Gud Roti
Warm, comforting whole wheat flatbreads with a sweet, caramel-like jaggery filling that melts into every bite. A beloved winter breakfast in rural North India, this rustic sweet bread pairs perfectly with a dollop of fresh white butter or a cold glass of milk. Quick to make with pantry staples, it turns an ordinary morning into a celebration.
For 8 servings
- prep · ~2 min
Mix the jaggery filling.
1.Take grated jaggery in a bowl and check for any hard lumps or impurities.2.Add the lightly crushed fennel seeds and mix well with your fingers.3.Set the filling aside while you make the dough. - knead · ~7 min
Knead the dough.
Combine whole wheat flour and salt in a wide mixing bowl. Add 1 tablespoon of ghee and rub it into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add warm water, kneading as you go, to form a soft, pliable dough. Cover and rest for 5 minutes.
TIPA soft dough makes soft rotis — don't skimp on the kneading or the short rest. - prep · ~3 min
Divide and shape the dough balls.
Divide the rested dough into 8 equal portions. Roll each portion between your palms into a smooth ball, then flatten slightly into a disc. Keep them covered with a damp cloth so they don't dry out.
- assemble · ~2 min
Stuff the rotis with jaggery filling.
1.Take one dough disc and dust it lightly with dry flour.2.Roll it out to a small circle about 3 inches wide.3.Place 1 tablespoon of the jaggery-fennel mixture in the center.4.Gather the edges up and pinch them together tightly to seal in the filling.5.Flatten the sealed ball gently and dust again with dry flour.6.Roll out carefully into a 5-6 inch circle, keeping the filling sealed inside.TIPSeal the edges completely — any gap and the melted jaggery will leak onto the tawa and burn. - fry · ~8 min
Cook the gud roti on a hot tawa.
1.Heat a tawa over medium heat until a sprinkle of flour sizzles on contact.2.Place the rolled roti on the hot tawa and cook for 30-40 seconds until bubbles appear.3.Flip and cook the second side for another 30 seconds.4.Apply a thin smear of ghee on the top side and flip again.5.Press gently with a spatula — the roti will puff slightly and both sides should have golden-brown spots.6.Repeat with remaining dough balls, wiping the tawa clean between rotis if any jaggery leaks.TIPKeep the heat at medium — too high and the outside burns before the jaggery inside melts completely. - serve
Serve gud rotis warm.
Stack the cooked rotis in a roti basket or wrap them in a clean kitchen towel to keep them soft. Serve warm with a dollop of fresh white butter on top or a cold glass of milk alongside.
TIPGud rotis are best eaten fresh off the tawa while the jaggery is still gooey inside.
What to keep in mind.
7 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use finely grated jaggery to ensure it melts evenly without hard chunks.
- 2Resting the dough for 5 minutes makes it easier to roll without shrinking.
- 3Seal the stuffed dough ball very tightly to prevent jaggery from leaking out.
- 4Roll the stuffed roti gently and evenly to avoid thin spots that can burst.
- 5Cook on medium heat so the jaggery melts fully without burning the exterior.
- 6Keep cooked rotis stacked in a cloth-lined basket to stay soft and warm.
- 7Wipe the tawa clean between batches if any jaggery leaks and burns.
Adapt it for your goals.
Cardamom-ginger
Add 1/4 tsp ground cardamom and 1 tbsp finely grated fresh ginger to the jaggery filling for a warm, spiced twist that cuts through the sweetness.
coconutCoconut
Mix 2 tbsp of grated dried coconut with the jaggery and fennel for a chewy, nutty texture and a subtle tropical note.
nuttyNutty
Stir 2 tbsp of finely chopped almonds or pistachios into the jaggery filling for added crunch and a richer, more indulgent taste.
savory sweetSavory-sweet
Replace fennel seeds with a pinch of black pepper and 1/4 tsp of roasted cumin powder for a sweet roti with a savory, earthy edge.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Iron
Jaggery is a traditional source of iron, which supports healthy blood and energy levels, especially valuable in winter diets.
Whole Grain Fiber
Whole wheat flour provides dietary fiber that promotes digestive health and helps maintain steady energy release.
Digestive Support
Fennel seeds are known to aid digestion and reduce bloating, making these sweet rotis easier on the stomach.
Quick Energy Source
The natural sugars in jaggery deliver a rapid, clean energy boost, ideal for starting a cold morning.
Frequently asked questions
Brown sugar can be substituted in equal measure, but the flavour will be less complex. Honey is too wet and will make the dough sticky; avoid it.
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