Missi Roti: Unleavened Spiced Flatbread
Missi Roti is a traditional Indian flatbread made from a blend of gram flour (chickpea flour) and whole wheat flour, infused with aromatic spices and herbs. This savory roti offers a mild, spiced flavor and is perfect for pairing with various curries, yogurt, or even as a snack. This wholesome, vegetarian dish is packed with flavors from ingredients like fenugreek leaves, garam masala, and carom seeds, providing both a comforting and nutritious experience.
Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, lunch, or as a side dish for dinner, Missi Roti is a flavorful and versatile addition to your culinary repertoire. With a prep time of just 30 minutes and a cook time of only 5 minutes, this quick and easy recipe is perfect for busy weekdays or leisurely weekends. Serve it warm, straight off the griddle, for a delightful taste of Indian comfort food.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Gram Flour (Chickpea Flour) | 120g |
| Whole Wheat Flour (Atta) | 120g |
| Onion, finely chopped | 1 medium |
| Green Chili, finely chopped | 1 small |
| Yoghurt | 2 tbsp |
| Carom Seeds (Ajwain) | ΒΌ tsp |
| Turmeric | ΒΌ tsp |
| Kashmiri Chilli Powder | Β½ tsp |
| Garam Masala | 1 tsp |
| Amchoor Powder (Dry Mango Powder) | ΒΌ tsp |
| Fenugreek Leaves (Methi), fresh or dried | 2 tbsp |
| Chopped Coriander Leaves | 2 tbsp |
| Ghee or Rapeseed Oil | 2 tsp |
| Salt | To taste |
| Water or Milk (if needed) | As required |
Allergen Information
- Contains wheat (gluten)
- Contains dairy (yogurt and ghee)
- May contain traces of nuts, depending on preparation and storage conditions
Dietary Preferences
- Vegetarian: This recipe is 100% vegetarian and can be enjoyed by those following a vegetarian lifestyle. It contains no meat or fish ingredients.
- Can be made vegan: For a vegan version, substitute yogurt with a plant-based yogurt and ghee with a vegetable oil or dairy-free butter.
Instructions
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Prepare the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the gram flour, whole wheat flour, finely chopped onion, green chili, carom seeds (ajwain), yogurt, amchoor powder, turmeric, Kashmiri chili powder, garam masala, fresh fenugreek leaves (methi), coriander leaves, and salt.
- Mix all the ingredients using your hands, ensuring they are well combined. Add water or milk, a little at a time, and knead the dough until it becomes smooth and soft. The dough will be slightly stickier than regular flour dough, so expect a bit of moisture.
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Rest the Dough:
- Once the dough is ready, cover it with a clean tea towel and allow it to rest for 10 minutes. This step helps in softening the dough further and making it easier to work with.
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Knead Again:
- After the resting period, lightly grease your hands with oil and knead the dough again for a few seconds to ensure smoothness.
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Divide and Shape:
- Divide the dough into 8 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball and set aside.
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Prepare the Tava/Griddle:
- Heat a tava (griddle) or frying pan over medium heat. Ensure you have a plate with some flour on it for dusting the dough.
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Roll Out the Roti:
- Take one dough ball and flatten it out on the plate dusted with flour, ensuring both sides are lightly coated. Using a rolling pin, roll the dough ball into a thick round roti (approximately 5-6 inches in diameter). Do not make it too thin; a thicker roti will hold its shape and flavor better.
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Cook the Roti:
- Place the rolled-out roti onto the heated tava. Allow it to cook for a couple of minutes until small bubbles start forming on the surface. Flip the roti and reduce the flame to low. Let it cook for about 1 minute.
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Add Ghee:
- Spread a small amount of ghee on the cooked surface using a spoon. Flip the roti again and increase the heat slightly. Add a little more ghee to this side and cook for about 30 seconds, ensuring both sides are evenly browned.
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Golden Brown Finish:
- Flip the roti a couple more times if necessary to get even golden and brown spots on both sides. The roti should be crisp and perfectly cooked.
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Serve:
- Once the roti is cooked, remove it from the griddle and place it on a plate lined with kitchen paper to absorb any excess oil. Repeat the process with the remaining dough balls.
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Enjoy:
- Serve the freshly made Missi Roti immediately, paired with curries, yogurt, or a chutney of your choice. Enjoy the warm, spiced goodness of this traditional Indian flatbread!
Tips for the Perfect Missi Roti
- Consistency of Dough: The dough for Missi Roti should be slightly stickier than regular wheat dough. This ensures that the rotis are soft yet firm when cooked.
- Adjust Spice Levels: Feel free to adjust the amount of green chili and Kashmiri chili powder to match your preferred spice tolerance. The spice level in this recipe is mild but can easily be customized.
- Storage: Missi Roti is best enjoyed fresh. However, if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container and reheat them later in a pan or microwave.
- Substitute Flours: While gram flour and whole wheat flour are the traditional choice, you can experiment with other flours, such as millet flour or rice flour, for a different texture or dietary needs.
Conclusion
Missi Roti is a perfect example of how simple, wholesome ingredients come together to create something both flavorful and satisfying. This versatile flatbread is quick to make and can easily be incorporated into various meals. Whether you’re pairing it with a spicy curry or enjoying it on its own with a dollop of yogurt, Missi Roti offers a delightful burst of flavors that will leave you craving more.
With a few basic ingredients and a touch of patience, this easy recipe will bring a taste of Indian comfort food to your kitchen. Enjoy this traditional unleavened spiced flatbread and share the warmth and deliciousness with family and friends!
