Besan Roti
A protein-rich Punjabi flatbread combining nutty chickpea flour (besan) and wholesome whole wheat flour (atta). Spiced with ajwain, kasuri methi, and fresh onions, this flavorful and slightly crisp roti is a delicious and nutritious alternative to plain chapati, perfect for any meal.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 20 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Flour Mixture (5 minutes)
- b.In a large mixing bowl (parat), combine the atta, besan, ajwain, turmeric powder, and salt. Whisk to combine.
- c.Crush the kasuri methi between your palms to release its aroma and add it to the flour.
- d.Add the finely chopped red onion, green chili, and fresh coriander. Mix everything well so the vegetables are evenly distributed.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Knead the Dough (10 minutes)
- b.Add 1 tsp of ghee to the flour mixture. Rub it into the flour with your fingertips.
- c.Gradually add warm water, a little at a time, and begin to knead. The onions will release moisture, so add water cautiously to avoid a sticky dough.
- d.Knead for 7-8 minutes until you have a firm, smooth, and pliable dough. It should be slightly stiffer than a standard chapati dough.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Rest the Dough (20 minutes)
- b.Cover the dough with a damp kitchen towel or a lid.
- c.Let it rest for a minimum of 20 minutes. This crucial step allows the flours to hydrate properly, resulting in softer rotis that are easier to roll.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Shape and Roll the Rotis (10 minutes)
- b.After resting, knead the dough again for 1 minute to make it smooth.
- c.Divide the dough into 8 equal portions and roll each into a smooth ball.
- d.Take one ball, flatten it, and lightly dust it with dry atta.
- e.Using a rolling pin, roll it into a 5-6 inch circle. Aim for a uniform thickness, slightly thicker than a regular chapati. Use dry flour sparingly to prevent the rotis from becoming hard.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Cook the Rotis (10 minutes)
- b.Heat a tawa (griddle) over medium-high heat. Place the rolled roti on the hot tawa.
- c.Cook for about 30-45 seconds, until small bubbles appear on the surface.
- d.Flip the roti. Cook the other side for about 1 minute until light brown spots form. Apply about 1/2 tsp of ghee on the top surface.
- e.Flip again. Gently press the edges with a spatula to encourage it to puff up.
- f.Alternatively, for a fully puffed roti, use tongs to carefully place it directly on a medium flame for a few seconds per side until it inflates.
- g.Remove from heat and place in a roti box or a cloth-lined container to keep soft. Repeat for the remaining dough balls.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Ensure onions are chopped extremely finely to prevent the rotis from tearing during rolling.
- 2Resting the dough is non-negotiable. It allows the besan to absorb water, resulting in a pliable dough and soft rotis.
- 3Cook on a medium-hot tawa. If the heat is too low, the rotis will become hard; if it's too high, they will burn before cooking through.
- 4For an even softer dough, you can add 1-2 tablespoons of plain yogurt (curd) while kneading.
- 5Serve immediately with a dollop of white butter (makkhan), plain curd, or your favorite pickle for an authentic experience.
Adapt it for your goals.
Add-in
Incorporate other finely chopped vegetables like spinach (palak), fenugreek leaves (methi), or grated carrots for added nutrition. Adjust the amount of water accordingly.
Spice LevelSpice Level
Add 1/4 teaspoon of red chili powder or 1/2 teaspoon of finely grated ginger to the dough for extra heat and flavor.
Gluten FreeGluten-Free
For a gluten-free version, replace atta with jowar (sorghum) flour or a gluten-free flour blend. Note that the dough will be more delicate and harder to roll.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Protein
Besan (chickpea flour) is an excellent source of plant-based protein, which is essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
High in Fiber
The combination of whole wheat flour and besan provides a significant amount of dietary fiber, aiding digestion, promoting satiety, and helping to regulate blood sugar levels.
Aids Digestion
Spices like ajwain (carom seeds) are traditionally known to improve digestion, prevent bloating, and relieve indigestion.
Sustained Energy Release
This roti provides complex carbohydrates that release energy slowly, keeping you feeling full and energized for longer periods compared to breads made with refined flour.
Frequently asked questions
This usually happens if the onions or other vegetables are not chopped finely enough. Large pieces can break the dough's surface. Also, ensure your dough is not too dry; it should be firm but pliable.