Masala Roti
Aromatic and flavorful Indian flatbreads made with whole wheat flour and a blend of warm spices. These soft rotis are perfect for breakfast or lunch, served with a side of yogurt and pickle.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Dough
- b.In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of atta, besan, salt, turmeric powder, red chili powder, cumin powder, and garam masala. Whisk to combine the dry ingredients.
- c.Crush the kasuri methi and ajwain between your palms to release their aroma, then add them to the bowl along with the finely chopped coriander leaves.
- d.Add 2 tablespoons of ghee to the flour mixture. Using your fingertips, rub the ghee into the flour until it resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
- e.Gradually add lukewarm water, a little at a time, and knead to form a soft, pliable dough. Knead for 7-8 minutes until the dough is smooth and not sticky. The dough should be soft, similar to chapati dough.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Rest the Dough
- b.Cover the dough with a damp cloth or a lid and let it rest for at least 20-30 minutes. This step is crucial as it allows the gluten to relax, resulting in softer rotis.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Divide and Roll the Rotis
- b.After resting, knead the dough gently for another minute.
- c.Divide the dough into 8 equal-sized portions and roll them into smooth balls.
- d.Take one ball, flatten it between your palms, and dip it in the dry atta for dusting.
- e.Place it on a rolling board (chakla) and roll it out into a circle of about 6-7 inches in diameter. Ensure it's rolled evenly and is not too thick or too thin.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Cook the Masala Rotis
- b.Heat a tawa (flat iron griddle) over medium-high heat. To check if it's hot enough, sprinkle a few drops of water; they should sizzle and evaporate immediately.
- c.Carefully place the rolled roti on the hot tawa. Cook for about 30-40 seconds, or until small bubbles start to appear on the surface.
- d.Flip the roti using tongs. Cook the other side for about 45-60 seconds, until light golden-brown spots appear.
- e.Flip the roti again. Using a folded, clean kitchen towel or a flat spatula, gently press down on the edges of the roti. This will help it puff up like a balloon.
- f.Cook for another 15-20 seconds, then remove from the tawa.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Serve
- b.Immediately brush the hot roti with a little ghee. This keeps it soft and adds flavor.
- c.Repeat the rolling and cooking process for the remaining dough balls.
- d.Stack the cooked rotis in a casserole dish or wrap them in a cloth to keep them warm and soft.
- e.Serve hot with yogurt, pickle, or your favorite curry.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Ensure the dough is soft and well-kneaded. A stiff dough will result in hard rotis.
- 2Resting the dough is a crucial step for soft rotis; do not skip it.
- 3The tawa must be adequately hot before placing the roti on it. A cold tawa will make the rotis hard and leathery.
- 4Roll the rotis with even pressure to ensure they cook and puff up uniformly.
- 5Store leftover rotis in a covered container or a roti box to maintain their softness.
Adapt it for your goals.
Ingredient Addition
Add 1/4 cup of finely chopped onions or grated carrots to the dough for extra flavor and nutrition.
Spice LevelSpice Level
Incorporate 1 finely chopped green chili into the dough for a spicier roti. Reduce red chili powder accordingly.
Healthier OptionHealthier Option
Replace ghee with an equal amount of plain yogurt in the dough for a softer texture, and skip brushing with ghee after cooking to reduce fat content.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Fiber
Made with whole wheat flour (atta), Masala Roti is an excellent source of dietary fiber, which aids digestion, promotes satiety, and helps maintain stable blood sugar levels.
Aids Digestion
The inclusion of spices like ajwain (carom seeds) and cumin is known in traditional medicine to help alleviate indigestion, bloating, and gas.
Source of Complex Carbohydrates
This flatbread provides complex carbohydrates, which are a primary source of energy for the body, released slowly to keep you energized for longer periods.
Frequently asked questions
One Masala Roti contains approximately 130-150 calories, depending on the amount of ghee used for cooking and brushing.
