Roti

Roti

Soft, pillowy Caribbean-style roti made from scratch with a simple flour dough, cooked on a hot tawa or cast iron skillet until golden and lightly charred. These flatbreads are the perfect vessel for curry goat, stewed chicken, or any saucy island dish — tear, scoop, and enjoy.

6 servings · Prep 20 min · Cook 25 min · Total 75 min

Caribbean · Bread

  • 3 cup all-purpose flour plus more for dusting
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp fine sea salt
  • 1 tsp white sugar
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil or melted butter
  • melted butter
  • 1 cup warm water approximately, added gradually
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter softened, for brushing
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil for greasing the skillet

Equipment

  • Stovetop
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Skillet
  • Cast Iron Skillet
  • Kitchen Towel
  • Cheesecloth
  • Measuring Cups
  • Rolling Pin
  • Pastry Brush
  • Whisk
  • Plates
  • Pan
  • Measuring Spoons
  • Cutting Board
  • Mixing Bowl (4 Quarts)
  • Cast Iron Skillet (10 Inch)

Instructions

  1. In a large #[Mixing Bowl], whisk together the @[All-Purpose Flour], @[Baking Powder], @[Fine Sea Salt], and @[White Sugar]. Add the @[Vegetable Oil] and rub it into the flour with your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually pour in the @[Warm Water], mixing with your hand as you go, until a soft, slightly tacky dough forms — you may need a little more or less water. Knead the dough in the bowl for about ~[2–3 minutes] until smooth. Cover with a clean #[Kitchen Towel] and let it rest for ~[30 minutes].
  2. After resting, divide the dough into 6 equal balls. On a lightly floured surface, roll each ball out into a thin round, about 8–9 inches in diameter and roughly 1/8 inch thick. Keep the remaining dough balls covered with the #[Kitchen Towel] while you work.
  3. Heat a #[Cast Iron Skillet] or heavy-bottomed #[Skillet] over ^[medium-high heat] and lightly brush with @[Vegetable Oil]. Place one rolled roti in the skillet and cook for about ~[1–2 minutes], until bubbles start to form on the surface and the underside shows golden-brown spots. Flip and cook the other side for another ~[1–2 minutes]. While still in the pan, brush the top with softened @[Butter]. Flip once more for ~[15–20 seconds] to finish.
  4. Transfer the cooked roti to a plate and cover with the #[Kitchen Towel] to keep it soft and warm while you cook the remaining rounds. Repeat with the remaining dough balls, lightly oiling the pan between each roti as needed.
  5. Once all the roti are cooked, you can 'clap' them by holding each one between your palms and clapping firmly a few times to release steam and create a soft, layered texture. Serve warm alongside curry goat, stewed chicken, callaloo, or any saucy Caribbean dish.