Akki Roti

Method

1. 1

   About Akki Roti: Akki Roti is a Karnataka breakfast flatbread made from rice flour mixed with fresh vegetables and spices. Akki means rice in Kannada. It is gluten-free, nutritious and quick to make without any fermentation or resting time needed.

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   Mix the dry ingredients: Take 2 cups rice flour in a wide bowl. Add 1 tsp cumin seeds, half tsp black pepper coarsely crushed and 1 tsp salt. Mix well.

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   Add vegetables: The vegetables add flavour, colour and nutrition. Add 1 large onion very finely chopped, 2 green chillies finely chopped, 1 large carrot grated, a handful of fresh coriander finely chopped, 8-10 curry leaves finely chopped and 2 tbsp fresh grated coconut. Mix everything into the flour.

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   Make the dough: Add warm water gradually, mixing as you go, to bring the dough together. The dough should be soft, smooth and slightly sticky — softer than wheat flour dough. Rice flour does not have gluten so it will not become elastic. Knead gently for 2-3 minutes. Add 1 tbsp oil and incorporate.

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   Divide: Divide the dough into 6-8 equal portions. Keep covered with a damp cloth to prevent drying.

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   Pat out on a wet surface: This is the traditional technique for shaping akki roti. Wet your palm with water. Place a portion of dough on a lightly greased banana leaf, plastic sheet or directly on a wet stone surface. Pat it out with wet fingers into a thin round or oval shape about 20-22cm wide. Make the edges as thin as possible. This takes practice — the dough will try to crack so keep your hands wet.

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   Make holes: Use your finger to poke 5-6 small holes in the roti — these holes allow steam to escape and help the roti cook evenly.

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   Cook on tawa: Heat a flat tawa on medium heat and grease with oil. Carefully flip the patted roti onto the tawa — if using banana leaf press the leaf side up and peel away the leaf.

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   Cook until golden: Drizzle oil on top and cook on medium heat for 3-4 minutes until the bottom is golden. Flip and cook the other side for 2-3 minutes until both sides have golden spots.

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    Serve: Akki roti is best served hot straight from the tawa with coconut chutney, groundnut chutney or butter and a glass of buttermilk.