Indian Flatbread

Was looking for frybread recipes and either way, fried or grilled, I really enjoy my breads.  The oil, on the other hand, not so much.  I get enough calories during the day and adding more oil to my diet isn't what I was about this day.

I found a wonderful lady who does step by step Indian recipes on the 'Tube.  I'm thoroughly hooked.  Manjulaskitchen is her name, and I already am eyeballing another recipe of her's, dealing with tapioca pearls, milk and other ingredients ... I'm just going to have to try that for another day.

Manjulaskitchen Rotis (makes 4 flatbread)

• 1/2 C whole wheat flour
• pinch salt
• 1/4 C plus 1 TB warm water
• 1/4 tsp oil for hands and kneading of the dough
• Cast Iron Skillet

Knead dough then let it sit for 5-10 minutes.  Divide into the size of golfballs. This recipe makes four. Heat the iron skillet (no oil needed, but it's probably seasoned already with oil from prior use) over med-high heat.  In the meantime dip the dough into a dusting of wheat flour and roll out into circles with a diameter of about 5 inches.  Test skillet by sprinkling water into pan. If the water sizzles like crazy, it's hot enough (wipe water out of pan before adding the rotis).

Let bubbles form on one side of the Rotis with a bit of browning before flipping. Repeat on other side. Bubbles should form and brown a bit. At this point, hopefully!, the rotis will puff up. With a spatchula press down the puffing rotis, but go gently. Flip again to ensure a bit more browing. Steam will escape the puffed rotis, this is normal. Remove from heat, add a bit of ghee (melted, clarified butter), and place in a bowl with a towel to keep warm. Repeat process.

*Ghee: I used a combination of olive oil, butter, salt, onion and garlic powder, all melted and 'bloomed' for flavors. I used a brush to slather onto the finished Rotis. Served with pinto bean style hummus. Yumm.*

Hubby loved it (this was my first attempt at this and I'm going to do this again tomorrow) and kiddo wanted more of everything.  I doubled the recipe to make 8 Rotis and I found myself devouring most of it before I even served it to the rest of the family.  Okay, maybe I had 2 Rotis before it left my hands to serve to the fam.

I've been wanting to do more Indian meals, but I'm sort of super picky about it. The meal has to be flavorful not just packed with spices. So, this is a good thing, new venues! New cooking methods! And a great how-to on what exactly to do on the 'Tube.

Kudos to Manjula. I like her. She's easy to understand and the recipes are not at all intimidating (after she shows you).