Appetizer · Snack · Middle Eastern · Lunch · Dinner ·

Saffron-Scented Afghan Bolani with Lentil Filling

Name: Saffron-Scented Afghan Bolani with Lentil Filling
Prep time: 50 min
Cook time: 150 min
Total time: 200 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: Appetizer
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 3/4 cup warm water; A pinch of saffron threads; 2 tablespoons warm water; 1 cup lentils, cooked; 1 medium onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon cumin; 1 teaspoon coriander; 1 chili, finely chopped, optional; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons olive oil, or more, for frying

Enjoy these Afghan Bolani filled with a spiced lentil mixture, scented with aromatic saffron for a unique twist.

4.7(122 reviews)

·By Ethan Brooks·January 5, 2026

Saffron-Scented Afghan Bolani with Lentil Filling — Appetizer served and photographed from above

Prep

50 min

Cook

2 h 30 min

Difficulty

Intermediate

Serves

Ingredients

Servings

For the Dough

For the Saffron Infusion

For the Lentil Filling

For Assembling

Nutrition

Per serving

Calories: 228 kcal
Protein: 5.6 g
Carbs: 30.9 g
Fat: 9.1 g
Fiber: 3.5 g

Whole recipe

Total

Calories: 1823 kcal
Protein: 45 g
Carbs: 247 g
Fat: 73 g
Fiber: 28 g

Breakdown by ingredient▾

Ingredient	Cal	P	C	F	Fib
2 cups all-purpose flour	910	25	190	2	7
1 teaspoon salt	0	0	0	0	0
1 tablespoon olive oil	120	0	0	14	0
3/4 cup warm water	0	0	0	0	0
A pinch of saffron threads	2	0	0	0	0
2 tablespoons warm water	0	0	0	0	0
1 cup lentils, cooked	230	18	40	1	16
1 medium onion, finely chopped	44	1	10	0	2
2 cloves garlic, minced	9	0	2	0	0
1 teaspoon cumin	8	0	1	0	1
1 teaspoon coriander	5	0	1	0	1
1 chili, finely chopped optional	15	1	3	0	1
Salt and pepper to taste	0	0	0	0	0
2 tablespoons olive oil	240	0	0	28	0
2 tablespoons olive oil or more, for frying	240	0	0	28	0

These are estimates, not dietary advice.

Preparation

Get these tasks done before you start cooking.

Marinating the Saffron Infusion

1
Soak Saffron
Soak the saffron threads in 2 tablespoons of warm water.
2
Dissolve Saffron
Stir gently to dissolve and set aside.

Preparing the Dough

1
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix flour and salt.
2
Combine Wet Ingredients
Add olive oil and saffron-infused water to the warm water, then gradually mix into the flour until a dough forms.
3
Knead and Rest
Knead dough for 5-7 minutes until smooth. Cover and let rest for 1 hour.
Tip: Ensure the dough rests adequately for maximum fluffiness. Pro Tip: Use a damp cloth to cover the dough to prevent drying out.

How to Make Saffron-Scented Afghan Bolani with Lentil Filling

Total time: 3 h 20 min · Yields 8 servings

1
Prepare Filling
Sauté onions and garlic in olive oil over medium heat until translucent.
2
Cook Lentil Mixture
Add cooked lentils, cumin, coriander, chili, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring well.
3
Assemble Bolani
Divide dough into portions, roll out on a floured surface, add filling, fold, and seal edges tightly.
4
Fry Bolani
Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry bolani until golden brown on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side.