CHOLAM ROTI
Cholam Roti is a traditional Indian flatbread crafted from sorghum flour, known as cholam or jowar. This gluten-free roti is a staple in South Indian cuisine, offering a nutty flavor and a hearty texture. Historically, it has roots in ancient agricultural practices, where sorghum was a vital cereal crop. Cholam Roti remains a cherished dish, appreciated for its wholesome qualities and cultural significance, representing a culinary heritage deeply intertwined with the agricultural traditions of the region.
Cholam roti, also known as Sorghum roti or Jowar roti
Instructions:
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Prepare the Dough:
- Take the sorghum flour in a large mixing bowl.
- Add salt to taste.
- Gradually add warm water while mixing the flour to form a soft dough. The dough should be pliable but not sticky. Sorghum flour can be tricky to work with, so add water little by little.
- Knead the dough well for a few minutes until it is smooth.
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Divide and Roll:
- Divide the dough into small, equal-sized balls.
- Dust the working surface and rolling pin with some sorghum flour to prevent sticking.
- Flatten a dough ball slightly and gently roll it out into a circle of about 6-8 inches in diameter. Sorghum dough is more fragile than wheat dough, so handle it with care.
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Cook the Roti:
- Heat a tawa or griddle over medium-high heat.
- Once the tawa is hot, place the rolled-out roti on it.
- Cook the roti for about 1-2 minutes until you see bubbles forming on the surface.
- Flip the roti using a spatula and cook the other side for another 1-2 minutes.
- Press gently with a clean cloth or spatula to ensure even cooking. If desired, you can add a little oil or ghee on both sides for added flavor and softness.
- Remove from the heat once both sides have light brown spots and are cooked through.
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- 2 cups sorghum (jowar) flour
- Warm water (as needed)
- Salt to taste
- A little oil or ghee for cooking (optional)
Nutritional Value per Medium-sized Cholam Roti (approx. 40 grams):
- Calories: 120-140 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 24-28 grams
- Dietary Fiber: 2-3 grams
- Sugars: 0.2 grams
- Protein: 2-4 grams
- Fat: 1-2 grams
- Saturated Fat: 0.2 grams
- Sodium: 2-5 mg
- Potassium: 60-80 mg
- Calcium: 10-15 mg
- Iron: 1-1.5 mg
- Magnesium: 20-30 mg
- Phosphorus: 60-80 mg
Cholam roti, made from sorghum flour, can be enjoyed by mixing the flour with water and salt to form a dough. Divide the dough into small portions, flatten them into rounds, and cook on a hot griddle until both sides are golden brown. Serve these nutritious and gluten-free rotis with your favorite curries or condiments for a wholesome and tasty meal.
Serving Suggestions:
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With Curries:
- Pair cholam roti with any vegetable or meat curry. It goes particularly well with rich and spicy Indian curries like chicken curry, mutton curry, or paneer butter masala.
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With Dal:
- Serve with a side of dal (lentil stew) such as dal tadka, dal makhani, or simple moong dal. The combination of roti and dal is both nutritious and satisfying.
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With Chutneys and Pickles:
- Enjoy cholam roti with a variety of chutneys such as mint chutney, coconut chutney, or tamarind chutney. A side of Indian pickles (achar) adds a tangy and spicy kick.
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With Yogurt:
- Pair with plain yogurt or raita (yogurt mixed with vegetables or spices). This combination is cooling and complements the roti well.
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With Vegetable Stir-Fries:
- Serve with sautéed or stir-fried vegetables like okra (bhindi), potato (aloo), or spinach (palak).
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As a Wrap:
- Use cholam roti as a base for wraps. Fill it with grilled vegetables, chicken, paneer, or beans, and roll it up for a healthy and portable meal.
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With Green Leafy Vegetables:
- Pair with sautéed greens like spinach, fenugreek leaves (methi), or amaranth leaves. The greens provide additional nutrients and fiber.