Roti
Roti is a traditional Indian flatbread made with whole wheat flour, perfect for serving with a variety of dishes. This simple, yet delicious recipe is a staple in many Indian households and can be easily made at home for a warm, comforting meal.
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Illustrated cooking guide
Step-by-step visual method
A polished English infographic for the whole cooking flow, paired with the full written recipe below for detail and SEO.
Written method
Instructions
Read through once, then cook at your own pace with the illustrated guide above.
- 1
In a mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of whole wheat flour and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
- 2
Gradually add 3/4 cup of water to the flour mixture, mixing until it forms a soft dough.
- 3
Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.
- 4
Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 20-30 minutes to allow it to relax.
- 5
Divide the rested dough into equal portions, about the size of a golf ball.
- 6
Take one portion of the dough, flatten it slightly, and roll it out between your palms to form a ball.
- 7
Dust with a little flour if necessary, and roll it out on a floured surface into a circle about 6-8 inches in diameter.
- 8
Heat a tawa or skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the rolled-out roti on the skillet.
- 9
Cook for about 30 seconds or until small bubbles form on the surface, then flip it over.
- 10
After flipping, cook for another 30 seconds, pressing it gently with a spatula to promote puffing.
- 11
Flip once again, allowing it to cook until golden brown spots appear on both sides, about 1-2 minutes total.
- 12
Repeat the rolling and cooking process for the remaining dough portions, stacking the cooked rotis in a clean cloth to keep them warm.
- 13
Before serving, season with a pinch of salt, if desired.
Cook notes
Tips
Make sure the dough is soft; add a bit more water if it feels dry.
Resting the dough helps in rolling out smoother rotis.
Use whole wheat flour for authentic taste and texture.
Cook smarter
Helpful notes
Practical storage, serving, swap, and troubleshooting notes for a better first try.
Storage Tips
- Store rotis in an airtight container to keep them soft.
- Reheat rotis on a skillet before serving for best texture.
- Leftover rotis can be frozen for later use.
Substitutions
- You can use all-purpose flour instead of whole wheat flour for a lighter texture.
- If you don't have fresh water, use room temperature milk for a richer flavor.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free flour blends.
What to Serve With
- Serve with vegetable curry or dal.
- Pair with pickles and yogurt for a traditional meal.
- Enjoy with a side of sautéed vegetables.
Common Mistakes
- Not kneading the dough enough can result in tough rotis.
- Rolling the dough too thin can make it crispy instead of soft.
- Not letting the dough rest can make rolling difficult.
Recipe FAQ
What is Roti made of?
Roti is made from whole wheat flour, water, and salt.
How can I store leftover Roti?
Store leftover Roti in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Can I freeze Roti?
Yes, you can freeze cooked Roti. Place parchment paper between each Roti and freeze in a zip-top bag.
Kitchen tools
Helpful Tools for This Recipe
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Rice cooker
Good for steady rice, grains, and meal-prep bowls.
Baking sheet
Useful for roasting, baking, broiling, and sheet-pan prep.
Blender
Helpful for smooth sauces, soups, marinades, and purees.
Chef knife
A basic prep tool for vegetables, herbs, aromatics, and proteins.
Cutting board
Keeps prep organized for chopping, slicing, and staging ingredients.
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