Khasta Roti

Ingredients

• 2 cups whole wheat flour or 240 grams whole wheat flour
• 3 tablespoons ghee
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds – slightly crushed
• ½ cup water or add as required
• ghee as required to spread on roti

Steps

making dough for khasta roti

1. Put 2 cups whole-wheat flour/atta, 1 teaspoon slightly crushed cumin seeds, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a bowl.
2. Use either a spoon or your hands to mix everything very well.
3. Add 3 tablespoons ghee to the flour mixture.
4. Work the ghee into the flour by rubbing until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
5. Press a portion of the flour mixture; it should hold together without breaking or falling down.
6. Add water gradually, starting with 1/4 cup, and begin kneading.
7. Add more water as needed to knead a semi-soft dough, neither tight/firm nor soft. The reported batch used 1/2 cup water in all for kneading.
8. Use water as required while kneading. A soft dough will lack the crisp, flaky texture. Cover and rest for 15 or 20 minutes.
9. Portion the dough into equal medium balls. Leave them covered during rolling and roasting.

making khasta roti

1. Transfer a dough ball to the rolling board.
2. Roll it out to about 8 to 9 inches in diameter, the size of a regular chapati.
3. Heat the tawa over high flame until hot, then place the roti on it.
4. Flip the roti when bubbles appear.
5. Make sure the roti is 1/4 cooked.
6. Flip once more after the second side is half cooked and shows golden spots.
7. Use a spatula to press the edges so they roast well and become crisp.
8. After another flip, use a spatula to press the roti's edges.
9. Keep roasting until golden or lightly charred spots appear.
10. Put the rotis in a roti basket, casserole or plate and spread some ghee on top.
11. Serve them hot, or stack and serve later once all the rotis are made.
12. Pair Khasta Roti with any North Indian gravy or curry based on paneer, mushrooms or vegetables. Rajma masala, dal makhani and dal tadka also make very good accompaniments.