Soft Butter Rotis
I make these Soft Butter Rotis almost every week and yet I don’t have a recipe on my blog. What’s wrong with me!
Finally I have taken some photos and my recipe is ready to be posted. If you are South African you will know it’s “blasphemous” to make it anything other than soft…haha!
As you will know if you have been reading my posts, I was raised in a South Indian home. Roti was not a staple in our home so it took me a lot of trial and error to get it to perfection.
I remember the days my hubby cringed when I made them. It was too thick, too thin, too hard, some days like rubber, other days rock hard….Lol! I can safely say I have finally passed the test.
You know they say “practice makes perfect”. I have watched my mum-in-law make them and I have asked her a million questions so I never fail again.
She is quite the expert at making rotis. Nothing is measured either. I am proud to say I have also reached that level of expertise, I no longer measure my ingredients when making these Soft Butter Rotis. However, that too comes with patience and loads of practice.
Roti is similar to Paratha.
Soft Butter Rotis
Tips on how to make the perfect Roti
If you read my little post on roti making, you will find a few helpful tips. Firstly, your water has to be freshly boiled straight out the kettle.
Depending on where you live and the weather you may require less than a cup of water. You can use butter or oil, doesn’t make a difference. I have tried them both and they work equally well.
Your dough will feel a little sticky at first but as you knead the dough will become silky smooth. I usually don’t add salt to my dough but you can add a pinch if you wish.
Perfectly round Rotis
Perfectly round rotis are only achieved by starting with a neat ball of dough. If you start with a great foundation you will achieve a great final product. I personally love the rotating rolling pins, it works well for me.
My Indian flatbreads are perfectly round when I use this rolling pin as I feel that I can roll my dough with ease. But you can use any rolling pin that you are comfortable with.
You must also dust your surface with flour, the dough is soft so you need the flour to help you roll it out.
Resting the dough
If you have the time you can cover your dough with a damp kitchen towel and let it rest for half an hour, that’s guaranteed to make them perfectly soft.
I don’t usually have time for this but one day I had an emergency and couldn’t finish up my roti-making and when I got back to finish them I had the softest rotis.
I also mentioned in my post about roti making about not having to knead your dough too much. The most I’ve kneaded my dough for is about 2 minutes and this works perfectly well as long as you get a smooth silky dough.
I must admit this is not an easy task and you may not get it right the first time. But please don’t despair because they say “practice makes perfect”. Keep at it and you will definitely become an expert after a few attempts.
There are days I thought I will never reach that level of success ever but I am so proud of my efforts these days.
If you do try this recipe please drop me a note, I would love to hear how it turned out.
You may want to try these curry recipes to go with your delicious rotis:
Soft Butter Rotis : South African Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups/500ml cake wheat flour sifted
- 4 tbsp melted butter plus extra for brushing the rotis
- 1 cup/250ml boiling water
- pinch of salt optional
Instructions
- Sift the flour. Add the melted butter
- Pour the cup of boiling water into the flour
Mix it into the flour using a fork or spoon. You will have a wet, lumpy mixture.- Mixture would have cooled down a little. Knead into a soft dough. The dough will feel a little sticky but as you knead the dough will become silky smooth.
- If the dough doesn't feel soft you can drizzle in a little more butter and keep kneading
- Heat a non-stick pan or thawa on the stovetop on medium heat. You may need to adjust your heat if the pan gets too hot
Divide dough into 8 pieces. Roll each piece into a neat round ball- Flatten the dough with the palm of your hands. Roll the dough on a lightly floured surface. You can add more flour as you are rolling to prevent the dough from sticking
- Roll out into a circle, about 20cm in diameter
- Place the roti on the pan. Cook until it starts to bubble a little
- Flip it over. Cook until the other side bubbles. Brush with butter and turn over again.
- Brush the other side with butter and turn over. You will be flipping your roti over 3 times. Takes about a minute or less to cook the roti
- To keep rotis soft place them in a container with paper towel at the bottom and more on top of the rotis
Notes
- Depending on the altitude and weather you may require less or more water. If you have added all the water and the dough is far too sticky add a little more flour immediately and knead
- As you make rotis a few times you will get a feel for what the dough should look like and therefore it will be easier to judge the amount of water required
- Roti making is tricky at first but it gets better with practice
Beautiful
Thank you 🙂
Thank you so much, made rooties for the first time and may I say it was fabulous. You are a great chef, can you please post how to make easy koeksisters.thank you
Thank you Tanya! So glad your first time worked out so well. I will try and post a koeksister recipe shortly. Take Care:-)
Tried this and they came out perfect.
