Satlada

Satlada is a traditional layered sweet originating from Hyderabad, India. It is typically prepared during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan and other special occasions like weddings. The sweet derives its name from the Urdu word "Saat" meaning seven and "Lada" referring to layers, implying that a traditional Satlada ideally consists of seven layers. However, variations with more or fewer layers are also common.

Satlada is made from maida (all-purpose flour), ghee (clarified butter), and sugar. The process involves repeatedly rolling out thin layers of dough, brushing them with ghee, and stacking them on top of each other. This stack is then baked or fried until golden brown and crispy. Finally, a sugar syrup is poured over the baked/fried layers, allowing it to seep through the cracks and crevices, resulting in a sweet, flaky, and rich dessert.

Different recipes and regional variations exist, with some adding spices like cardamom or saffron to enhance the flavor. Nuts, such as almonds or pistachios, are often used as garnishes. The texture of Satlada is characterized by its crispiness and the melt-in-your-mouth sensation created by the layers soaked in sugar syrup.