Whole Wheat Roti
A staple in every Indian household, these soft, unleavened whole wheat flatbreads are perfect for scooping up curries and dals. Made with just two main ingredients, they are simple, healthy, and incredibly versatile.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Dough
- b.In a large mixing bowl, add the atta. If using, add 1 tsp of ghee and rub it into the flour with your fingertips.
- c.Gradually pour in warm water while mixing with your other hand, bringing the flour together to form a shaggy dough.
- d.Knead the dough on a clean surface for 8-10 minutes, adding a few drops of water if it feels dry. The final dough should be soft, smooth, and pliable, but not sticky.
- e.Cover the dough with a damp cloth or a lid and let it rest for at least 20 minutes. This step is crucial for relaxing the gluten and making the rotis soft.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Divide and Roll the Rotis
- b.After resting, knead the dough again for one 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 into a small bowl of dry atta, coating it lightly on both sides.
- e.Place the dusted ball on a rolling board (chakla) and use a rolling pin (belan) to roll it into a thin, even circle about 6-7 inches in diameter. Dust with a little more flour as needed to prevent sticking.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Cook the Roti on the Tawa
- b.Heat a flat griddle (tawa) over medium-high heat. The tawa is ready when you can feel the heat radiating from it by holding your hand a few inches above.
- c.Carefully place the rolled roti onto the hot tawa. Cook for about 15-20 seconds, or until you see small bubbles forming on the surface.
- d.Using tongs, flip the roti over. Cook the second side for about 30-40 seconds, until light brown spots appear.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Puff the Roti
- b.Method 1 (Direct Flame): Using tongs, carefully remove the roti from the tawa and place it directly over a high gas flame. It should puff up into a ball within seconds. Flip it once to cook evenly, then immediately remove.
- c.Method 2 (On the Tawa): If you don't have a gas stove, flip the roti back onto the first side on the tawa. Using a clean, folded kitchen towel, gently press down on the edges of the roti. This will trap the steam and cause it to puff up.
- d.Once puffed, remove the roti from the heat.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Finish and Serve
- b.Immediately place the hot roti in a container lined with a clean kitchen towel to keep it warm and soft.
- c.If desired, brush the top of the roti with a little ghee.
- d.Repeat the process for the remaining dough balls.
- e.Serve hot with your favorite dal, sabzi, or curry.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Using warm water to knead the dough results in softer rotis.
- 2Don't skip the resting time for the dough; it's essential for a soft texture and easy rolling.
- 3Ensure the tawa is sufficiently hot before placing the roti on it. A cold tawa will make the roti hard.
- 4Roll the roti with even pressure to ensure it has a uniform thickness, which helps it puff up properly.
- 5To store leftover rotis, let them cool completely, then wrap them in a cloth or aluminum foil and place them in an airtight container. They can be refrigerated for 2-3 days.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegan
Use a neutral oil like sunflower oil instead of ghee in the dough and for brushing.
healthyHealthy
Use minimal ghee for brushing. Pair with a vegetable-rich curry or dal for a balanced meal.
gluten freeGluten free
Replace whole wheat flour with a gluten-free flour blend containing sorghum (jowar) or buckwheat (kuttu). Note that the texture and rolling process will be different.
quickQuick
Use a food processor to knead the dough in under 5 minutes. This significantly cuts down on prep time.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Fiber
Whole wheat flour is an excellent source of dietary fiber, which promotes healthy digestion, prevents constipation, and helps maintain stable blood sugar levels.
Sustained Energy
As a complex carbohydrate, atta provides a slow and steady release of energy, keeping you full and energized for longer periods compared to refined flours.
Packed with Nutrients
Whole wheat is a good source of essential nutrients like B vitamins (niacin, thiamine), iron, magnesium, and zinc, which are vital for overall health.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, Whole Wheat Roti is very healthy. It's made from whole wheat flour, which is a great source of complex carbohydrates, fiber, and B vitamins. It aids in digestion and provides sustained energy.