Thank you so much Linda:-)
Made them and they were absolutely perfect! Thank you!
Made these last night. They took me 5 minutes and were the yummiest roti’s I’ve ever had. Can’t stress how easy this was! Thank you, Lorraine. I will never, ever be buying store bought again!
Lindsey
After trying very involved and unsuccessful recipes; I was pleasantly surprised by this simple and successful one! Thanks!
Best recipe.
Rotis turned out soft and flaky😋
Thanks for sharing
After a few dismal attempts at other involved recipes, I was pleasantly surprised by this simple and successful one. Thank you!
Thank you so much Erika. I am so glad the recipe worked for you. Stay Safe 🙂
Just tried this recipe today. Best Best Recipe… I put extra 2 spoons of butter and I was very happy. Thank you for sharing this recipe.
Thank you so much Nande 🙂
Never tried these before and they came out well.
Thank you
Nice explicit instructions.
Very yummy
Thank you so much Liz. So glad I could help you and the instructions made a difference. Stay Safe:-)
Best Roti recipe. So soft and tasty. Thank you
Thank you Nyasha. I am really happy to hear that:-)
This Recipe is so quick and easy to make. Clear instructions coupled with images really help alot for a novice like myself. Thank you for the share.
Oh my word thank you so much it was easy to make and the whole family was pleased with the taste❤
Thank you so much Siphiwokuhle. So pleased that your family enjoyed it. Take care:-)
Oh my word.. I cannot explain how impressed I am with how the roti turned out. It was my first attempt ever, i was always too scared to try it always looked to complicated. I actually halved the recipe as I was too sceptical but I actually ended up making another batch. Thank you this recipe was awesome.
Hi, I tried this recipe today and they came out fine. My dough was very sticky though, even after kneading a few times adding bits of flour and leaving it to rest for a while. Is it supposed to sticky and tough?
Hi Raylene! Roti making is a little tricky. I normally suggest that people don’t add all of the water at once. You will see in a lot of my posts I talk about altitude and how the weather affects the amount of liquid we need in our baking/cooking. The amount of water I used here in JHB may differ to the amount people near the coast would use. So I suggest you use your discretion, reduce the amount of water and see what works for you. The dough is not supposed to be sticky, after kneading it should be really soft but not stick to your hands. Sorry it didn’t work this time. Hope you have better luck next time. Stay safe:-)
Hi just made mine and its was awesome couldn’t believe myself and it was my first making it well thanks a lot for your help I’ll be looking out for more of your chef skills❤❤❤
Thank you Kezia and you most welcome. Well done on your first attempt. Take Care:-)
Thank you so much Michelle! It warms my heart that so many people have had so much success with their roti making skills. Especially since I couldn’t make rotis to save my life a few years ago. So glad you enjoyed it. Take Care:-)
Hi Lorraine
I tried many recipes, and this worked
I used 3 cups of flour, 1 1/2 cups of water.
6 table spoons, of butter and a teaspoon of salt
Thank you Claudette! Happy to hear you found a recipe that works:-)
My family loved them, so quick, having another go tonight with home made
Chicken tikka curry, hopefully they will be just as good second time round🤞
Thank you
Thank you. I am sure it will be great this time too:-)
This is the best recipe ever thank you so much I enjoyed my soft roti
Thank you so much Idah. I am so glad the recipe worked for you. Take Care:-)
The best recipe ever….first try ever, being a roti girl – i have perfected puri but today i tried roti for the first time………beyond amazed……sharing the recipe with everyone
Thank you so much Ingrid. I am a South Indian girl so it’s my pleasure teaching you how to make roti. The battle has been won…haha! Take Care:-)
Can I use Rama if I don’t have butter in my house. How do I warm it for reuse?
Hi Mimi! Yes you can use margarine or oil if you wish. If you need to reheat, you can microwave them or pop them back on a pan and heat on the stove top. Take Care:-)
I always made my roti that way, but I think yours is a slightly better than mine ☺️. And when there’s lotsa love mixed in, it works out for the best… thanks ♥️
Totally agree Audrey, a little bit of love takes your cooking to a whole new level. Happy to hear you’ve had success with your rotis. All the best for the festive season and wishing you a wonderful 2021:-)
Thanks Lorraine
The roti mixture works perfectly, it was a simplest recipe almost 7min to finish☺️
Hi there. is this dough ready for the pan straight away or does it have to sit over night?
