Kutabs with pumpkin, cheese and pancetta

4 servings

60 minutes

Qutab with pumpkin, cheese, and pancetta is a traditional Azerbaijani dish that combines airy dough and rich filling. This version of qutab embodies the harmony of pumpkin's sweetness, pancetta's spiciness, and the creaminess of hard cheese. The dish originates from the Caucasian countries where the art of making thin flatbreads with various fillings has been perfected over centuries. Qutabs are served hot with sour cream or fresh herbs, and their golden crust and rich flavor make them an ideal snack or main course. The special charm of qutabs lies in their versatility — the filling can be changed to taste, creating unique combinations. This version is perfect for autumn feasts, warming with its rich taste and aroma.

Energy value per serving

• Calories: 603.7
• Proteins: 25.8g
• Fats: 24.5g
• Carbohydrates: 75.9g

Ingredients

• Pumpkin: 800 g
• Pancetta: 100 g
• Hard cheese: 100 g
• Onion: 1 pc
• Sour cream: 2 tbsp
• Water: 120 ml
• Chicken egg: 2 pc
• Salt: 1 tbsp
• Wheat flour: 300 g

Cooking steps

1. Peel the pumpkin, cut it into large pieces, and boil in salted (1 tsp) water until semi-cooked (about 10 minutes), then drain the water and let it cool.

   Required ingredients:

   • Pumpkin: 800 g
   • Salt: 1 tablespoon

2. Chop the onion and pancetta into small pieces and fry without oil (the fat from the pancetta is enough, which can be replaced with speck, brisket, bacon, etc.).

   Required ingredients:

   • Onion: 1 piece
   • Pancetta: 100 g

3. Grate the cooled pumpkin and cheese on a coarse grater, add sour cream, pancetta with onion, and mix well. You can add your favorite spices. Cheese and pancetta can be replaced with anything; the main thing is that this mixture should weigh about 1 kg.

   Required ingredients:

   • Pumpkin: 800 g
   • Hard cheese: 100 g
   • Sour cream: 2 tablespoons
   • Pancetta: 100 g
   • Onion: 1 piece
   • Salt: 1 tablespoon

4. Mix eggs with water and salt, then gradually add flour to knead the dough. Divide it into 8 equal balls.

   Required ingredients:

   • Chicken egg: 2 pieces
   • Water: 120 ml
   • Salt: 1 tablespoon
   • Wheat flour: 300 g

5. Roll each dough ball into a circle the size of a large frying pan. Divide the filling into eight parts, form the kutabs like chebureks by folding them in half and sealing the edges, and fry in a pan for 2 minutes on each side (either dry or with oil).

   Required ingredients:

   • Wheat flour: 300 g
   • Sour cream: 2 tablespoons
   • Hard cheese: 100 g
   • Pancetta: 100 g
   • Pumpkin: 800 g