Rumali roti, also known as roomali roti, is a thin, soft and delicate Indian bread that is typically served with kebabs and curries. It is made from a blend of wheat flour, maida (all-purpose flour), salt and water. The dough is kneaded until it becomes soft and elastic, then rolled out into thin discs using a rolling pin. The name ’Rumali Roti’ comes from the Hindi word ‘rumal’, which means ‘handkerchief’, as the roti is so thin and delicate that it resembles a handkerchief.
Ingredients required for Rumali Roti
The traditional recipe for rumali roti calls for a mix of wheat flour and maida, but you can use just wheat flour or even gluten-free flour as a substitute. Other essential ingredients include water, salt and oil or ghee. Some recipes also call for milk, yogurt or baking powder to make the roti softer. For a vegan version, you can use oil instead of ghee. You will also need a rolling pin, a tawa (griddle) and a cotton cloth to cook the roti.
Nutritional Value of Rumali Roti
Rumali roti is a low-fat and low-calorie bread that is an excellent source of carbohydrates, protein and fibre. It contains essential vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin B-complex, iron, calcium and magnesium. One rumali roti has approximately 100 calories, 2 grams of protein, 20 grams of carbohydrates and 1 gram of fat.
How to Make Rumali Roti
To make rumali roti, first, mix 2 cups of wheat flour, 1 cup of maida, and a teaspoon of salt in a bowl. Slowly add water and knead the dough until it becomes soft and elastic. Cover the dough and let it rest for 30 minutes. Divide the dough into small balls, approximately the size of a golf ball. Roll each ball into a thin disc, around 8-10 inches in diameter, using a rolling pin. Heat a tawa or a flat griddle over medium-high heat. Place the rolled-out roti on the tawa and cook for a few seconds until bubbles appear. Flip the roti and cook the other side for a few more seconds. Using a pair of tongs, remove the roti from the tawa and place it on a cotton cloth. Fold the cloth to cover the roti and keep it warm.
Repeat the process with the remaining dough balls until you have made all the rotis. Serve hot with your favourite curry or kebab.
Making Rumali Roti: Instant Method
If you are short on time, you can make an instant version of rumali roti using store-bought tortillas or chapatis. Heat the tortilla or chapati on a tawa or griddle for a few seconds until it becomes soft. Fold the tortilla or chapati into half, then fold it again into quarters. Hold the folded edges and twist the rest of the roti until it becomes a spiral. Flatten the spiral with your palm, then roll it out into a thin disc using a rolling pin. Cook the roti on the tawa or griddle as per the regular recipe. This instant method is a quick and easy way to enjoy the delicious flavour and texture of rumali roti without spending too much time in the kitchen.
Expert Tips for Making Rumali Roti
● The dough should be soft and pliable but not too sticky. If it's too sticky, add a little more flour.
● Knead the dough for at least 10 minutes to make it soft and elastic.
● Use a rolling pin to roll out the roti thinly, but be careful not to tear it.
● Cook the roti on a hot tawa or griddle to get a crispy texture.
● Keep the roti warm and covered with a cotton cloth to keep it soft and pliable.
Notes for Making Rumali Roti
● If you don't have a tawa or a flat griddle, you can use a non-stick pan instead.
● To make the roti gluten-free, use a mix of gluten-free flours like almond, coconut or chickpea flour.
● You can add herbs and spices like cumin, coriander, or ajwain to the dough for extra flavour.
● If the roti becomes hard or crispy, you can sprinkle a little water on it and heat it up on the tawa for a few seconds.
Conclusion
Rumali roti is a popular Indian bread that is easy to make and pairs well with a variety of curries and kebabs. With our simple recipe, essential ingredients, and expert tips, you can make delicious and fluffy rumali roti at home. So, next time you want to impress your family and friends with your culinary skills, try making rumali roti and savour the authentic taste of India.
FAQs
What is rumali roti made of?
Rumali roti is made from a mixture of wheat flour, maida, water, salt and oil or ghee.
Can I make rumali roti without maida?
Yes, you can use only wheat flour or a mix of gluten-free flours as a substitute for maida.
How thin should I roll out the rumali roti?
The rumali roti should be as thin as a handkerchief, around 8-10 inches in diameter.
Can I make rumali roti in advance?
Yes, you can make the dough and roll out the rotis in advance and store them in the refrigerator or freezer. Just heat them up on a tawa or griddle before serving.