Mooli Makki Roti Recipe: A Wholesome Punjabi Delight
Mooli Makki Roti is a delightful, wholesome flatbread that combines the earthy flavors of grated radish (mooli) and the richness of corn flour (makki atta). A beloved dish from North India, especially during the colder months, it is often enjoyed with a cup of Masala Chai for a hearty breakfast. This gluten-free recipe brings together the goodness of green moong sprouts, spring onions, and an array of colorful salad ingredients, making it a nutritious and flavorful choice. It’s a perfect way to start your day with a traditional touch of Punjabi cuisine, but with a South Indian-style twist for the roti preparation.
This Mooli Makki Roti recipe is a simple yet innovative variation that adds healthful ingredients such as avocado, spinach, and red bell pepper to the traditional roti, making it a rich and satisfying meal. The recipe does not require any water to form the dough—relying on the natural moisture from the radish (mooli) to bring everything together. Each bite is a burst of flavor, enhanced by a refreshing coriander-mint chutney and a vibrant salad filling.
Ingredients for Mooli Makki Roti:
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Mooli / Mullangi (Radish) | 500 grams, grated |
| Corn flour (Makki Atta) | 2 cups |
| Green Moong Sprouts | A handful |
| Spring Onion (Bulb & Greens) | 2, sliced |
| Coriander (Dhania) Leaves | 1/4 cup, chopped |
| Green Chilli | 2 to 3 teaspoons, paste |
| Ginger | 1-inch piece, grated |
| Salt | To taste |
| Oil | As needed for greasing and cooking |
| Green Chutney (Coriander & Mint) | As needed for serving |
| For the Salad Filling: | |
| Avocado | Slices as required |
| Spinach Leaves (Palak) | As required |
| Red Bell Pepper (Capsicum) | A few slices |
| Purple Cabbage | Shredded, as required |
| Mooli / Mullangi (Radish) | 1/2, thinly sliced |
Preparation Time: 25 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Step-by-Step Instructions:
-
Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated mooli (radish), green moong sprouts, sliced spring onions, grated ginger, green chilli paste, chopped coriander, and salt. Mix everything well using a spatula. The moisture from the mooli will help bind these ingredients together. -
Form the Dough
Gradually add the corn flour (makki atta) little by little into the mixture. Mix it in thoroughly without adding any water. The radish’s moisture will be sufficient to form a crumbly dough. Though the dough might seem a bit loose initially, it will come together once it rests. Cover the mixture and let it rest for 15-20 minutes. -
Shape the Roti
After resting the dough, grease a sheet of parchment paper with a little oil. Take a fistful of the dough and roll it into a ball. Place it in the center of the greased parchment paper. Using your fingers, gently press and pat the dough into a round roti shape, as thin or thick as you prefer. -
Cook the Roti
Heat a tava (griddle) over medium heat. Drizzle a little oil on the surface and spread it evenly with a paper towel. Carefully transfer the shaped roti onto the tava, with the parchment paper side facing up. Allow the roti to cook for about a minute, until the paper can be peeled off easily. -
Flip and Crisp
Once the parchment paper is removed, drizzle some more oil on the roti and flip it. Cook the roti on both sides, pressing gently with a spatula, until it becomes crispy and golden brown. -
Serve
Transfer the cooked Mooli Makki Roti onto a plate. Smear a generous layer of green chutney (coriander and mint) over the top. Top the roti with the prepared salad: slices of avocado, fresh spinach, red bell pepper, shredded purple cabbage, and thinly sliced radish. You can add a drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of lemon juice to enhance the flavors. -
Enjoy
Serve this flavorful Mooli Makki Roti with a steaming cup of Masala Chai. The warm, crispy roti paired with the tangy chutney and vibrant salad makes for a nutritious and satisfying breakfast.
Allergen Information:
- Gluten-Free: This recipe uses corn flour (makki atta), making it a great choice for those with gluten sensitivities or those following a gluten-free diet.
- Dairy-Free: This recipe does not contain any dairy ingredients, making it suitable for dairy-free diets.
- Vegan-Friendly: No animal products are used, so this dish is ideal for vegan diets as well.
Dietary Preferences:
- Vegetarian: This Mooli Makki Roti recipe fits perfectly into a vegetarian diet, as it contains no meat or animal-derived products.
- Low-Calorie: Packed with fresh vegetables and healthy fats from the avocado, this dish is both nutritious and relatively low in calories.
- Rich in Fiber: Thanks to the inclusion of radish, spinach, and sprouts, this dish is rich in fiber, making it a good choice for digestive health.
Tips for Making Perfect Mooli Makki Roti:
- Use Fresh Radish: Fresh, firm radishes will provide the best texture and flavor to your dough.
- Let the Dough Rest: Allowing the dough to rest ensures that the radish moisture is fully absorbed, making it easier to roll out.
- Adjust Thickness: You can adjust the thickness of the roti based on your preference. A thinner roti will cook faster and become crispier, while a thicker one will be softer.
- Experiment with Fillings: While the recipe suggests a salad topping, feel free to get creative by adding other vegetables or even a dollop of yogurt for added flavor.
- Serve Immediately: These rotis are best enjoyed fresh and hot off the griddle for the most satisfying texture and taste.
Conclusion:
Mooli Makki Roti is not just a traditional Punjabi breakfast; it’s a wholesome, nourishing meal that provides a burst of flavors and textures in every bite. From the crispy edges of the flatbread to the fresh and vibrant salad filling, this recipe offers a perfect balance of health and taste. Whether you enjoy it as a hearty breakfast or as a light meal any time of the day, Mooli Makki Roti is sure to delight your senses and provide your body with essential nutrients.
Pair it with a cup of Masala Chai, and you’ve got yourself a delightful, fulfilling meal that celebrates the essence of Indian home-cooked food. Enjoy this gluten-free, vegetarian, and fiber-rich recipe as part of your breakfast routine or any time you need a wholesome meal to keep you energized.
