Missi Roti
A savory, spiced flatbread from Punjab made with a mix of chickpea and whole wheat flour. Finely chopped onions and fragrant spices like ajwain and kasuri methi give it a unique, rustic flavor. Perfect with dal or yogurt.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 20 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Dough
- b.In a large mixing bowl, combine the besan, atta, salt, turmeric powder, red chili powder, ajwain, and crushed kasuri methi. Whisk to combine the dry ingredients.
- c.Add the finely chopped onion, green chilies, grated ginger, and coriander leaves. Mix well to distribute them evenly throughout the flour.
- d.Add 1 tbsp of ghee. Using your fingertips, rub the ghee into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse breadcrumbs. This step, known as 'moyan', helps make the rotis crisp.
- e.Gradually add warm water, a little at a time, and knead to form a firm and smooth dough. The dough should be stiffer than chapati dough, as the onions will release moisture upon resting.
- f.Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for at least 20 minutes. This allows the flours to hydrate and the flavors to meld.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Shape the Rotis
- b.After resting, knead the dough for another minute until smooth.
- c.Divide the dough into 8 equal-sized portions and roll them into smooth balls.
- d.Take one ball, flatten it between your palms, and dredge it in dry atta (whole wheat flour).
- e.Place it on a rolling board and roll it out into a circle of about 5-6 inches in diameter. It should be slightly thicker than a regular chapati.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Cook the Rotis
- b.Heat a tawa (griddle) over medium heat. The tawa should be hot but not smoking.
- c.Place the rolled roti on the hot tawa. Cook for about 45-60 seconds, or until you see small bubbles forming on the surface.
- d.Flip the roti. Cook the other side for about 1-1.5 minutes until golden-brown spots appear.
- e.Flip it again. Using a clean kitchen towel or a flat spatula, gently press down on the edges of the roti to encourage it to puff up.
- f.Spread about ½ tsp of ghee over the top surface, flip, and spread another ½ tsp on the other side. Cook for another 30 seconds until both sides are crisp and golden brown.
- g.Remove from the tawa and place in a casserole or a cloth-lined container to keep warm. Repeat for the remaining dough balls.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Serve
- b.Serve the hot Missi Rotis immediately, topped with a dollop of white butter (makhan) or more ghee. They pair wonderfully with dal makhani, plain yogurt, or a spicy Indian pickle.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Ensure the onions are chopped as finely as possible. Large pieces can tear the roti while rolling.
- 2The dough must be firm. If it's too soft, the onions will release water, making the dough sticky and difficult to handle.
- 3Resting the dough is a crucial step. Do not skip it, as it makes the rotis softer and more flavorful.
- 4Cook on a steady medium flame. High heat will cook the outside too quickly, leaving the inside raw, while low heat will make the rotis hard.
- 5For a smoky, tandoori-like flavor, after cooking on the tawa, you can use tongs to hold the roti directly over an open flame for a few seconds per side until charred spots appear.
Adapt it for your goals.
Add Vegetables
Incorporate finely chopped spinach (palak) or fenugreek leaves (methi) into the dough for added nutrition and flavor. Squeeze out excess water from the greens before adding.
Vegan VersionVegan Version
Replace ghee with a neutral vegetable oil or coconut oil to make the recipe completely plant-based.
Add Pomegranate SeedsAdd Pomegranate Seeds
For a traditional touch, add 1 tablespoon of dried pomegranate seeds (anardana), coarsely crushed, to the dough for a tangy flavor.
Softer RotisSofter Rotis
For a softer texture, add 2 tablespoons of plain yogurt or curd while kneading the dough. You may need to reduce the amount of water slightly.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Protein and Fiber
The combination of besan (chickpea flour) and whole wheat flour provides a good amount of plant-based protein and dietary fiber, which helps in muscle maintenance and promotes satiety.
Aids Digestion
Spices like ajwain (carom seeds) and ginger are well-known for their digestive properties. They can help alleviate indigestion, bloating, and gas.
Good for Blood Sugar Control
Besan has a lower glycemic index compared to refined flours. This means it releases sugar into the bloodstream more slowly, making Missi Roti a more suitable option for managing blood sugar levels.
Frequently asked questions
One Missi Roti contains approximately 150-160 calories, depending on its size and the amount of ghee used. A serving of two rotis would be around 300-320 calories.