Hi Nakita! The dough is ready to be cooked straight away,doesn’t sit overnight. You can cover it with a clean kitchen towel and allow it to stand for 30 minutes if you wish.
Thank u wat a simple recipe, I tried for the first time it came out perfectly, my family loved it.
Thank you so much Monica. Makes me happy to hear they turned out perfect and your family loved it. Take Care:-)
Fab recipe, thank you so much. It really was as easy as you said. I did choose to leave mine to rest for a couple of hours. First time ever, and apart from a few shape issues 😉 they turned out awesome <3
Thank you for the feedback. The shape will come with practice so keep trying. Glad you enjoyed the recipe. Stay Safe:-)
Ive made rotis using your recipe and they came out soft and fluffy. Thank you
Thank you so much Bongiwe. I am happy to hear that they turned out great. You take care:-)
Hi Lorraine. Can the rotis be prepared, frozen, and then cooked at a later stage?
Hi Tebogo. I do not recommend freezing the raw dough, however you can cook them and then freeze. You will need to stack them between some plastic or clingwrap before freezing the rotis. When you are ready to use, thaw them and re-heat in a pan. They will be as good as fresh. Stay Safe:-)
Thank you for your response Lorraine. Freezing the rotis after cooking them makes sense.
Can I use all purpose flour?
Hi Emma! Yes you can
Great recipe – easy, quick, fantastic results. Thank you Lorraine.
Thank you so much Stephen 🙂
Thanks Lorraine, it is as simple as it is to read the recipe and it turned out spot on. I’m busy with my 2nd batch as my two daughters thoroughly loved them and requested more.
Do you know if l had to refrigerate some dough in a sealed Tupperware if it would keep for a day or three?
Hi Peter! Thank you for your message. I have seen people mention that the dough can be refrigerated in an oiled container. However, I have never tried this myself. For me the best way to keep a batch of extra rotis is to cook them, stack them between plastic or cling wrap and freeze. Reheat them in the pan as you need them, they will be as good as fresh. Hope this helps. Stay Safe:-)
What a pleasant experience making your soft rotis. Thanks for a really great method and explanation.
Thank you so much Thirusha 🙂
What a great recipe, very easy to follow with fantastic results. Made these to go with a mince and pea curry I made and the family thoroughly enjoyed them. Getting perfect circles wasn’t as easy as I thought but the taste more than made up for the looks. Thank you for this, it was my first time making rotis but certainly not the last!
Thank you Nonkululeko, I appreciate your kind comments. Happy to hear that it turned out well for you. Stay Safe:-)
Thank you very much i tried roti yesterday it was very soft and tasty.
Thank you Gloria 🙂
Thanks so much for the recipe on the roti.. it was so easy and came out so soft.. this lockdown has really made me try out so many things that would usually be bought. NO MORE STORE BOUGHT ROTI FOR ME!!!!
Thank you Shonnel. It warms my heart to see so many people actually cooking and spending time in the kitchen. Nothing beats home cooked meals so I am glad I could share my knowledge with you. Wishing you many more happy days in the kitchen. Stay Safe:-)
I’ve tried a few roti recipes before but somehow they weren’t quite right. Decided during lock down that it was the time to perfect my skills. I needn’t have worried. Your recipe was so simple, quick and easy I didn’t actually need any skills. Dough was perfect but I allowed it to stand for about half an hour just to make rolling easier. Whilst my shapes weren’t that perfect roundness of my mums my roti’s turned out beautiful and soft. Something I’ve never managed to achieve in a good many years. Thanks a stack for a perfect roti recipe!
Thank you so much Ash, never would I have ever imagined that I would create the perfect roti recipe. Especially since I was the worst roti maker. I am so glad that I am able to share my knowledge from my own trials and errors. Stay Safe:-)
I had mentally prepared myself that I would NOT be able to make the perfect roti, and then they came out just perfect! Thanks so much for sharing this great recipe with the rest of us. Making such great rotis really made my day.
Thank you so much Esmare. I think we’ve all had our fears when trying roti for the first time, trust me I have been there. I’m so glad you got it right. Many more happy Roti making 🙂
We’re making these tonight for the leftover curry from last night. Such a simple recipe and fun to make together. (We did have leftover rice that we would have had the curry with instead, but felt like a meal with a little more pizzazz.) My partner has whipped up a salsa and a mint yoghurt to accompany it all. Thanks!
