Tikkar Roti
A rustic and hearty flatbread from Rajasthan, made with a blend of wheat, maize, and chickpea flours. Spiced with onions and chilies, it's perfect with dal or a dollop of ghee.
For 8 servings
5 steps. 25 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Dough Mixture
- b.In a large mixing bowl (parat), combine the whole wheat flour, maize flour, and chickpea flour.
- c.Add the finely chopped onion, green chilies, coriander leaves, carom seeds, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt.
- d.Use your hands to mix all the dry ingredients thoroughly until well combined.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Knead the Dough
- b.Add the yogurt and 1 tablespoon of ghee to the flour mixture. Rub it in with your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
- c.Gradually add warm water, a little at a time, and knead to form a stiff, yet pliable dough. It should be firmer than regular chapati dough.
- d.Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for at least 20-30 minutes. This allows the flours to hydrate properly.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Shape the Rotis
- b.After the resting period, knead the dough again for one minute to make it smooth.
- c.Divide the dough into 8 equal-sized portions and roll them into smooth balls.
- d.Take one ball, dust it lightly with whole wheat flour, and roll it into a thick circle, about 5-6 inches in diameter and about 1/4 inch thick. Tikkar rotis are traditionally thick.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Cook the Tikkar Roti
- b.Heat a tawa (flat griddle) over medium heat. The tawa should be hot but not smoking.
- c.Place the rolled roti on the hot tawa. Cook for about 45-60 seconds on the first side, until you see small bubbles and the color changes slightly.
- d.Flip the roti and cook the other side for another minute.
- e.Apply about 1/2 teaspoon of ghee on the top surface and flip it again.
- f.Press down gently with a flat spatula, especially around the edges, to ensure it cooks evenly. Cook for 1-2 minutes until golden brown spots appear.
- g.Apply ghee to the other side, flip, and cook until that side is also golden and crisp.
- h.Repeat the process for all the remaining dough balls, adjusting the heat as necessary.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Serve
- b.Serve the Tikkar Roti immediately while hot. It pairs wonderfully with Rajasthani dals like Panchmel Dal, garlic chutney (lehsun ki chutney), or simply with a dollop of white butter (makkhan) or yogurt.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1The dough for Tikkar Roti should be stiff. If it's too soft, it will be difficult to roll and won't have the right texture.
- 2Resting the dough is a crucial step. It makes the rotis softer and easier to roll.
- 3Cook on a steady medium flame. High heat will burn the outside before the thick roti is cooked through, while low heat will make it hard.
- 4If you find it difficult to roll, you can pat the dough ball between your palms or on a lightly floured surface to flatten it into a disc.
- 5For an extra crispy texture, cook the roti for a little longer on low heat after applying ghee on both sides.
Adapt it for your goals.
Add Greens
Incorporate 1/2 cup of finely chopped fenugreek leaves (methi) or spinach (palak) into the dough for added flavor and nutrition.
Different FloursDifferent Flours
You can experiment with other flours like pearl millet (bajra) or sorghum (jowar) in place of maize flour for a different taste and texture.
Spice it UpSpice it Up
Add 1/2 teaspoon of crushed coriander seeds and 1/4 teaspoon of asafoetida (hing) to the dough for a more aromatic and traditional flavor.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Complex Carbohydrates
The blend of whole wheat, maize, and chickpea flours provides a steady release of energy, helping to keep you feeling full and energized for longer periods.
High in Dietary Fiber
This multi-grain roti is an excellent source of dietary fiber, which is essential for promoting healthy digestion, preventing constipation, and maintaining stable blood sugar levels.
Good Source of Plant-Based Protein
The inclusion of chickpea flour (besan) significantly boosts the protein content, making it a nutritious option for vegetarians and beneficial for muscle maintenance and repair.
Packed with Micronutrients
The combination of flours and vegetables like onion provides essential vitamins and minerals, including B vitamins, iron, and magnesium, which support overall health.
Frequently asked questions
One Tikkar Roti contains approximately 180-220 calories, depending on the amount of ghee used for cooking. It's a nutrient-dense flatbread due to the mix of flours.