Tisi ki Roti
A rustic and nutty flatbread from Bihar, made with whole wheat flour and roasted flaxseeds. It's packed with flavor from garlic and green chilies, offering a healthy and delicious alternative to plain roti. Perfect with any curry or sabzi.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 20 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Roast and Grind Flaxseeds
- b.Heat a heavy-bottomed pan or tawa over medium heat.
- c.Add the flaxseeds and dry roast for 2-3 minutes, stirring continuously to prevent burning.
- d.The seeds are ready when they start to pop and release a nutty aroma.
- e.Immediately transfer the roasted seeds to a plate and let them cool completely. This step is crucial as grinding hot seeds will turn them into a paste.
- f.Once cooled, grind the seeds into a coarse powder using a spice grinder or blender. Do not over-grind.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Prepare the Dough
- b.In a large mixing bowl (parat), combine the atta, ground flaxseed powder, minced garlic, chopped green chilies, and salt.
- c.Mix the dry ingredients thoroughly with your fingertips.
- d.Gradually add lukewarm water, a little at a time, and knead to form a soft, smooth, and pliable dough. The dough should be slightly softer than regular chapati dough.
- e.Cover the dough with a damp cloth or a lid and let it rest for at least 15-20 minutes. This allows the flour to hydrate and makes the rotis soft.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Roll the Rotis
- b.After the resting period, knead the dough again for a minute to make it smooth.
- c.Divide the dough into 8 equal-sized balls.
- 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 of about 6-7 inches in diameter, ensuring even thickness.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Cook the Rotis
- b.Heat a tawa (griddle) over medium-high heat. The tawa should be hot before you place the roti on it.
- c.Place the rolled roti on the hot tawa. Cook for about 30-40 seconds until small bubbles appear on the surface.
- d.Flip the roti using tongs and cook the other side for about a minute until light brown spots appear.
- e.Flip it one last time. Gently press the edges with a folded kitchen towel or a flat spatula to encourage it to puff up.
- f.Once cooked through with golden-brown spots on both sides, remove it from the tawa.
- g.Brush one side with ghee and place it in a casserole or roti box to keep it warm and soft.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Serve
- b.Repeat the rolling and cooking process for all the remaining dough balls.
- c.Serve the hot Tisi ki Roti immediately with Bihari classics like Baingan ka Bharta, Aloo Chokha, or any dal or curry of your choice.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Ensure flaxseeds are completely cool before grinding to get a powder, not a paste.
- 2Resting the dough is a crucial step for soft rotis; do not skip it.
- 3Cook the rotis on a properly heated tawa (medium-high heat). If the heat is too low, the rotis will become hard and dry.
- 4The dough for Tisi ki Roti should be slightly softer than regular roti dough as flaxseeds absorb moisture.
- 5For a richer flavor, you can add a teaspoon of ghee to the dough while kneading.
Adapt it for your goals.
Ingredient Addition
Add 1/4 cup of finely chopped onions or 1 teaspoon of ajwain (carom seeds) to the dough for a different flavor profile and digestive benefits.
Spice LevelSpice Level
For extra heat, add a pinch of red chili powder to the dough along with the green chilies.
Herb InfusionHerb Infusion
Incorporate 2 tablespoons of finely chopped fresh cilantro (coriander leaves) into the dough for a fresh, herby aroma.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Flaxseeds are one of the best plant-based sources of ALA (alpha-linolenic acid), an essential omega-3 fatty acid that supports heart and brain health and helps reduce inflammation.
High in Dietary Fiber
The combination of whole wheat flour and flaxseeds makes this roti an excellent source of both soluble and insoluble fiber, which aids digestion, prevents constipation, and promotes a feeling of fullness.
Excellent Source of Lignans
Flaxseeds are packed with lignans, which are compounds with powerful antioxidant and estrogen-like properties. They may help in balancing hormones and reducing the risk of certain diseases.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is exceptionally healthy. Flaxseeds (Tisi) are a powerhouse of omega-3 fatty acids, dietary fiber, and lignans. Combined with whole wheat flour (atta), this roti is great for heart health, digestion, and provides sustained energy.