Thank you Terri! Yes it is fun to make them together. My hubby often helps me cook them whilst I roll them out. I won’t trust him to get them round so it’s best he sticks to cooking them…haha! Hope you have an amazing dinner with loads of pizzazz:-)
Please is normal baking flour same as wheat flour and if not can normal baking flour be used.i want to try it this recipe but i don’t know the difference in the flour. Thank you
Hi Anita! Yes it is normal cake flour or all purpose flour, here in SA we call it cake wheat flour. Hope this helps.
Thanks for the great recipe…really was helpful and, quick and easy
Thank you so much Teneal:-)
It was my first time making roties, and oh how fun it was. It tasted divine and was also really quick and easy to make. Thank you so much 😀
Please post a koeksister recipe 😊
Thank you Monique. Glad you fun making rotis. I will work on that koeksister recipe and post soon:-)
You have inspired me to make roti tonight. I use a kenwood chef when making mine. When the dough hooks into one ball around the dough hook, I know that I have added the right amount of water.
Perfect, glad you found a way to make life easy and thanks for sharing. So many people are not fortunate enough to have an electric mixer it’s why I posted a recipe using your hands. I have an amazing mixer too but I still prefer the old-fashioned way, kneading by hand. Unless,it’s a really sticky dough. Have a great day:-)
Such an easy recipe and the results were perfect. Thank you so much!
Thank you so much Alison 🙂
I tried the recipe for the first time with the help of my 3 year old son. It was easy to make and the taste was just too good and soft . We enjoyed it with mince curry. Thank you for the recipe
Thank you so much Tha. I’m sure it was joy making them with your 3-year-old 🙂
Marvelous.
Tried this recipe for the first time and they came out great. I’ve always been reluctant to try roti out but I am glad that when I finally did try it out, I had your help.
Thank you Londiwe! Happy to hear that your first roti making experience was a good one. Happy to have helped 🙂
Was a great and simple recipe loved lots of helpful tips
Thank you so much Zakareeyaa 🙂
This is the first time I tried making roti after a failed attempt more than 20 years ago. Thank you for sharing your recipe. My roti came out soft and delicious. I don’t think that I will ever buy roti at the shops again 😘
Thank you Kubeshnie. Glad you finally found a recipe that works:-)
First time making roti in my life. Used this recipe, rested the dough for 30min just in case, turned out so well! Thank you!
There’s always a first Masego, so glad yours will be a memorable one. Thank you so much:-)
What a fabulous recipe! I’ve tried roti before and failed – this time they were an effortless success! Added about half a cup of sourdough starter in place of some of the water and flour – mostly because I’m trying to find uses for my discard! It worked well and I think helped the dough keep supple. So happy to have found a simple, easy and successful recipe for a favourite side dish!
Thank you so much Laura. Great way to use your discard. I still haven’t plucked up the courage to try a sourdough starter and I think more because I don’t have the patience. So well done to you. Take Care:-)
Thank you for sharing your wealth of knowledge and experience with us, Lorraine! I am beyond excited that about this success in the kitchen. Made your recipe for the second time today. So quick and easy, and my parents love them.
Thank you so much Ruby. So happy to share everything I have learnt through my own trials and error. Take Care:-)
I have tried this and my family wanted more I did again still perfected it thank you so much for sharing your experience with my family
Thank you Wandi. I am so pleased that the recipe is working well for you. Take Care:-)
Found the recipe this morning and tried it at lunch. Roti came out lovely and soft on my first attempt. Thanks for this!
Thank you Leantha 🙂
I’ve been looking for a South African roti recipe forever, so you can believe my joy when I found this simple and easy one. I used to make rotis with my Aaji as a young child and over the years forgot this recipe. After trying this, it reminded me of my childhood and my rotis came out round the first time around! To my surprise. If I could give this recipe more stars I would. Will definitely try the Diwali recipes, as I moved to Cape Town, sweet meats at a reasonable prices are hard to find and I cannot wait to try your Diwali recipes. Will definitely let you know how it goes 🙂
Thank you so much Jasmine, it warms my heart to hear you say this. So glad you found a recipe that reminds you of those happy memories. Take Care:-)
It came out very great! Thankyou , this is the 4tt time and all of the 3 times it was hard as stone with other people recipe haha , but the 4th time (your recipe) was heaven 🥰
Thank you so much Kay! I am so happy to hear you finally had success with your rotis. Take Care:-)
Super yummy!!Do you have a recipe for milktart ???
