Bejar Roti
A rustic and wholesome flatbread from Rajasthan, made with a blend of wheat, barley, and chickpea flours. Spiced with onions and chilies, it's perfect with dal or a simple vegetable curry.
For 4 servings
6 steps. 25 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Flour Mix
- b.In a large mixing bowl (parat), combine the atta, jau ka atta, and besan.
- c.Add the ajwain (crush it slightly between your palms before adding to release flavor), turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt. Whisk everything together to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Knead the Dough
- b.Add the finely chopped onion, green chili, and coriander leaves to the flour mixture.
- c.Pour in 1 tablespoon of ghee. Use your fingertips to mix it into the flour until the texture is crumbly.
- d.Gradually add warm water, a little at a time, and begin to knead. Knead for 6-8 minutes to form a soft and pliable dough. It should be firm but not stiff.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Rest the Dough
- b.Cover the dough with a damp kitchen towel or a lid and let it rest for 15-20 minutes. This allows the flours to hydrate properly, resulting in softer rotis.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Shape the Rotis
- b.After resting, knead the dough again for a minute.
- c.Divide the dough into 8 equal-sized balls. Keep them covered to prevent drying out.
- d.Take one ball, flatten it between your palms, and dust it lightly with dry atta.
- e.Using a rolling pin, roll it out into a circle about 5-6 inches in diameter. Keep it slightly thicker than a regular chapati to prevent it from breaking.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Cook the Rotis
- b.Heat a tawa (griddle) over medium-high heat.
- c.Carefully place the rolled roti on the hot tawa. Cook for about 45-60 seconds, or until you see small bubbles forming on the surface.
- d.Flip the roti using tongs. Cook the other side for about a minute, applying a little ghee if desired.
- e.Flip it again. Using a clean cloth or a flat spatula, gently press the edges of the roti to help it cook evenly and puff up slightly. Cook until golden-brown spots appear on both sides.
- f.Remove the roti from the tawa and smear a little ghee on top.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Serve
- b.Repeat the rolling and cooking process for the remaining dough balls.
- c.Serve the hot Bejar Rotis immediately with Rajasthani specialties like Gatte ki Sabzi, Lehsun ki Chutney (garlic chutney), or a simple dal and curd.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use warm water for kneading as it helps in making the multi-grain rotis soft.
- 2Do not rest the dough for too long after adding onions, as they release water and can make the dough sticky.
- 3If the dough feels too sticky, add a little dry atta. If it's too dry, add a teaspoon of water.
- 4Roll these rotis gently and with even pressure, as the mix of flours makes them more delicate than plain wheat rotis.
- 5Cook on a consistent medium to medium-high flame to ensure the thick roti cooks through to the center without burning the outside.
Adapt it for your goals.
Add Greens
Incorporate 1/4 cup of finely chopped methi (fenugreek leaves) or palak (spinach) into the dough for added flavor and nutrition.
Spice it UpSpice it Up
Add 1/2 teaspoon of crushed coriander seeds and 1/4 teaspoon of garam masala to the flour mix for a more aromatic roti.
Different FloursDifferent Flours
You can experiment with the flour ratio or add other millet flours like bajra (pearl millet) or ragi (finger millet) in small quantities.
Why this is on our healthy list.
High in Dietary Fiber
The combination of whole wheat, barley, and chickpea flours makes this roti rich in dietary fiber, which aids digestion, promotes gut health, and helps in maintaining a feeling of fullness.
Rich in Complex Carbohydrates
Unlike refined flour breads, Bejar Roti provides complex carbohydrates that release energy slowly, helping to maintain stable blood sugar levels and providing sustained energy.
Good Source of Plant-Based Protein
The inclusion of besan (chickpea flour) boosts the protein content of the roti, making it a good option for vegetarians and those looking to increase their protein intake for muscle maintenance and repair.
Aids Digestion
Ajwain (carom seeds) are traditionally used in Indian cooking to alleviate indigestion, gas, and bloating, making this spiced roti easier on the digestive system.
Frequently asked questions
One serving, which consists of two Bejar Rotis, contains approximately 350-380 calories. This can vary based on the amount of ghee used for cooking.
