Murtabak (Brunei)

World-Bites (94) / Murtabak

State of Brunei is a country located on the north coast of the island of Borneo, in Southeast Asia. Apart from its coastline with the South China Sea it is completely surrounded by the state of Sarawak, Malaysia. The Sultanate of Brunei at one time was ranked as the richest man in the world. The cuisine of Brunei has been greatly influenced by neighboring Malaysia and Singapore, as well as the many ethnic Chinese living there. Local food is similar to Malay cuisine with fresh fish and rice, often quite spicy. Hawker-style Food is always a favorite throughout Southeast Asia. Murtabak (Meat Crepes) is a popular snack.

Ingredients

* Clarified Butter (or substitute with cooking oil)
* 4 Eggs
* 1 lb plain flour
* 3/4 teaspoon fine salt
* 1/2 teaspoon pepper
* 1/4 teaspoon baking powder

Meat Filling

* 20 oz minced mutton
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
* 20 oz onions (diced)
* 20 cardamoms, seeded
* 2 heaped tablespoons roasted coriander seeds
* l level tablespoon aniseed

Directions
Meat Filling
1. Fry turmeric in a little oil. Set aside for later. Cook mutton with rest of ingredients and add turmeric. season to taste.
Dough
1. Mix flour and baking powder together into a bowl with 12 fl oz of water. Kneed into a smooth dough. Cover bowl and leave dough overnight.
2. Divide dough into 4 equal portions. Roll out thinly on an oiled marble top (or glass cutting board). Spread liberally with butter/oil. Fold and shape into balls. Cover dough with a damp cloth. Set aside for 1/2 hour.
3. Roll out each dough piece into a thin rectangle. Place filling evenly in centre of dough. Pat lightly beaten egg over meat. Wrap dough over meat to form a square. Fry in hot butter/oil till brown on both sides. Serve hot.