Sel Roti (Nepalese Ring-Shaped Sweet Bread)
Sel Roti is a traditional Nepalese snack that’s both crispy and slightly chewy, perfect for tea-time or as a festive treat. With its rich flavor from ghee and cardamom, this sweet ring-shaped bread has been cherished across Nepal for generations. While the process of making Sel Roti may seem a bit involved, the result is a delightful, crispy-on-the-outside and soft-on-the-inside snack that pairs wonderfully with tea or coffee.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Rice | 1/2 cup |
| Sugar | 2 tablespoons |
| Ghee | 2 tablespoons |
| Rice flour | 1 tablespoon |
| Cardamom powder (Elaichi) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Water | 2 tablespoons (plus extra for soaking rice) |
| Sunflower oil | As required for deep frying |
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 2
Cuisine: Nepalese
Course: Snack
Diet: Vegetarian
Instructions
-
Soak the Rice: Start by washing and soaking the rice in plenty of water. Let it soak overnight for best results.
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Prepare the Rice Paste: The next day, drain the excess water from the rice. Transfer the drained rice into a mixer or blender and grind it into a fine paste. The consistency should be thick but smooth.
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Make the Batter: Transfer the rice paste to a bowl and add sugar, ghee, rice flour, and cardamom powder. Gradually add 1-2 tablespoons of water, whisking well to dissolve the sugar completely. The batter should have a thick, pourable consistency.
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Heat the Oil: Heat sunflower oil in a wide pan or wok. You’ll need enough oil for deep frying the roti rings.
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Shape the Sel Roti: Using a ladle, carefully pour the batter into the hot oil, forming circular shapes as you go. You can also use your hands to gently shape the rings if you prefer.
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Fry the Roti: Reduce the heat to medium once the batter is in the oil. Allow the Sel Roti to cook on one side until it turns golden brown. Flip it using tongs and fry the other side until it is light golden brown as well.
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Drain and Cool: Once fried to perfection, remove the Sel Roti from the oil and place it on absorbent paper to drain any excess oil. Let it cool completely.
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Storage: Store the cooled Sel Roti in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
Serving Suggestions
Sel Roti is best enjoyed as a tea-time snack, perfect with a cup of tea, coffee, or other beverages. It’s also a great addition to any festive gathering, bringing a taste of Nepalese tradition to your table.
Tips for Perfect Sel Roti
- Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying but not smoking. If the oil is too cold, the roti will soak up too much oil, becoming greasy.
- For a crispier texture, you can slightly reduce the amount of water added to the batter.
- The cardamom adds a wonderful aromatic touch, but if you prefer a different flavor, cinnamon or nutmeg could be used as a substitute.
With its delicate balance of sweetness and texture, Sel Roti is an iconic treat that brings a piece of Nepalese culture to your kitchen.