Thank you so much Emily! Yes I do, will post the recipe shortly. Take Care:-)
Best roti I’ve ever had and made, thanks to you 😁 Thank you for sharing such a simple, amazing recipe
Thank you so much Carla, i appreciate the feedback:-)
Thanks Lorraine, this was my first attempt at making rotis and I was so nervous but they came out soft and lovely!
Thsnk you so much Petra. Happy to hear that:-)
Second attempt and much better this time around – maybe setting dough aside for 30 mins did the trick. I also preferred frying these on a tfal nonstick pan than thawa. Added some coconut oil to butter. Lockdown happiness. Thanks for sharing this recipe and notes 😍
Thank you Christina! I am glad you had better luck this time. Glad you found a pan that works for you. Practice makes perfect so it will get even better with time. Take Care:-)
Hi. This the first I have made rotis that turned out so well. Thanks a million for the recipes.
Lucille
Thank you so much Lucille and you most welcome:-)
Hi Lorraine, I made these with my 8 year old son. Not only did we have loads of fun making them, but they were so good to eat! We will need to practice to get the shape right though. Thank you for sharing your recipe and bringing joy in this house!
Thank you so much Brian. So glad you got to make them with your little boy. Kids actually enjoy making these rotis. There was a time when my boys also loved getting their hands into my roti dough,I agree it’s loads of fun. Take Care:-)
Hi Im so glad i tried your roti recipe. I’ve been trying for years to make soft rotis and yours was just perfect but I just added 2 tblspn more water cause its freezin cold in my part of the country. Thank you so much
Thank you Roshnee. Yes sometimes you need more or less water depending on the weather. Glad it worked for you. Take Care:-)
Hi Lorraine thank you so much 1st attempt and it came out perfect I’ve use oil instead of butter
Thank you so much Lezal:-)
Amazing! I live in Cape Town and followed the recipe to the t (including the amount of water) and have made the Rotis twice in a week so far. They came out perfectly from the 1st try though the circles weren’t perfect but I’ll get there with the rolling 😊 thank you so much. The rotis are a hit in my house 🥰
Thank you so much Popsy. So happy to hear your family enjoyed the rotis. Practice makes perfect so your circles will be perfect soon. Take Care:-)
Thank you for an excellent recipe. This will be on my weekly recipe rotation. Outstanding result!
You most welcome Selma:-)
Outstanding & so buttery, just melts in your mouth. Your recipes are fabulous!!
Thank you so much Carla:-)
After numerous attempts during the years and different recipes.. i finally got to make Roti right. Thank you 😁 im so excited right now. I had to make it twice today. Thats how much my family enjoyed it.
Thank you so much. So happy that you finally got it right:-)
Brilliant! Just brilliant!
Nice, soft and easy!
Thank you so much Shaheen 🙂
Thank you so much for sharing this recipe. I made it this morning. Being a mom of 3 kids under the age of 4 I try to get things done when I find time and it just happened to be now this morning. I actually gave up on making Rotis as they always came out thick and a bit firm. Like flying saucers. Really this is a gem of a recipe it came out perfect. My husband will be very impressed when we have supper tonight.
Definitely will be a weekly addition to our meals.
Hi Charne! Omg, you must have loads of energy and well done for being able to take care of 3 kids and still make roti. Super Mom! I am so glad that you had success with your rotis, one more thing you can tick off your list. Hooe you have many more successes in the kitchen so you can have more time with your precious little ones. Take Care:-)
Hi Lorraine , thanks for your recipes, tips I have tried quite a bit of your recipes, & they turned out excellent.
Teresa
Thank you so much Teresa. I am so happy to hear that. Hope you keep enjoying them. Take Care:-)
First time my roti came out perfect. I had watched youtube videos before but they were not as good as this recipe. I will definitely check other recipes too. Thank you for sharing
Thank you so much Busra. I am really happy to hear that!
This has become a weekly meal in my home.Thank you for making it super easy and impossible to flop.Saving so much money as well making these at home.
Do you have an easy dulchi recipe perhaps?
Thank you Tia! I am so glad you found a recipe that works for you and saves you money. Are you referring to Dulce as in caramel?
Hi, I tried this recipe today and as a mixed Indian no one really taught me how to make roti. They always came out ok at first and then rock hard later, but I kid you not, your recipe is the best! I love how soft they turned out. (Can’t say much about the shape though) Thank you so much.
Hi Andiswa! Thank you so much. I am so happy to hear that you finally found a recipe that works for you. Wishing you many more successful roti making. Don’t stress about the shape, it will come with practice. Take Care:-)
After a big number of failed attempts of making roti I finaly came accross your recipe. The roti puffed up, ddnt burn, was soft. Thank you so much, this is the 1st time I got it correct ever. I will make more for supper. Well done.
