Roti
Roti is a soft, unleavened whole wheat flatbread made from finely ground whole wheat flour kneaded into a smooth dough and cooked on a hot pan. This recipe includes a resting time to allow the dough to relax for pliability. The rolled dough is gently cooked to develop flat, thin rotis with tender centers and softly crisped edges, offering a versatile accompaniment to a variety of dishes.
Ingredients
- 4 cups whole wheat flour finely ground
- 2 cups water or as needed
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon neutral cooking oil optional, generic cooking oil
- 2 tablespoons ghee optional
Instructions
To make the dough by hand:
- Add flour and salt to a mixing bowl and mix well. Then slowly add the water little bit at a time and mix it in with the flour using finger tips of your dominant hand. Keep adding water and kneading until soft dough (but not sticky) forms. Then add the oil and knead once again for 4 to 5 minutes or until even and smooth dough forms. Cover the dough and allow it to rest for 10 to 15 minutes. Dough can stay at room temperature for an hour or so, or you can refrigerate it in an airtight container for 2 to 3 days.
To make the Dough using Stand Mixer:
- Attach the spiral dough hook to the stand mixer. Add flour, salt and 1.5 cups of water to the mixer bowl and start the mixer at speed 2. Add the remaining water as needed. Once the dough has fully formed, add the oil and let the mixer run for another 2 to 3 minutes. Take out the dough, cover it and allow to rest for 10 to 15 minutes. Dough can stay at room temperature for an hour or so, or you can refrigerate it in an airtight container for 2 to 3 days.
Rolling:
- Knead the dough once more for a minute and make small round balls from it. With 4 cups of dough you can make roughly 20 balls. Heat the tawa or a shallow pan/griddle on medium heat.
- Take one dough ball at a time and roll it in the dry flour so that it is evenly covered with flour. Gently press the dough ball to flatten it and then roll it back and forth using a rolling pin, using gentle pressure. Turn the roti around clockwise a few times, as you roll it evenly on all the sides. Dip it back in flour if it starts to get sticky and form 6 to 8 inch roti.
- Gently place the rolled roti on the preheated Tawa and cook for 30 to 45 seconds. Then flip the roti over with a pair of tongs and allow the side touching the tawa to fully cook. About a minute or so, or until the roti starts to get light brown spots over.
- Now carefully lift the tawa with one hand (non dominant) and pick up the Roti using the pair of tongs and place it upside down on medium high flame. The Roti will start to pop up, getting brown spots on it, about 20 to 30 seconds. Place the roti in a plate facing up the side that just cooked directly on the flame. Place the tawa back on the flame. Optionally apply ghee or oil, on the top surface of the Roti.
- Repeat steps 2, 3 & 4 with remaining dough balls.
Notes
- Adjust water quantity carefully as different whole wheat flours absorb differently to achieve a soft but not sticky dough.
- Allow the dough to rest covered at room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes before rolling.
- Roll the dough starting from the center outward towards edges, keeping pressure light to avoid uneven thickness and to promote puffing.
- Preheat the pan thoroughly before cooking each roti to ensure proper puffing and cooking.
- If using an electric stove, cook roti on the pan and gently press with a kitchen towel to encourage puffing.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 1 Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 252
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 252kcal | 13% |
| Carbohydrates | 43g | 14% |
| Protein | 8g | 16% |
| Fat | 7g | 11% |
| Saturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Cholesterol | 10mg | 3% |
| Sodium | 586mg | 24% |
| Potassium | 218mg | 5% |
| Fiber | 6g | 24% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Calcium | 22mg | 2% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.