Roti
Soft, unleavened whole wheat flatbread, a daily staple in Indian households. Perfect for scooping up curries and dals, this simple, wholesome bread is puffed up on an open flame for that classic, airy texture.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the dough
- b.In a large mixing bowl, combine the atta and 1 tsp of ghee.
- c.Gradually add lukewarm water, a little at a time, mixing with your fingers to form a shaggy dough.
- d.Knead the dough on a clean surface for 8-10 minutes, using the heel of your palm to push and fold until it is smooth, soft, and pliable, but not sticky.
- e.Cover the dough with a damp cloth or a lid and let it rest for at least 20-30 minutes. This step is crucial for relaxing the gluten and ensuring soft rotis.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Divide and roll the rotis
- b.After resting, knead the dough for another minute.
- c.Divide the dough into 8 equal-sized portions and roll each into a smooth, crack-free ball.
- d.Take one dough ball, flatten it, and dip it in dry atta for dusting.
- e.On a rolling board, use a rolling pin to roll it into an even circle about 6-7 inches in diameter. Ensure the edges are as thin as the center for proper puffing.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Cook the roti
- b.Heat a flat griddle (tawa) over medium-high heat. It's ready when a pinch of flour sprinkled on it sizzles and turns brown in seconds.
- c.Place the rolled roti on the hot tawa. Cook for about 20-30 seconds, until you see small bubbles appear on the surface.
- d.Using tongs, flip the roti. Cook the second side for about 45-60 seconds, until light brown spots appear.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Puff the roti
- b.Using tongs, carefully remove the roti from the tawa and place it directly over a medium-high open flame. It should puff up into a ball almost instantly. Flip it once and remove immediately to avoid burning.
- c.Alternatively, if you don't have a gas stove, flip the roti back onto the tawa and gently press the edges with a folded kitchen towel. This traps steam and helps the roti puff up.
- d.Once puffed, immediately remove the roti from the heat.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Finish and serve
- b.Brush one side with ghee, if desired, for extra flavor and softness.
- c.Place the finished roti in a casserole dish or a container lined with a clean kitchen towel to keep them soft and warm.
- d.Repeat the process for all remaining dough balls. Serve hot with your favorite dal, curry, or sabzi.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1The secret to soft rotis is a soft, well-rested dough. Don't skip the resting time.
- 2Use lukewarm water to knead the dough as it helps in developing gluten, resulting in a softer texture.
- 3Roll the rotis evenly. Uneven thickness can prevent them from puffing up properly.
- 4Ensure the tawa is hot enough before you start cooking. A cold tawa will make the rotis hard.
- 5Don't overcook the roti on the tawa before puffing, as it can become crisp and won't inflate.
- 6Store cooked rotis in a 'roti box' or a casserole dish lined with a cloth to keep them soft for hours.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegan
Use a neutral vegetable oil or coconut oil instead of ghee in the dough and for brushing.
healthyHealthy
Use minimal ghee for brushing. You can also incorporate other flours like oat or millet flour (up to 25%) for added nutrients.
gluten freeGluten free
This recipe relies on gluten. For a gluten-free version, use a specialized gluten-free flour blend designed for flatbreads, which often contains rice, tapioca, and sorghum flour.
quickQuick
If short on time, you can reduce the dough resting time to 10 minutes, though a longer rest yields softer rotis.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Complex Carbohydrates
Whole wheat atta provides complex carbohydrates that break down slowly, offering a steady supply of energy and keeping you full for longer.
Good Source of Fiber
The dietary fiber in whole wheat aids in digestion, promotes gut health, and helps maintain stable blood sugar levels.
Low in Fat
A plain roti is naturally low in fat, making it a wholesome choice for daily meals. The only fat comes from the small amount of optional ghee.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, roti is generally considered healthy. It's made from whole wheat flour, which is a great source of complex carbohydrates, fiber, and B vitamins. It's a low-fat staple that provides sustained energy.