Thank you so much Phumeh! So glad to hear that. Such an accomplishment when you get that roti perfect, right? I’ve been there so I know all about it. Take Care:-)
Thank you Lorraine!!!!! I felt like a world class chef with these rotis!
Thank you so much Tanya:-)
OMGOSH!! I am like a kid in a candy shop right now. I made mealie meal rotis this morning (recently taught by my aunt). These turned out perfectly and taste amazing. Then I thought what if I don’t have mealie meal….and found your recipe!!! These also turned out PERFECT!
I have been paying £1.50-£2 for a roti in the U.K. never again. 💃🏻💃🏻💃🏻💃🏻💃🏻
Thank you
Thank you so much Vanessa! I am really happy to hear that my recipe worked for you. That sounds like a lot for a roti, now you can save your money for a pair of shoes…Lol!
Yep London prices for you! 🤗
First class recipe. Thank you, Lorraine! Success all round with this recipe today. Soft and tasty. All 8 rolled out in to close to perfect circles. Very pleased!
Thank you so much Gregg! I am so happy to hear that your rotis were a success. Take Care:-)
Hubby has now made the rottis a few times since we saw your recipe. Fantastic results and will never buy them from the store again. Good to know that we can freeze them. However, will need to double up on recipe as we just gobble them up😀
Thank you so much Cecilia! I’m really happy to hear they’ve worked for you. Nothing beats homemade:-)
They came out well..thankuu very much for sharing these recipes ❤️
Thank you so much Shanuki. I’m happy to hear that and you most welcome. Take Care:-)
Can I use chakki atta instead of cake wheat flour?
Hi Rose! I haven’t really tried it here in SA. Not sure if the flour is similar to our brown bread flour, if it is then I have another recipe on my blog for that. However, you are welcome to use the Chakki Atta, which I know is popular in India, and see if it works. Maybe try making half a quantity of the recipe first. Good luck!
Thanks Lorraine. I’m actually in SA, I buy the atta from an Indian shop. I tried it out and it worked well! They were soft. I did not halve the recipe and I even made a second batch (I added too little water on the first batch) because making the dough is so quick. I rested the dough for about 30min before rolling it out.
Hi Rose! That’s great to hear. I did see the atta in the Indian shops but I haven’t tried it. Maybe I will get some and try it soon. Thank you for letting me know. Take Care:-)
This is the first recipe I ever tried and it will be the last! Amazing to eat and easy to make! Thank you for sharing
Thank you so much Lizanne. Happy to hear you’ve finally found a recipe:-)
Thanks for such straightforward easy recipe. My first attempt at roti’s was a huge success. Full *****
You most welcome Bothoboile. Thank you so much:-)
Thank you Lorraine, i am actually from Botswana. i followed the recipe and everything come out so perfectly. thank you so much
Thank you so much Amo. I am so happy to hear that your rotis turned out perfect. Take care:-)
First time success!!! Thank you for the great recipe and instructions
Thank you so much Joanne. Happy to hear the recipe was a success:-)
I used this recipe today and my rotis came out so soft and tasty! thank you so much 😁❤
Thank you so much Jerique! So happy to hear that:-)
Hi Lorraine,
Im trying out this recipe today, just made 1 roti now as my tester lol, however it is dense and crisp, instead of light and soft.. what did i do wrong?! 🙁 want to know if its anything I can fix before I go ahead and make the rest
Hi Aliyah! Firstly your dough has to be soft. If your dough isn’t soft the roti will be dense. Secondly the pan has to be hot. If you start on a cold pan you will again get dense rotis. I suggest you check your dough. If it’s too firm let it rest for 30 minutes. The gluten will relax and the dough should be soft. When you place your roti on the pan it will start to form bubbles within a few seconds. If it doesn’t that means the pan is still cold. After your rotis are toasted place them between a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. This traps the moisture keeping the rotis soft. Hope this helps. Good luck:-)
Hi Lorraine, thanks for feedback
You were absolutely right! My pan wasnt hot enough, my dough had rested a while before I started cooking, by the 3rd roti I got the heat right and the perfect roti! Thank you so much! I will definitely be making another batch.. your recipes are awesome, I made the rotis with the lamb kebabs
Hi Aliyah! I am realy happy to hear that. Once you practice a few times it will become easier. Thank you and Take Care:-)
This is so nice. Just finished making them. I purposely let the dough rest for good amount of time. My word was it soft. I am useless at rolling so I have a tortilla press which I used.
