My Makki ki Roti (maize flour flatbread) is cracking and falling apart while rolling. How do I make the dough more pliable?

Question

Is your Makki ki Roti (maize flour flatbread) cracking while rolling? Learn how to make this gluten-free dough more pliable and easy to handle.

Answer 1

To prevent Makki ki Roti from cracking, knead the dough with hot water and add a binding agent like mashed potato or grated radish. This will improve its pliability and prevent breakage.

Detailed Explanation:

Makki ki Roti is notoriously difficult to roll because maize flour lacks gluten, which provides elasticity. Here's a step-by-step guide to making the dough more pliable:

1. Use Hot Water: Knead the dough with hot (but not boiling) water. The heat helps to gelatinize the starches in the maize flour, making it more cohesive. Start by adding hot water gradually, mixing with a spoon or spatula until it's cool enough to handle.

2. Add a Binding Agent: Incorporate a binding agent to improve the dough's structure. Good options include:

   • Mashed Potato: Add 1-2 tablespoons of mashed, boiled potato to the dough. It adds moisture and acts as a binder.

   • Grated Radish: Grated radish also adds moisture and helps bind the dough. Squeeze out any excess water from the grated radish before adding it.

   • Spinach Puree: Blanched and pureed spinach can also be added for moisture and nutrients.

3. Knead Well: Knead the dough for at least 5-7 minutes. This develops the limited gluten present and helps the binding agent integrate properly. The dough should be soft and pliable.

4. Rest the Dough: Allow the dough to rest for 15-20 minutes after kneading. This allows the moisture to distribute evenly, making it easier to roll.

5. Roll Gently: When rolling, use a light hand and roll between two sheets of parchment paper or plastic wrap. This prevents the dough from sticking and cracking.

Pro Tip:

Instead of rolling, try patting the Makki ki Roti directly on a hot griddle (tawa) using your fingers. This traditional method often yields better results and reduces the risk of cracking. Wet your hands slightly to prevent sticking.