Roti (Unleavened Flat Bread)
Roti, a staple in many Indian households, is an unleavened flatbread made from whole-wheat flour, also known as atta. Soft and versatile, this simple bread pairs well with a variety of dishes, from curries to dals. It’s quick to make, requiring minimal ingredients, and perfect for those who love homemade bread without the fuss of yeast.
Dish Name: Roti
Description: Unleavened Flat Bread
Dietary Info: Vegetarian
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 5 mins
Serves: 4
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Whole-wheat flour (atta) | 500g |
| Water | 300ml (approx.) |
| Butter or oil (optional) | 1 tsp |
Instructions
| Step | Method |
|---|---|
| 1 | Begin by placing the 500g of whole-wheat flour (atta) into a large mixing bowl. Gradually add water, a little at a time, while bringing the flour together with your hands to form a dough. |
| 2 | Once the dough starts to come together, knead it using your knuckles. Fold the dough over and continue kneading until it no longer sticks to your hands or the bowl. If the dough feels too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour and continue kneading. Aim for a soft, smooth dough that is not too wet. Let the dough rest for at least 30 minutes before proceeding. |
| 3 | Prepare a flat plate with some dry atta for dusting. Heat your tava (Indian griddle pan) on low heat, or use a non-stick frying pan if a tava is not available. Lightly flour your hands and take a tangerine-sized ball of dough. |
| 4 | Roll the dough between your palms to form a smooth ball. Flatten the ball using your fingers, then hold it in one hand while rotating and flattening with the other to create a small disc. |
| 5 | Dust the flattened dough with a little flour and use a rolling pin to roll it out evenly. Roll in one direction, turn the dough over, dust with more flour, and roll again. Aim for a circle about 7cm in diameter. To even out the shape and remove excess flour, pick up the dough and pass it from one hand to the other, as if clapping. |
| 6 | Once your dough is evenly rolled out, it’s time to cook. Place the roti carefully onto the hot tava or frying pan. Make sure it lays flat without folding. |
| 7 | After about 10 seconds, you’ll notice the roti starting to change color slightly. Flip the roti over. If you’re using a gas stove, reduce the heat and let bubbles form on the surface. After another 10 seconds, carefully take the roti off the pan and place it directly over the flame. |
| 8 | As the roti puffs up from the heat, use tongs to turn it over and move it around to prevent burning. For those not using a gas stove or uncomfortable with an open flame, leave the roti on the pan and turn the heat down slightly. Wait for the bubbles to appear, then flip the roti over again. |
| 9 | Use a clean tea towel to gently press on the top of the roti as it cooks. This will help the roti to puff up completely with steam. Be careful not to burn your fingers in the process. |
| 10 | Once the roti has fully puffed up and is cooked through, remove it from the pan. Place the cooked roti on a clean tea towel and cover it to keep warm. Repeat the process with the remaining dough. |
| 11 | Serve warm with your favorite curry, vegetable dish, or spread with a touch of butter or ghee for extra flavor. |
Cooking Tips:
- Kneading: Proper kneading is essential to create a soft, pliable dough. Spend about 5-7 minutes kneading for the best results.
- Resting the Dough: Allowing the dough to rest for at least 30 minutes helps relax the gluten, making the roti easier to roll out and ensuring a softer texture.
- Flour Dusting: Don’t over-dust the dough with flour while rolling, as this can make the roti dry. Just enough flour is needed to prevent sticking.
- Open Flame Puffing: If you’re using an electric stove or feel unsure about puffing the roti on a direct flame, you can leave the roti on the tava and gently press it with a towel until it puffs.
Serving Suggestions:
Roti is a versatile bread that pairs beautifully with a wide range of Indian dishes, such as:
- Dal (Lentil soup)
- Vegetable sabzi (dry or saucy vegetable preparations)
- Chicken or lamb curry
- Yogurt and pickles
Enjoy this classic flatbread that brings the essence of traditional Indian cooking right to your home!
