It’s a truth (nearly) universally acknowledged that bread on the table makes a meal more delicious, but this mouth-watering spin on a global staple is sure to elevate your table — whether it’s breakfast, lunch or dinner. While North Americans generally think of roti as an Indian food, the traditional flatbread is also a Caribbean staple. In this Guyanese-style twist on roti from Tavel Bristol-Joseph and Kevin Fink, Sonora flour (a nutrient-rich milled grain) adds tons of texture and bite to each crunchy, flaky morsel.
“Roti is an Indian flatbread that’s enjoyed around the world,” says Tavel. “In places, including the Caribbean, it’s traditionally eaten with curry or other types of stew. In this recipe, I make it with a combination of all-purpose flour and Sonora flour, a flour made from one of North America’s oldest wheat varieties.”
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ingredients
directions
It's important to shake the roti in an up-and-down motion while the roti is hot.
Mix the all-purpose flour, Sonora flour, baking powder and salt by hand in a large bowl.
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Make a well in the centre of the mixture and pour in 3 tablespoons of the oil and 1 1/2 cups water. Mix together until fully incorporated and you can form a dough ball. Let the dough rest for 5 minutes.
Divide the dough into 5 equal pieces, each weighing about 120 grams. Form each piece into a ball. Lightly oil a rolling pin and a work surface. Roll each ball out into a circle about 6 to 7 inches in diameter. Combine the melted butter and the remaining 1/4 cup oil in a small bowl. Brush the rounds with the mixture.
One at a time, make a cut from the centre of a round out. Roll the round up like a cone. Take the tip of the cone and push down towards centre. Place on a baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining dough. Refrigerate the dough for 10 minutes or up to 12 hours.
Place a piece of dough on a lightly oiled cutting board and press down on it with your palm until it’s an even circle 6 to 7 inches in diameter. Heat a 9- or 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add enough oil to cover the bottom. When the skillet is very hot but not smoking, add a roti. Cook until the bottom is golden brown and air pockets start to form, about 3 minutes. Flip and brown the other side. After each roti is cooked, place it in a bowl, cover with a lid and shake the bowl up and down. This creates texture in the roti. Repeat with the remaining roti, adding more oil to the skillet as necessary. Serve hot.
Want to try more takes on flatbread? This vegan za’atar manaeesh is full of flavour.