| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 10 mins – 15 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 250 | 5g | 1g | 45g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 1g | 3g | 6g | 0.4g |
About Roti
Inviting you to step into a world of tantalising flavours with Roti, a humble, but supremely versatile bread recognized as the heart of many cuisines across South Asia and the Caribbean.
Understanding the Origins of Roti
Originating from the Indian subcontinent, Roti is a round, flat bread loved not just for its simplicity, but for the warmth and comfort it brings to any meal. Roti has evolved and been adapted in various cultures around the world, each lending their own unique twists and flavours to this staple food.
A Touch of Simplicity: The Ingredients
One of the winning attributes of Roti is its simplicity. Created with just a few basic kitchen cabinet ingredients – all-purpose flour, salt, water, and vegetable oil – and a pinch of love, this bread serves as a perfect reminder that delicious food doesn’t have to be complicated.
While the ingredients might seem basic, the process of making Roti, consisting of kneading, rolling, and roasting, is an art that involves skill and patience. The way each Roti puffs up on the griddle creates a sense of satisfaction reserved for the most passionate of bakers.
Delightful Pairings with Roti
Roti pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes. With its soft, foldable texture and mild flavor, it has the ability to scoop up or wrap around virtually any food. Some enjoy it with curries and stews, using Roti to soak up the flavorful sauces. It is equally delightful with barbecued meats in Caribbean cookery, and is even served with sweetened condensed milk for a simple, rustic dessert.
The versatility of Roti also draws similarities to bread like naan, pita, and tortillas. So if you’re a fan of any of these, Roti is definitely a recipe you should explore!
Whatever the cuisine, the humble Roti stands out, enhancing each bite with its pleasant chewiness and subtly toasty flavor. It is more than just bread – it is an integral part of a culinary tradition, bringing people together at the dinner table – a testament to its timeless appeal.
What You’ll Need
- 4 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1-2 cups of water
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- Additional oil for cooking
Method
Step One
Begin by mixing 4 cups of all-purpose flour with 1 teaspoon of salt in a large bowl.
Step Two
Gradually add water. Start with 1 cup and slowly add more as needed. The aim is to form a dough that is soft and smooth but not sticky. Knead the dough with your hands for about 10 minutes until it has reached the desired consistency.
Step Three
Add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil to the dough, and continue to knead for another 2 minutes until the oil is fully incorporated into the dough.
Step Four
Let the dough rest for 15-20 minutes, covered with a damp cloth or plastic wrap.
Step Five
After the dough has rested, divide it into equal portions. Each portion should be roughly the size of a golf ball or slightly larger.
Step Six
Take one of the dough portions and roll it out on a lightly floured surface. Aim for a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
Step Seven
Heat a pan over medium heat and lightly brush it with vegetable oil. Once the pan is hot, add the rolled-out dough. Cook for about one minute on each side, or until the roti has puffed up and has dark spots on both sides. Keep an eye on the heat and adjust as necessary.
Step Eight
Remove the cooked roti from the pan and brush it with additional oil if desired. Place it in a covered dish to keep warm while you cook the remaining roti.
Step Nine
Repeat the process for the remaining dough portions. You may need to add more oil to the pan between rotis to prevent sticking.
Step Ten
Once all the rotis have been cooked and oiled, they are ready to be served. Enjoy your homemade rotis with curry, dal, or any of your favorite Indian dishes.
