Name: Traditional Indian Roti
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 8 Rotis
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 1 cup (142g) atta flour or white whole wheat flour; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 4 teaspoons vegetable oil; 5-7 tablespoons water; for dusting plain white flour; for brushing (optional) ghee

Ready in

30 mins

Cuisine

Indian · North Indian

Prep Time

15 min

Cook Time

15 min

Serving

8 Rotis

Calories / Serving

~85 kcal

Recipe by Gemma's Bigger Bolder Baking on YouTube

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All Ingredients

Main Ingredients

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow each step to make the recipe successfully.

Combine Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, combine 1 cup (142g) atta flour (or white whole wheat flour) and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Add 4 teaspoons vegetable oil and rub it into the flour with your hands until evenly coated, creating a crumbly texture.
Add Water
Gradually add 5-7 tablespoons of water to the flour mixture, mixing with your hands until a soft, pliable dough forms. The dough should not be too sticky. If too much water is added, incorporate a little more flour.
Rest the Dough
Form the dough into a ball and cover it with a plate. Allow the dough to rest for about to fully hydrate.
Divide the Dough
After resting, divide the dough into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a smooth ball.
Prepare for Rolling
Take one dough ball, roll it gently between your palms to make it even, and flatten it slightly into a disc.
Roll Out the Roti
Dip the flattened dough disc into plain white flour, ensuring both sides are coated. Place it on a lightly floured surface. Using an Indian rolling pin (velan/belan) or any rolling pin, roll the dough into a thin, even circle, about 8 inches in diameter, or as thin as possible.
Cook the Roti
Heat a dry cast iron skillet (tava) over medium heat until very hot. Place the rolled roti directly onto the hot pan. Cook for about until small bubbles appear on the surface.
Flip and Puff
Flip the roti to the other side and cook for another until it starts bubbling. Using tongs, carefully lift the roti and place it directly over the open flame on the stove. It will puff up quickly. Once puffed and lightly browned, remove it from the flame.
Apply Ghee
Transfer the cooked roti to a plate. Using a brush or a small piece of cloth, lightly brush ghee (clarified butter) around the edges and a little in the middle of the roti.
Serve
Repeat the process for the remaining dough pieces. Serve the fresh, hot, and soft rotis immediately with your favorite Indian dishes, like chickpeas.

Before You Cook

Helpful details before you start

Ingredient SubstitutionsMissing something? View suitable alternatives.

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No Ghee?
- Unsalted butter (1:1)
- Neutral oil (1:1, lacks the toasted note)

AllergensThis recipe contains gluten.

gluten

Variations

Simple ways to adapt this recipe.

Serve with ghee and honey
Serve with ghee and honey for a sweet treat

Helpful Tips

Small details that can improve the final result.

TipUse Finely Ground Durum Wheat
Use finely ground durum wheat flour (atta flour) for best results.
TipRub Oil Into the Flour
Rub oil into the flour thoroughly to tenderize the dough.
PreparationAllow the Dough to Rest
Allow the dough to rest for 15 minutes to fully hydrate and become pliable.
Cooking tipUse Plain White Flour for
Use plain white flour for dusting and rolling to avoid a gritty texture.
TipRoll the Dough as Thin
Roll the dough as thin and evenly as possible, about 8 inches in diameter.
Cooking tipCook on a Dry
Hot cast iron skillet (tava) and then directly over a flame for quick puffing.
TipCook Quickly to Keep the
Cook quickly to keep the roti soft and pliable, avoiding too many brown spots.
Flavour tipBrush with Ghee on the
Brush with ghee on the edges and a little in the middle for softness and flavor.
TipRoti Making Is a Fun
Roti making is a fun group project for families.

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Traditional Indian Roti

30 mins

Indian · North Indian

15 min

15 min

8 Rotis

~85 kcal

Main Ingredients

Combine Dry Ingredients

Add Water

Rest the Dough

Divide the Dough

Prepare for Rolling

Roll Out the Roti

Cook the Roti

Flip and Puff

Apply Ghee

Serve

Comments (0)

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