The Lean Veggie - Besan bajra rotis

It has been a while since I made phulkas the traditional way – quick toasting on a tawa and then holding them over a flame, where they puff up into a big puri-like balloon and then collapse into a pillow of perfection. Making phulkas on an electrical stovetop was always a big challenge. Now, I’ve found the perfect kitchen implement at the Indian grocery store. This rectangular “net” has a heat proof handle and little projections which support it nicely over the coils of the electrical stove top.

Making rotis is fun. You can mix and match different flours, and you just have to season and knead the dough well. Besan Bajra rotis are incredibly tasty even by themselves. When eaten fresh, they are crispy and flaky. After cooling, they are still softer than typical wheat rotis.

Ingredients –

Besan – ½ cup
Bajra flour – ½ cup
Whole wheat flour (atta) – 1 cup
Salt – 1 tsp
Black pepper – 1 tsp
Finely chopped mint or cilantro – ¼ cup
Oil – 1 tsp
Buttermilk – ¼ cup
Warm water – as needed
Turmeric powder – ¼ tsp

1) Combine all the ingredients. Then, adding a little water at a time, knead the dough well into a pliable mass
2) Cover with a damp kitchen towel for atleast 20 minutes
3) Divide and roll the dough into lemon size balls
4) Follow the steps below for each phulka –
a. Roll the dough into a neat circular shape, keep dusting with wheat flour so that this does not stick

b. Place the phulka onto a heated tawa and toast each side for a few seconds till light brown dots appear

c. Transfer the phulka to the “net” and place directly on the stovetop. When one side puffs up, flip to the other side and let it puff up. Be very careful as the phulka could split at the seams releasing steam. Use a pair of tongs for flipping. Even if the phulka does not entirely puff up, flip to the other side. The taste will not get affected. Do not let it develop dark brown spots or get too stiff.

d. Transfer the phulka to an air tight container and spread a little ghee/melted butter spread on both sides. Serve with any vegetable curry and/or raita