This was a practice run but I don’t think I needed it because your recipe was so easy to follow.
Thank you Chris! I’m glad you made perfect rotis. It is really an easy recipe and I think your tortilla press is definitely a great help.
My new favorite way to make super soft tasty rotis after trying several other recipes & flopping each time..
Thank you so much Ash! I’m really happy that you finally found a recipe that works:-)
Thank you for sharing this flop-proof recipe! I tried making roti once, a few years ago, and it was terrible. Since then I just believed I couldn’t make it. My sister shared this recipe with me last week and I followed it to the letter and read your extra tips and it worked perfectly. Thank you so much for making it simple! I really really appreciate it! I won’t be buying roti again!
Thank you so much Amelia! I’m so happy to hear that your rotis were successful. Once you make your own it’s difficult to go back to store bought. Take Care:-)
Thank you for this simple and easy recipe. My roti came out perfect ☺
Thank you so much Thabile. I’m really happy to hear that you’ve had success with your rotis. Enjoy them:-)
This recipe is so great! The first one that actually worked for me. U are awesome! I found your recipe by accident scrolling for another recipe and it let me to you. I love your website btw!
Thank you so much Sanne! I am happy to hear you finally found a recipe that worked. Thanks for your kind words. Take Care:-)
Making Roti for the first time is a daunting task, everyone knows (and expects) the first time will end up so hard it could cut a diamond.
We called them ‘flying saucers’ because, you know, you can Frisbee it across the kitchen and drawn blood from cricket uncle’s bald spot.
They don’t always go to waste, one could use it as an edible plate or chuck it in the bin after for a quick wash up.
Hard Roti: the most common experience of all my predecessors.
At 28, during lockdown, I attempted my first roti-rolling experience. Used vodka bottle to roll it out (yeah yeah, that’s why I’m not married.)
I soon realised, fortunately for me, I had your recipe and those rotis were BOMB! They weren’t round, but they were as soft as hair after washing out Amla oil.
Thank you!!! My first Roti Making Experience was better than literally all the best cooks
Thank you so much Cam! You have a great sense of humor and you’re now an expert roti-maker too…haha! I bet there will be loads of eligible bachelors lining up soon, now that they’ve heard about your skills, vodka bottle and all…Lol! Take care and thank you for the laughs and the 5 star rating:-)
Thanks you, best and easiest Roti ever, they turned out so well, love them.
Thank you so much Shirley. So happy to hear that:-)
Hi Lorraine
How much oil should i use in replacement of the butter
Hi Leonie! You can use about 2 tablespoons of oil as a substitute for the butter:-)
Tried and made soft rotis for the first time. My kids were impressed. Thank you for such great tasting and easy to make recipes
Thank you so much Zuraida:-)
Thank you so much for this recipe, it is so simple and easy, I tried it and the roti came out perfect, so soft and yummy at the same time 🙂🤗
Thank you so much Alicia. I am really happy to hear that:-)
Tanya, just trying this now. Thank you, I’ve followed your instructions. Hope it turns out good. Fingers crossed.
Hope it passed the test. Good luck:-)
I tried your sugar beans curry and i added some yams it was soo delicious. Everyone loved it
Thank you so much Bernice. Glad you all loved it:-)
I am from the Caribbean and I have struggled unsuccessfully for years making Roti skins…I struggle no more. They came out beautifully!
I am really happy to hear that Allysen. Wishing you many more successful rotis:-)
Hi Lorraine, from one simple Indian girl from Durban living in Johannesburg for the past 14 years, Thank you Thank you for this beautiful recipe. Ever since my daughter started loving rotis, I’ve had this desire to make my own so she can have home made rotis anytime and now I am happy to say thanks to your recipe, I have made soft butter rotis for the first time and they taste delicious and my daughter gives them a thumps up. So thank you and God bless you.
From one simple Indian girl to another, thank you Candice. I am really happy you found a roti recipe that works and you’re most welcome. Take Care:-)
Done and dusted. Awesome, thank you
Thank you so much Marianne:-)
Amazing!
