Keema Roti (Layered Ground Meat Flatbread)

Keema Roti (Layered Ground Meat Flatbread) is a medium Pakistani recipe that serves 4. 550 calories per serving.

Prep: 30 min | Cook: 30 min | Total: 1 hr 15 min

Cost: $143.57 total, $35.89 per serving

Ingredients

  • 3 cups All-Purpose Flour (sifted)
  • 1 tsp Salt (for dough)
  • 1 cup Milk (warm, for dough)
  • 2 tbsp Vegetable Oil (for dough and cooking roti)
  • 500 g Ground Beef or Mutton (lean, finely minced)
  • 1 large Onion (finely chopped)
  • 2 medium Tomato (finely chopped)
  • 4 cloves Garlic (minced)
  • 1 tbsp Ginger (grated)
  • 2 pieces Green Chili (slit, optional for heat)
  • 1 tsp Cumin Powder
  • 1 tsp Red Chili Powder
  • ½ tsp Turmeric Powder
  • ½ tsp Black Pepper Powder
  • 3 tbsp Plain Salt (adjust to taste)
  • ½ cup Plain Yogurt (full‑fat, for garnish)
  • 2 tbsp Pistachios (roughly chopped, for garnish)
  • 2 tbsp Fresh Cilantro (chopped, optional garnish)

Instructions

  1. Make the Roti Dough

    In a mixing bowl combine the sifted all‑purpose flour, 1 tsp salt, and warm milk. Add 1 tbsp oil and knead until smooth and elastic (about 5‑7 minutes). Cover with a damp cloth and let rest for 10 minutes.

    Time: PT12M

  2. Prepare the Keema Filling

    Heat 2 tbsp oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until golden (3‑4 min). Add minced garlic, grated ginger, and green chilies; cook 1 min. Add ground meat, break it up, and brown for 5‑6 min. Stir in tomatoes, cumin, red chili, turmeric, black pepper, and 3 tbsp plain salt. Cook until the mixture is dry and fragrant, about 8‑10 min. Set aside to cool slightly.

    Time: PT15M

    Temperature: Medium heat

  3. Shape the Rotis

    Divide the rested dough into 10 equal balls. On a lightly floured surface roll each ball into a 6‑inch circle, about 2 mm thick. Keep the rolled roti covered with a cloth to prevent drying.

    Time: PT10M

  4. Cook the Rotis

    Heat a dry skillet over medium‑high heat. Cook each roti for ~30 seconds on each side until light brown spots appear; do not over‑cook. Stack the cooked rotis on a plate, covered with a clean kitchen towel to stay soft.

    Time: PT8M

    Temperature: Medium‑high heat

  5. Assemble the Layered Keema Roti

    Lay one cooked roti on a clean surface. Spread a generous spoonful of the keema mixture evenly over the surface. Place a second roti on top and repeat until you have used all 10 rotis (alternating roti‑keema‑roti). Press lightly to bind layers.

    Time: PT8M

  6. Final Pan‑Sear (Optional)

    If you like a crisp exterior, return the assembled stack to the skillet and press gently for 1‑2 minutes per side on low heat until lightly browned.

    Time: PT4M

    Temperature: Low heat

  7. Cut and Garnish

    Transfer the stacked roti to a cutting board. Cut into 4 equal wedges (or 8 smaller pieces). Drizzle the yogurt over the top, sprinkle chopped pistachios and cilantro if using.

    Time: PT3M

  8. Serve

    Serve warm with extra yogurt or a simple salad. Enjoy immediately for best texture.

    Time: PT0M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
550
Protein
30 g
Carbohydrates
60 g
Fat
20 g
Fiber
5 g

Dietary info: High protein, Contains meat, Gluten, Dairy

Allergens: Gluten (wheat), Dairy (yogurt), Tree nuts (pistachios)

Last updated: April 23, 2026

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Keema Roti (Layered Ground Meat Flatbread)

A hearty Pakistani‑style layered flatbread stuffed with spiced ground meat, finished with a garlicky yogurt drizzle and pistachio garnish. The recipe walks you through making soft roti, a flavorful keema filling, and assembling the layers for a satisfying main‑course or snack.

MediumPakistaniServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
29m
Prep
31m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 10m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$143.57
Total cost
$35.89
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Kneading the dough until smooth
  • Browning the ground meat fully before adding tomatoes
  • Layering roti and keema without tearing the roti

Safety Warnings

  • Handle hot oil and skillet with care to avoid burns
  • Cook ground meat to an internal temperature of 71 °C (160 °F) to ensure safety
  • Wash hands and all surfaces after handling raw meat

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Keema Roti in Pakistani cuisine?

A

Keema Roti is a beloved street‑food staple in Pakistan, especially in Punjab, where flatbreads are often topped with spiced ground meat and served as a quick, hearty meal. Historically, it evolved from the tradition of cooking leftover keema on fresh rotis to make a filling, portable snack for laborers and travelers.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Keema Roti in Pakistani cuisine?

A

In northern Punjab, the keema is seasoned with garam masala and fresh coriander, while in Sindh the meat may be cooked with a touch of tamarind for tanginess. Some coastal regions add a hint of fennel or use fish keema instead of beef or lamb.

cultural
Q

How is Keema Roti traditionally served in Pakistan?

A

Traditionally, the layered roti is cut into wedges, drizzled with plain yogurt or a thin garlic‑yogurt sauce, and sprinkled with chopped pistachios or fresh cilantro. It is often eaten with a side of pickled onions or a simple salad of cucumber and tomato.

cultural
Q

On what occasions or celebrations is Keema Roti traditionally associated in Pakistani culture?

A

Keema Roti is popular at informal gatherings, roadside stalls, and during Ramadan for Iftar because it provides quick protein and carbs. It is also served at family picnics and festive street fairs where vendors showcase fast, filling foods.

cultural
Q

What makes Keema Roti special or unique in Pakistani cuisine?

A

The dish combines two Pakistani staples—soft, fluffy roti and richly spiced keema—into a single handheld meal. The layering technique creates contrasting textures: a crisp exterior, tender interior, and a creamy yogurt finish, making it distinct from plain paratha or plain keema curry.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Keema Roti?

A

Common errors include over‑kneading the dough, which makes the roti tough; under‑cooking the keema, leaving excess moisture; and stacking the roti while it’s still hot, which can cause tearing. Follow the critical steps and let the roti rest before layering.

technical
Q

Why does this Keema Roti recipe use milk in the dough instead of water?

A

Milk adds a slight richness and helps the roti stay softer longer, which is important when the flatbread will be layered and reheated. Water would produce a drier dough that could crack during assembly.

technical
Q

Can I make Keema Roti ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes. Prepare the keema filling and dough a day ahead; store the keema in the refrigerator and keep the dough wrapped in plastic. Assemble the roti stack just before serving, or reheat the pre‑cooked roti and keema together in a skillet.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when making Keema Roti?

A

Each roti should be lightly golden with small brown spots and remain pliable. The keema should be dry, crumbly, and richly colored from the spices. When stacked, the layers should be distinct but adhere without gaps.

technical
Q

How do I know when the Keema Roti is done cooking?

A

The roti is done when it shows golden brown spots on both sides and puffs slightly. The keema is done when it no longer releases liquid and the spices are fragrant. The final assembled stack should be warm throughout and the yogurt should stay smooth.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Unknown specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Unknown focuses on home‑cooked South Asian recipes, especially Pakistani comfort foods, and provides step‑by‑step tutorials that blend traditional techniques with modern kitchen shortcuts.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Unknown's approach to Pakistani cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

Channel Unknown emphasizes using readily available market ingredients, demonstrates how to adapt regional dishes for a home kitchen, and often shares personal anecdotes that connect the food to cultural memories, setting it apart from more generic recipe channels.

channel

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