Roti, also known as Chapati, is a staple Indian flatbread made with whole wheat flour. It’s soft, pliable, and pairs perfectly with a wide variety of curries, dals, and vegetable dishes. This easy-to-follow recipe will help you make restaurant-style rotis that are soft, fluffy, and delicious.
Roti Recipe (Soft Indian Flatbread)
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 10 rotis
Also Try Cooking :
Ingredients
- 2 cups whole wheat flour (atta)
- 1 teaspoon salt (optional)
- 1 tablespoon oil or ghee (optional, for softer rotis)
- 3/4 cup warm water (adjust as needed)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, add 2 cups of whole wheat flour and 1 teaspoon of salt (if using). Mix well to combine. - Add Water Gradually:
Start adding warm water little by little while mixing the flour with your hand or a spoon. Do not pour all the water at once; this helps in better control over the dough’s consistency. - Knead the Dough:
Once the flour begins to come together, start kneading it with your hands. Knead for about 8-10 minutes until the dough is soft, smooth, and pliable. If the dough feels too dry, add a few drops of water; if it’s too sticky, dust with a little more flour. - Rest the Dough:
Cover the dough with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let it rest for at least 15-20 minutes. Resting helps the gluten to relax, resulting in softer rotis.
Step 2: Rolling the Roti
- Divide the Dough:
After resting, divide the dough into 10 equal portions and roll each portion into a smooth ball. Keep the balls covered to prevent them from drying out. - Flatten the Dough Balls:
Lightly dust your rolling surface and rolling pin with flour. Take one dough ball, flatten it slightly with your hands, and place it on the floured surface. - Roll Out the Roti:
Roll the dough ball into a thin, even circle, about 6-7 inches in diameter. Use gentle pressure and keep rotating the dough as you roll to maintain a circular shape. Dust with more flour if needed to prevent sticking.
Step 3: Cooking the Roti
- Preheat the Tawa:
Heat a flat skillet or tawa over medium-high heat. Ensure the pan is hot before placing the roti on it, as a properly heated tawa helps the roti cook evenly. - Cook the First Side:
Place the rolled roti on the hot tawa. Cook for about 30 seconds until you see small bubbles forming on the surface. - Flip the Roti:
Flip the roti using tongs or a spatula. Cook the other side for another 30 seconds or until you see light brown spots. - Cook Directly on Flame (Optional):
For a perfectly puffed roti, you can cook it directly on the flame using tongs. This step gives the roti a nice, slightly charred taste. If you prefer not to use an open flame, simply press the roti gently with a cloth or spatula on the tawa until it puffs up. - Apply Ghee (Optional):
Brush the hot roti with ghee or butter for extra flavor and softness.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
- Keep Rotis Warm:
Stack the cooked rotis in a covered container or wrap them in a clean cloth to keep them soft and warm until ready to serve. - Serve Hot:
Enjoy your freshly made rotis with your favorite curries, dals, or vegetable dishes.
Expert Tips for Perfect Roti
- Use Warm Water: Warm water helps in kneading a soft dough, which is key to making soft rotis.
- Knead Well: Proper kneading develops the gluten, which is essential for making the rotis soft and pliable.
- Rest the Dough: Don’t skip resting the dough; it helps to relax the gluten and makes rolling easier.
- Cook on High Heat: A hot tawa ensures the roti puffs up well and gets cooked evenly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why is my roti not soft?
Ensure you are using enough water while kneading and resting the dough for at least 15 minutes. Overcooking on low heat can also make the rotis hard.
2. Can I use oil instead of ghee?
Yes, you can use oil or omit the ghee/oil entirely if you prefer. Ghee adds extra flavor and softness but is optional.
3. Can I make the dough in advance?
Yes, you can make the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Let it come to room temperature before rolling.
Serving Suggestions for Roti
- Paneer Butter Masala: Soft rotis go perfectly with creamy paneer dishes.
- Dal Tadka: A classic combination, roti with dal makes a wholesome meal.
- Mixed Vegetable Curry: Pair roti with a colorful and nutritious mixed vegetable curry for a balanced meal.
- Raita and Pickle: For a lighter option, serve roti with yogurt-based raita and tangy pickle.
If you have any questions not covered in this post and if you need help, leave a comment or mail us at blog@ramshiromanicaterers.in and we’ll help as soon as we can.
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