Here’s a recipe for Roti Canai:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon condensed milk
- 1 tablespoon ghee (clarified butter), plus extra for frying
- 3/4 cup water
- Oil for greasing and frying
Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt.
- Add the condensed milk and ghee to the flour mixture.
- Gradually add water, kneading the dough until it becomes soft and pliable. You may need slightly more or less water depending on the flour.
- Once the dough is well kneaded, divide it into small balls (about the size of golf balls).
- Lightly coat each ball with oil, cover them with a damp cloth, and let them rest for at least 1 hour.
- After the resting period, take one dough ball and flatten it into a thin circle on a clean, greased surface. You can use your hands or a rolling pin for this.
- Heat a non-stick pan or griddle over medium heat and grease it lightly with ghee.
- Carefully transfer the flattened dough onto the heated pan and cook for about 1-2 minutes on each side, until golden brown and crispy.
- Repeat the process with the remaining dough balls, adding more ghee to the pan as needed.
- Serve hot with your favorite curry or dipping sauce.
Enjoy your homemade Roti Canai!
FAQs
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What makes a good roti canai?
- A good roti canai is characterized by several factors. Firstly, it should have a soft and fluffy texture on the inside with delicate, flaky layers on the outside. The ideal roti canai strikes a balance between crispiness and tenderness. Additionally, it should have a pleasant aroma and a slightly buttery flavor imparted by the ghee or butter used in the preparation. Finally, a good roti canai pairs well with accompanying sauces or curries, enhancing its overall taste experience.
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Is roti canai the best bread in the world?
- While roti canai holds a special place in Malaysian and South Asian cuisine, whether it is the “best” bread in the world is subjective and depends on personal preferences. Roti canai is loved for its unique texture, flavor, and versatility, but there are countless types of bread worldwide, each cherished in its own cultural context. Therefore, declaring it the “best” would be a matter of personal opinion rather than an objective fact.
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How was roti canai made?
- Roti canai is made by preparing a dough from all-purpose flour, salt, water, condensed milk, and ghee (clarified butter). The dough is kneaded until soft and pliable, then divided into small balls. These balls are coated with oil and left to rest before being stretched and flattened into thin circles. The flattened dough is then cooked on a hot griddle with ghee or oil until golden brown and crispy on the outside, while remaining soft on the inside. The unique folding and stretching technique during preparation create the characteristic layers of roti canai.
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Is roti canai healthy?
- Roti canai, like many bread products, is primarily made from flour and fat, which contributes to its calorie content. While it provides some carbohydrates and fats, it may not be considered particularly healthy if consumed in large quantities, especially if it’s cooked with excessive oil or ghee. However, it can be part of a balanced diet when enjoyed in moderation and paired with nutritious accompaniments like vegetable-based curries or lean protein options. As with any food, the key to incorporating roti canai into a healthy diet is moderation and mindful portion control.
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