How to Make the Perfect Roti
Caribbean · Easy · 30 min · 6 servings

This soft and flaky Caribbean roti flatbread is a kid friendly staple that children love to tear and dip or use as a wrap for their favorite fillings. Parents appreciate that this simple recipe uses pantry staples and takes less than 30 minutes to make from scratch.
Why this recipe works
This Roti recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 30 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 200 calories with 5g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.75 cup warm water
- 2 tablespoons butter or margarine softened
- 2 tablespoons butter for cooking
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Make the Dough
Combine flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl, rub in the softened butter until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs, then gradually add warm water and knead for 3 minutes until you have a smooth soft dough.
Step 2: Rest the Dough
Divide the dough into 6 equal balls, cover them with a clean kitchen towel, and let them rest for 10 minutes so the gluten relaxes and makes rolling much easier.
Step 3: Roll and Cook
Roll each ball into a thin circle on a lightly floured surface, cook on a dry hot skillet for 1 to 2 minutes per side until light brown spots appear and the roti puffs in places.
Step 4: Butter and Stack
Brush each hot roti lightly with butter as it comes off the skillet, then stack them under a clean cloth to keep them soft and pliable until ready to serve.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- all purpose flour → whole wheat flour for a more nutritious version with a slightly nuttier flavor
- butter → coconut oil for a dairy-free version that adds a light tropical aroma
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Rolling the dough too thick which results in a dense and doughy roti rather than a thin and flaky one
- Cooking on heat that is too low causing the roti to dry out instead of developing those desirable soft and slightly charred spots
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 200 calories, 5g protein, 34g carbs, 5g fat, 1g fiber.
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