Gud Roti
A traditional Punjabi sweet flatbread made with whole wheat flour and unrefined jaggery. Flavored with aromatic fennel seeds, this soft, chewy roti is a wholesome and comforting treat, perfect for breakfast, a snack, or a light dessert.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 25 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Jaggery Syrup
- b.In a small saucepan, combine the grated jaggery and 1 cup of warm water.
- c.Heat over a low-medium flame, stirring continuously until the jaggery dissolves completely, which should take about 3-4 minutes.
- d.Turn off the heat. Strain the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl to remove any impurities.
- e.Set the syrup aside to cool down until it is lukewarm to the touch.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Knead the Dough
- b.In a large mixing bowl (parat), combine 2 cups of atta, fennel seeds, cardamom powder (if using), and salt. Mix well.
- c.Add 2 tablespoons of ghee to the flour mixture. Rub the ghee into the flour with your fingertips until it resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
- d.Gradually pour the lukewarm jaggery syrup into the flour mixture while kneading. Add just enough syrup to form a firm, pliable dough. You may not need all the syrup.
- e.Knead for 5-7 minutes until the dough is smooth. It should be slightly stiffer than regular chapati dough.
- f.Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 15-20 minutes.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Roll the Rotis
- b.After the dough has rested, knead it again for one minute.
- c.Divide the dough into 8 equal-sized portions and roll each portion into a smooth ball between your palms.
- d.Take one ball, flatten it, and dredge it in the dry atta for dusting.
- e.On a clean, flat surface, roll it out into a circle about 5-6 inches in diameter. Keep the thickness slightly more than a regular chapati, about 1/4 inch.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Cook the Gud Rotis
- b.Heat a tawa (griddle) over medium heat.
- c.Carefully place a rolled roti on the hot tawa. Cook for about 60-90 seconds, or until small bubbles start to appear on the surface.
- d.Flip the roti. Spread about 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of ghee on the semi-cooked side.
- e.Flip it again and apply ghee to the other side.
- f.Gently press the roti with a flat spatula, cooking until both sides are golden-brown and cooked through. Each roti will take about 2-3 minutes in total.
- g.Repeat the process for all remaining dough balls, stacking the cooked rotis in a casserole dish or wrapped in a cloth to keep them soft.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Serve
- b.Serve the Gud Roti hot, on its own or with a dollop of white butter (makkhan), a side of plain yogurt, or a glass of milk.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Ensure the jaggery syrup is lukewarm, not hot. Hot syrup will cook the flour and make the dough sticky.
- 2The dough should be stiffer than regular chapati dough to prevent it from becoming difficult to roll due to the jaggery's moisture.
- 3Straining the jaggery syrup is a crucial step to remove any grit or impurities often found in jaggery blocks.
- 4Maintain a consistent medium heat while cooking. If the tawa is too hot, the jaggery will burn on the outside before the roti cooks through.
- 5For extra soft rotis, add a tablespoon of milk or yogurt while kneading the dough.
- 6These rotis taste best when served fresh and hot.
Adapt it for your goals.
Nutty Delight
Add 2-3 tablespoons of finely chopped almonds, pistachios, or cashews to the dough for a crunchy texture.
Coconut TwistCoconut Twist
Mix in 3 tablespoons of desiccated coconut into the flour mixture for a different texture and a subtle sweet flavor.
Spiced UpSpiced Up
Add a pinch of nutmeg powder or a 1/4 teaspoon of dry ginger powder (sonth) to the dough for extra warmth and aroma.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Energy Booster
The combination of complex carbohydrates from whole wheat and simple sugars from jaggery provides a sustained release of energy, making it a great snack.
Rich in Iron
Jaggery is an unrefined sugar that retains molasses, making it a good plant-based source of iron, which is essential for healthy blood cells.
Aids Digestion
Fennel seeds (saunf) are well-known for their digestive properties. They can help reduce indigestion, bloating, and gas, making this treat easier on the stomach.
Frequently asked questions
Gud Roti is a healthier alternative to sweets made with refined sugar. Whole wheat flour provides fiber, and jaggery contains minerals like iron and magnesium. However, it is calorie-dense due to jaggery and ghee, so it should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.