggs, yogurt (or milk), sugar, salt, and melted butter well.
Gradually add the flour and baking powder and knead with your hands or a mixer until you get a soft and smooth dough.
Step 3: Short rest
Let the dough rest in a covered bowl for 15 to 20 minutes. Unlike traditional bread dough that takes hours, Shelpek is prepared very quickly.
Step 4: Shape the dough
After resting, divide the dough into several equal parts and roll each part out into a thin circle with a rolling pin. Its diameter should be about 3 to 5 millimeters.
Step 5: Fry
Heat the oil in a deep pan. Drop the prepared dough into the oil and fry on both sides until golden and puffed.
Step 6: Serve
Place the Shelpek on a paper towel to absorb excess oil. Then serve them hot with honey, jam, cheese, or even stews.
Shelpek (Traditional Fried Flatbread)
Ingredients
Method
- In a large bowl, whisk together the egg, yogurt (or milk), sugar, salt, and melted butter.
- Gradually add flour and baking powder, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Cover the dough and let it rest for 15–20 minutes.
- Divide the dough into equal portions and roll each into a thin round (about 3–5 mm thick).
- Heat oil in a deep pan until hot.
- Fry each round of dough until golden and puffed, flipping once.
- Place fried Shelpek on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Serve warm with honey, jam, cheese, or alongside soups and stews.
Important tips for making delicious Shelpek
- The oil must be quite hot so that the bread puffs up and becomes crispy.
- If you want Shelpek to be more dietary, you can bake it in the oven instead of frying it.
- Using yogurt makes the bread fragrant and soft, but if it is not available, you can just use milk.
- When rolling out the dough, do not make it too thin because it may become tough.
For a better taste, you can add a little cumin or black seeds to the dough.
Nutritional value of Shelpek
Shelpek is a good source of carbohydrates and protein due to its flour, milk, and eggs. Of course, since it is fried in oil, it is relatively high in calories. On average, each piece of Shelpek has about 200 to 250 calories. Consuming it for breakfast or dinner with tea and cheese will be a complete and energizing choice.
What makes Shelpek tastier?
- Honey or grape juice for a sweet and nutritious breakfast
- Jam or marmalade for children and teenagers
- Cheese and fresh vegetables for a light and healthy meal
- Various stews and soups as a side dish
- Hot tea in the traditional Central Asian style
- Unlike Berber or Sangak bread, it does not require a tandoor and is prepared quickly on gas.
It has some similarities with Iranian flatbread, but because it is fried in oil, it has a different taste.
- It is similar to local bayrak or lavash bread, but is usually thicker and softer.
Conclusion:
Shelpek is a simple and delicious traditional bread that you can make at home with minimal ingredients and time. This bread is especially great for family breakfasts or entertaining guests. If you have never made homemade bread before, It is the best place to start, as it is both a simple recipe and a delicious and satisfying result.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can Shelpek be made without eggs?
Yes, if eggs are not available, you can omit them. However, eggs make the dough softer.
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Does Shelpek have to be fried?
No, you can bake it in the oven at 180 degrees to make it healthier.
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How long does Shelpek last?
The best time to eat Shelpek is the same day it is baked, but you can store it in a sealed container for up to 24 hours. To use it again, just heat it in the oven or pan for a few minutes.
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Can Shelpek be frozen?
Yes, after cooking and cooling, you can store in a freezer bag and reheat when ready to eat.