Bolani by Maryam Zekria
Meals From Memory - Episode 3
Author: Maryam Zekria | July 10, 2025 | Time to read: 3 min
Bolani is one of those recipes that proves simple ingredients can make something truly special. I use yellow potatoes for their creamy texture and mash them finely to get a smooth filling. While you can always make your own dough, I like to use raw tortillas as a shortcut—it’s a small tweak that makes this traditional dish more approachable. The filling is easy to adapt with what’s in season, and the key is getting that golden, crispy fold without breaking the dough. This is a dish that’s meant to be shared, served warm with yogurt or chutney on the side.
Behind the Scenes
Bolani
Recipe from Maryam Zekria
30 minutes
15 minutes
4-6
What You'll Need
Ingredients
7 medium or 3 large yellow/gold potatoes
5 bunches green onions, chopped
1 large bunch cilantro, chopped
2 jalapeños, seeded and chopped
¼ cup oil
1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
2 tablespoons ground coriander
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper
Raw tortillas (see note)
Water (for sealing)
Plain yogurt or chutney, for serving
Directions
Step 1
Prepare the Potatoes: Boil potatoes until fork-tender. Drain and grate or mash until smooth.
Step 2
Make the Filling: Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Sauté green onions, cilantro, and jalapeños until just softened, about 3–4 minutes. Turn off the heat. Stir in the potatoes, ground coriander, crushed red pepper, and salt to taste. Mix thoroughly.
Step 3
Assemble the Bolani: Place a raw tortilla on a flat surface. Lightly wet the edges with water. Add a scoop of filling to one half, then fold over to seal into a half-moon shape. Press edges to seal completely.
Step 4
Cook: In a lightly oiled pan or on a griddle, cook each bolani over medium heat for about 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
Step 5
Serve: Slice and serve warm with plain yogurt or your favorite chutney.
💡Cook’s Tip:
You can find raw tortillas at Costco, Walmart, or many grocery stores (usually in the refrigerated section).
Maryam Zekria
Maryam Zekria is an Afghan American home cook and storyteller passionate about preserving and sharing the flavors of her heritage. Through her vibrant, approachable recipes, she brings the spirit of Afghan hospitality to everyday kitchens, showing that traditional dishes can be both soulful and accessible.
