Roti, also known as chapati, is an unleavened flatbread that is a staple in many households across South Africa. It is a versatile bread that can be paired with curries, stews or eaten with your favorite spread. Making roti from scratch can seem intimidating, but with the right steps, it is a simple process that can be mastered by anyone. Below is a step by step guide on how to make roti in South Africa.
Ingredients
For the dough:
- 2 cups of flour
- 1 tsp of salt
- 1 tbsp of oil
- 1 cup of warm water
For cooking:
- Flour for dusting
- Ghee or butter for frying
Preparation
Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, add the flour and salt, and mix well.
Step 2: Add the oil and mix it into the flour mixture with your fingers until it forms a crumb-like texture.
Step 3: Gradually add the warm water and knead the dough until it becomes soft and pliable. The dough should not be too dry or too sticky.
Step 4: Cover the dough and let it rest for 10-15 minutes.
Cooking
Step 1: Heat a non-stick pan on medium-high heat.
Step 2: Divide the dough into small portions and roll it into small balls.
Step 3: Flatten the ball with a rolling pin until it is approximately 1/8 inch thick.
Step 4: Dust the roti with flour and place it on the pan.
Step 5: Flip the roti when it starts to puff up and cook until both sides are golden brown, adding a small amount of ghee or butter to the pan after flipping.
Step 6: Remove the roti from the pan and place it on a plate lined with paper towel to remove any excess oil. Repeat with the remaining dough.
Tips
- Use warm water instead of cold water to make the dough softer.
- Make sure the pan is hot before cooking the roti to avoid it getting hard and difficult to roll.
- Use store-bought ghee if you don't have homemade ghee for frying the rotis.
- Roll out the dough balls thinner if making roti for children or people who prefer thinner rotis.
Roti is a simple bread that is easy to make and pairs well with many South African dishes. With these simple steps and tips, anyone can make roti from the comfort of their own kitchen.
