How to Make Tandoori Roti: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you love Indian cuisine, then you must have tasted Tandoori Roti. It is a popular flatbread in India that is cooked in a tandoor or clay oven. Tandoori Roti is soft, chewy, and has a smoky flavor that makes it a perfect accompaniment to a variety of dishes such as curries, kebabs, and tikkas. In this article, we will guide you on how to make Tandoori Roti at home.

Table of Contents

• Ingredients Needed for Tandoori Roti
• Preparing the Dough for Tandoori Roti
• Shaping and Rolling Tandoori Roti
• Cooking Tandoori Roti on a Stovetop
• Cooking Tandoori Roti in an Oven
• Serving Tandoori Roti
• Tips for Making Perfect Tandoori Roti
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Conclusion

Ingredients Needed for Tandoori Roti

• 2 cups whole wheat flour (atta)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1/2 cup lukewarm water

Preparing the Dough for Tandoori Roti

1. In a mixing bowl, add 2 cups of whole wheat flour, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1 tablespoon of oil. Mix the ingredients well.
2. Slowly add 1/2 cup of lukewarm water to the flour mixture and start kneading the dough.
3. Knead the dough for at least 5-7 minutes until it becomes soft and pliable.
4. Once the dough is ready, cover it with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes.

Shaping and Rolling Tandoori Roti

1. After the dough has rested, divide it into equal-sized balls.
2. Take a ball of dough and roll it into a circular shape using a rolling pin and dusting flour.
3. The thickness of the roti should be around 2-3 mm.
4. Use a fork to make holes on the surface of the roti.

Cooking Tandoori Roti on a Stovetop

1. Heat a griddle or a tawa on high flame.
2. Once the griddle is hot, place the rolled roti on it.
3. Cook for 30-40 seconds on one side until you see small bubbles appearing on the surface of the roti.
4. Flip the roti and cook it for another 30-40 seconds on the other side.
5. Use tongs to hold the roti and cook it over an open flame for a few seconds to get the smoky flavor.

Cooking Tandoori Roti in an Oven

1. Preheat the oven to 250-300 degrees Celsius.
2. Take the rolled roti and place it on a baking tray.
3. Put the baking tray in the oven and cook the roti for 2-3 minutes.
4. Once you see the roti puffing up and turning brown, remove it from the oven.
5. Brush some butter on the roti to keep it soft.

Serving Tandoori Roti

1. Serve hot Tandoori Roti with your favorite Indian curry, kebab, or tikka.
2. You can also serve it with raita, pickle, or chutney.

Tips for Making Perfect Tandoori Roti

• Use lukewarm water to knead the dough.
• The dough should be soft and pliable, not too hard or too soft.
• Roll the roti evenly, with a thickness of 2-3 mm.
• Use a fork to make holes on the surface of the roti, which helps it cook evenly.
• Cook the roti on high flame for 30-40 seconds on each side on a stovetop.
• If cooking in an oven, preheat it well and cook the roti for 2-3 minutes until it puffs up and turns brown.
• Brush some butter on the roti after cooking to keep it soft and moist.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is it necessary to make holes on the surface of the roti? Yes, making holes on the surface of the roti helps it cook evenly and prevents it from puffing up like a balloon.
2. Can I use all-purpose flour instead of whole wheat flour? While whole wheat flour is traditionally used for Tandoori Roti, you can use all-purpose flour as well. However, the taste and texture of the roti may vary.
3. How do I store leftover Tandoori Roti? You can store leftover Tandoori Roti in an airtight container or ziplock bag in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, brush some water on the roti and heat it on a griddle or in a microwave.
4. Can I make Tandoori Roti without a tandoor or oven? Yes, you can make Tandoori Roti on a stovetop using a griddle or tawa. Simply follow the instructions mentioned in the article for stovetop cooking.
5. Can I freeze Tandoori Roti? Yes, you can freeze Tandoori Roti for up to 1-2 months. To freeze, wrap each roti individually in plastic wrap or foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag. To reheat, thaw the roti and cook it on a griddle or in a microwave.

Conclusion

Tandoori Roti is a delicious flatbread that is a staple in Indian cuisine. By following the step-by-step guide mentioned in this article, you can easily make Tandoori Roti at home and enjoy it with your favorite Indian dishes. Remember to use the right ingredients, knead the dough well, and cook the roti evenly for the perfect taste and texture. So, go ahead and impress your family and friends with your Tandoori Roti making skills!