How to Keep Rotis Warm & Soft: Steal These Age-Old Indian Kitchen Secrets

Rotis are best enjoyed when they are warm and soft. But savoring them the way they should be – right off the pan and on your plate – can be challenging with a busy schedule.

If you are someone who is constantly looking for tips on how to keep rotis warm and soft at all times, you have landed at the right place!

Tips to Remember BEFORE Making Rotis

The process of keeping rotis warm and soft begins right from the preparation of the dough. Once you get the dough right, your rotis are going to turn soft at your convenience. The key here lies in the list of proper ingredients used in the right manner. Take a look at the main tips to keep in mind while making rotis:

1. Add Oil or Ghee to the Flour
   

   

   
   The first and foremost thing to do to make your rotis softer is to add oil or ghee to the flour when preparing. Both are natural binding agents that make the dough more pliable. They act as a natural fat that helps retain moisture and create a smoother texture. Your rotis will heat up faster on the pan when the dough has some moisture in it, so you don’t have to keep the roti on the gas for a long time and risk losing moisture from it.

   Here’s how to add oil or ghee to your roti dough:

   • Add 1-2 teaspoons of ghee or oil: Just adding a tad bit of ghee or any cooking oil of your choice to the flour before kneading the dough is enough.
   • Mix it properly: Once you add the ingredients, mix it well with the flour, and then add water gradually to knead it into a soft dough, until it resembles crumbs.
   • Rest the dough: Let the dough rest for at least 20-30 minutes before rolling out the rotis. Resting helps the gluten relax, further enhancing softness.

2. Check Your Water-to-Flour Ratio
   

   

   Another dough preparation tip for you to cook soft and warm roti is checking the water-to-flour ratio. This is crucial for the perfect dough consistency as it can make or break your further roti-making efforts. The standard ratio to use is half a cup of water for every one cup of wheat flour. Remember to avoid over or under-kneading for the perfect dough consistency.

3. Ensure to Roll the Perfect Dough Ball
   

   

   The next step to making soft and warm rotis during preparation is making the perfect size of dough balls before you roll them into flat rotis. Ensure the dough ball is small and free of crevices or corners. It should also be soft and smooth and shouldn’t feel dry. Once you have the perfect dough ball, it’s time to roll the perfect roti.

   Go for a rolling pin and board that has a bit of texture as it helps keep the dough from clinging to it. Don’t forget to dust the surface with a little flour before you start rolling out your rotis. It makes the whole process so much smoother!

Tips to Remember WHILE Making Rotis

After preparing the perfect dough, it’s time to put it to the test and get the softest and warmest roti. Here are some tips to keep in mind while making soft and warm rotis:

1. Flame-Puff the Roti
   

   

   Once you have rolled the perfect dough ball into a flat and round roti, it’s time to puff it on the flame. Start by placing one side of the roti directly over the flame, ensuring it’s centered. Let it cook until it puffs up nicely. If it’s not puffing, gently press it with a spoon to help it along. The whole process should take no more than 60 seconds. Any longer, and you risk losing too much moisture, which can make the roti stiff.

2. Get a Proper Pan
   

   

   Another aspect that contributes to how to make a soft roti is getting the perfect pan. When using a copper pan, aim for a thickness of about 1.5 mm, while a steel pan should ideally be around 3 mm, and an aluminum pan can be 2 mm. This ensures that heat is spread evenly, giving your rotis that perfect texture. Before you begin, make sure the surface of your pan is clean and smooth for the best cooking results.

Rotimatic to the Rescue

Making soft rotis comes with some instructions that everyone dreads to follow. As a busy parent, making time out of your day to pan out the softest rotis every day can be tough, no matter how healthy you want your family to eat.

With Rotimatic, you don’t have to choose between convenience and health anymore!

Make the perfect round and soft rotis at home without going through the hassle of preparation and post-mess clean-up. Just press one button and get started with dough kneading for those perfectly soft and healthy rotis.

Tips to Remember When STORING Rotis

Preparing the dough correctly and keeping the above pointers in mind while making rotis is just one part of getting the softest rotis on your plate. The second half of this includes storing the rotis correctly. Here are some storing tips to help you keep your homemade rotis soft and warm:

1. Let the Steam Escape Before Storing
   

   

   It’s important to let the steam out of the rotis after getting them off the pan and before putting them in the casserole. If you put piping hot rotis inside the casserole, the heat will create steam, leading to sogginess in the rotis. Instead, let the roti rest on a mesh sieve or a wire rack after cooking. This lets the steam escape, keeping the roti from turning soggy. Do this for every roti before placing them in the casserole, and you'll enjoy soft roti every time!

2. Select the Proper Casserole
   

   

   Using a roti casserole is essential for keeping your rotis warm for an extended period without losing their natural flavor. But getting just any casserole isn’t the solution. Here are some best options:

   • Steel or Wood Casseroles

     These are some of the most popular options for casseroles. A steel casserole is known for its heat retention and durability, making it easy to maintain and clean. On the other hand, a wooden casserole is a traditional choice known for its aesthetically appealing look. While they are excellent in retaining heat, wooden casseroles may require more attention to prevent any cracks.

   • Electric Casseroles

     Electric casseroles are a convenient twist on traditional cookware, equipped with a built-in heating element. This handy feature keeps your food warm and ready to serve without relying on a stove or oven. Designed with practicality in mind, they often include a locking lid made of durable glass. They also ensure your meals stay warm and delicious for hours, so you can serve warm rotis anytime, anywhere.

   • Terracotta Roti Box

     Another option is a terracotta roti box. The terracotta is an ancient and traditional pottery technique that has stood the test of time. Clay pots are rich in essential minerals like iron, phosphorus, magnesium, and more, offering health benefits along with their functionality. These roti boxes help neutralize food and keep your chapatis fresh and warm. Thanks to the natural heat-insulating properties of the clay, your rotis stay soft and hot for longer, making every meal enjoyable.

3. Layer the Casserole with a Cloth
   

   

   Line the bottom of your casserole with a cloth, aluminum foil, or butter paper before placing your rotis inside. Once done, cover the rotis with another cloth on top. This simple trick traps steam and keeps it from settling on the rotis, ensuring soft and fresh rotis for a longer time.

4. Pile Up One Roti Over Another
   

   

   Storing your roti one above the other can help it retain the moisture, preventing it from getting dry due to moisture loss. Additionally, apply ghee to your rotis while they are still hot to retain their moisture.

Bottom Line

How to keep rotis warm and soft isn’t exactly rocket science. We hope these tips will help you enjoy your meals!