How do I make roti canai like a pro?

Become a roti-making ninja with our step-by-step guide! Delight your taste buds with the authentic flavors of Trinidadian roti canai.

You'll need

Items needed to answer the question, How do I make Roti Canai like a pro. Items include: All-Purpose Flour Salt Vegetable Oil Water Melted Butter

All-Purpose Flour 2 cups
Salt 1/2 teaspoon
Vegetable Oil 1 tablespoon
Water 3/4 cup
Melted Butter to taste

Take note
Be careful while handling hot pans and oil to avoid any accidents. Always exercise caution when working with sharp utensils.

1

Mix the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Gradually add 3/4 cup of warm water and knead the mixture until it forms a smooth, elastic dough. Let it rest for 30 minutes.

2

Shape the Dough

Divide the rested dough into small balls, roughly the size of golf balls. Coat each ball in oil and let them rest for another 15 minutes. This will make the dough easier to roll out and prevent it from sticking to the surface.

3

Roll 'Em Out

Take one oiled dough ball and flatten it with your palm. Dust your work surface with flour and use a rolling pin to roll out the dough into a thin, round circle. Stretch it gently with your fingers to achieve a paper-thin consistency.

4

Oil and Fold

Brush the surface of the rolled-out dough circle with vegetable oil, making sure it's evenly coated. Starting from one end, fold the dough in a concertina-like pattern until you have a long strip. Coil the strip onto itself to form a spiral shape.

5

Repeat and Rest

Repeat steps 3 and 4 with the remaining dough balls. Let the coiled dough rest for another 10 minutes to allow the gluten to relax and make the roti even more flaky.

6

Get Cookin'

Heat a non-stick skillet or tawa over medium heat. Take one coiled roti and gently flatten it with your palm. Carefully roll it out into a thin, delicate circle. Place the flattened roti onto the hot skillet and cook for about 2 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.

7

Butter It Up

Remove the cooked roti from the skillet and brush it with melted butter. This will give your roti that extra bit of richness and flavor. You can also stack the cooked roti on a plate, covering them with a clean kitchen towel to keep them warm and soft.

8

Serve and Enjoy

Serve your freshly made Roti Canai with your favorite curry or dips. These flaky, buttery flatbreads are the perfect accompaniment to any meal, or you can even enjoy them on their own. Get ready to indulge in the flavors of Trinidad!