Rumali Roti

Rumali roti recipe with step by step pics. Rumali roti is one of the unleavened Indian breads that is made traditionally in the Awadhi, Mughlai and Hyderabadi cuisine. Rumali roti is also one of the popular breads that is served in Indian restaurants. These thin soft rotis are thin and can be folded like a handkerchief. Hence the name rumali or roomali roti. The word ‘rumal’ means handkerchief in hindi language.

Generally in restaurants rumali roti is made of all purpose flour (maida). When I was researching about rumali roti, I came to know that the traditionally rumali roti is made with 3:1 part of weights of both whole wheat flour and all purpose flour respectively. i make rumali rotis with a Simplest and easiest method where the rotis are rolled thin and then cooked on a tawa. This method is suitable for a home cook.

Usually on street side dhabas or in hotels, the rotis are flipped and stretched in air. Flipping and stretching rotis in air requires good mastery and skill. These rotis are soft but not silky, smooth and ultra soft. For super softer rumali roti, you can increase the quantity of all purpose flour (maida) in the recipe.

Rumali roti can be served hot with any North Indian dal or gravy recipes like dal makhani, dal tadka, chana masala, paneer butter masala etc.

Do remember that rumali roti have to be served hot and as soon as they are made. If served later they become chewy.

How to make rumali roti or roomali roti

1. In a large bowl or a parat (wide rimmed plate) take 2 cups whole wheat flour (240 grams) and ½ cup + 3 tablespoons all purpose flour or maida (80 grams). Also add 1.5 teaspoon salt or add as required.

2. Add 1.25 to 1.35 cups water in parts or intervals.

3. Mix and begin to knead.

4. Adding water in parts knead to a slightly sticky dough.

5. Cover the dough with a moist cotton napkin or muslin. Keep aside for 30 minutes.

6. After 30 minutes again knead the dough.

7. Make medium sized balls from the dough. Cover with the moist cotton napkin and keep aside.

8. Take a dough ball and sprinkle some whole wheat flour all over.

9. With a rolling pin (belan) begin to roll the dough.

10. While rolling sprinkle flour evenly all over if the dough sticks or gets sticky. roll to thin rotis having 11 to 12 inches diameter. Do not add too much flour when rolling. Add only enough flour which will help in rolling. If there is a lot of flour covering the rotis, then the rotis will become hard. Roll to thin and slightly transparent rotis. Also roll evenly and keep edges thin if they become thick.

11. now invert concave tawa or kadai with a long handle. Its better to have an handle on the tawa. Keep the flame to medium or medium-high.

12. Sprinkle some flour on the tawa. If its become golden, then the temperature is fine on the tawa. If it burns quickly as soon as you add flour, then reduce the flame. Wipe off this roasted flour from the tawa with a folded cotton napkin.

13. Gently place the roti on the inverted tawa. Be careful as the tawa is very hot.

14. Begin to roast roti on medium to medium-high flame. you will see small bubbles appearing on the roti. With a clean folded cotton napkin, press the edges, center and sides so that the roti gets cooked. the cooking time includes the time taken for pressing the roti also.

15. roast for 40 to  45 seconds or till you see bubbles all over. Do not cook too much or rotis become like papads and can become hard.

16. Then flip with the help of tongs and roast the other side. There will be some blisters on the roti. At this step too press the roti with the napkin. Cook the second side for 30 to 35 seconds. The cooking time includes the time taken for pressing the roti also. timing will vary depending on size, thickness of pan and flame intensity.

17. Flip and place in a plate. You can spread some oil or ghee on the rumali roti if you want.

18. Then fold with the help of tongs and serve hot. This way make all roomali rotis. Serve rumali roti hot or else they become chewy.

19. Serve roomali roti hot with North Indian main course of dal or curries like dal fry or chana dal or paneer lababdar or dum aloo or palak paneer.

Tips for making rumali roti

• The dough has to be kneaded very well.
• The dough should be smooth but also slightly sticky.
• While rolling sprinkle flour evenly so as to get thin rotis. But do not add too much flour as this will give hard rotis.
• Rumali roti can be made both on an inverted tawa or kadai. You can even make on a tawa without inverting it.
• For best results use a heavy iron tawa.
• Do not over roast or over cook the rotis as then they become hard.
• On the face of it, a roomali roti looks uncooked, but its not uncooked. Since the roti is made thin, it does get cooked. So don’t worry as you won’t have any digestion issues.