Can breakfast rotis be made soft without ghee or butter?

Question

Can your breakfast rotis be made soft without using any ghee or butter? Discover techniques and ingredients for healthier, pliable chapatis.

Answer 1

Yes, breakfast rotis can be made soft without ghee or butter by using warm water to knead the dough, resting the dough adequately, and cooking them on medium heat while pressing gently.

Detailed Explanation:

Achieving soft rotis without ghee or butter relies on proper dough preparation and cooking technique. Here's a step-by-step guide:

1. Use Warm Water: Knead the roti dough using warm water instead of cold water. Warm water helps to develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a softer dough.
2. Knead Well: Knead the dough for at least 5-7 minutes. Proper kneading ensures the gluten strands are well-developed, leading to a softer roti. The dough should be smooth and elastic.
3. Rest the Dough: After kneading, cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for at least 30 minutes. Resting allows the gluten to relax, making the rotis softer and easier to roll. Longer resting times (up to an hour) can further improve the texture.
4. Roll Evenly: Roll the rotis into even circles, ensuring they are not too thick or too thin. Uneven thickness can lead to some parts being hard while others are soft.
5. Cook on Medium Heat: Cook the rotis on a medium-hot tawa (griddle). Cooking on high heat can burn the roti before it cooks through, resulting in a hard texture.
6. Press Gently: While cooking, gently press the roti with a clean cloth or spatula. This helps it puff up and cook evenly.
7. Flip and Cook: Flip the roti when small bubbles start to appear on the surface. Cook the other side until it's lightly browned.
8. Optional Puffing: For extra soft rotis, you can puff them up directly on the flame after cooking them on the tawa. Use tongs to hold the roti and briefly expose it to the flame until it puffs up. Be careful not to burn it.
9. Store Properly: After cooking, store the rotis in a hot pot or a container lined with a cloth. This helps to retain their moisture and keep them soft.

Pro Tip:

Adding a tablespoon of yogurt or milk to the dough while kneading can also contribute to softer rotis. The lactic acid in yogurt and the fat in milk help to tenderize the gluten.