Thank you susan:-)
Fantastic recipe. Thank you so much Lorraine. Made them last night and not a single one leftover. Easy and delicious
Thank you so much Olga:-)
I am definitely not a roti maker but since my 3year old and my hubby were teasing me that I always promise but never deliver I found your recipe which I tried on Sunday with a prawn chutney and they were divine. I was shocked myself but it was definitely your recipe that gave me a new outlook on roti, they are absolutely delicious and flop proof even for someone like me who doesn’t know how to make a good roti. I made them again today with our veg meal and they tasted even better! I love your recipes and they are all so lovely. Thank you so much
Thank you so much Meryl:-)
You are such a kind mentor. You put so much into the receipes you so kind and sweet ensuring Us the ones eager to learn get it correct.
Thank you Rekha! I am always happy to help:-)
Wow thank you for this recipe it worked perfectly!!
Thank you so much Shani:-)
I made the rotis doing everything u said but after I tried them they looked fine but were harder like naan bread. Not able to flod them as they crack?
Hi Lynn! I am not sure what went wrong as I don’t know exactly how you made them. The dough has to be soft and the pan needs to be hot. If these two steps arent’t correct the rotis will not be soft. If you can tell me your exact process I can perhaps help you further.
Thank you Lorraine for this recipe. First time making them and they come out perfect.
Thank you so much Nesisa. So happy to hear that:-)
I made them for dinner and they were amazing , I’ve tried different recipes in the past but this will definitely be my go to from now on thank you.
Thank you so much Lebogang:-)
This recipe is amazing! I made roti for the first time today and it’s something I have wanted to do for ages but didn’t know how. They turned out beautifully thanks to you and your beautiful recipe! Thank you, Lorraine! I will definitely follow more of your recipes!
Thank you so much Diane:-)
Came out perfectly well, thank you for sharing and be blessed.
Thank you so much Zanele. So happy to hear that:-)
This recipe was my first attempt at making Roti and I loved it, recipe and instructions were simple and easy to follow. Definitely making this again. Thank you so much for the recipe!
Thank you so much Veronique:-)
Hello, thank you for the recipe and tips!
I tried it last night to use with butter chicken, unfortunately mine came out like tortillas! Haha!
Luckily my children do not know the difference so I will keep practicing!
My dough was so sticky I had to add more flour, I think this is why they came out hard!
Anja, western cape
Hi Anja! If the dough is sticky try and knead for a few minutes. Maybe next time don’t add all of the water at once, depending on the weather you may need more or less. Hope it works out the next time.
I’ve tried your your recipe, and I’m proud to say it was succesfull. Thank you very much for sharing.
Thank you so much Marietjie. I’m really happy to hear another success story:-)
I’ve made roti a few times before. I tried this recipe for the first time and Oh My Gosh, I’m like, what have I been making before this… They came out so perfect. They were soft and buttery, they didn’t flake and break or get hard and taste bland. The dough was a dream to work with and I even managed to roll them out very nearly round(still need some practice there). I’m so grateful to have found this recipe. Thank you so much.
Thank you so much Leesha! I’m really happy to hear that it worked for you:-)
The recipe was easy and the Roti was to die for. Soft and light. Thank you so much…. Will never buy Roti’s again. 😊
Thank you so much Sinah:-)
First time roti maker! Thank you for your pictures and clear instructions. It was a husband/wife team effort and they turned out beautifully, although we will need much more practice! I would highly recommend this recipe to anyone who asks!
Thank you so much Kea. So glad you enjoyed the recipe:-)
THANKS SOO MUCH LORRAINE
After 15 years of making rotis, I FINALLY found “THE ONE” this is the most easiest, quickest & tastiest rotis I’ve ever made.
It’s been flop proof every time & its all my family asks for these days.
I used baking margarine as I didn’t have butter and it came out perfectly.
As a sweet treat, I’ve added cinnamon sugar, maple syrup, jam, peanut butter, Nutella etc, it’s really that great. The kids absolutely love it & now I have a huge variety to pack for lunches at school.
For a flatbread, I used same recipe just thicker & brushed with garlic butter & fresh coriander.
If someone struggling to get it completed round, you can use a pizza cutter or knife to cut edges.
Most of mine are a bit square as it’s just easier to fill for Salomies (almost like burrito).
I absolutely love this recipe.
Stay awesome
Blessings from Cape Town
Thank you so much for your kind words Faz! I love what I do and it makes me so happy when my kind readers have success with my recipes. So glad you and your family are enjoying the rotis. Take Care and lots of love:-)
Thank you so much for crediting me for the recipe, much appreciated:-)
Thank you for this amazing recipe. It was soft and buttery. Beyond my expectations. Took me back to the Rotis my mum used to make ❤️
Thank you so much Melissa. I am really happy that you are enjoying the roti recipe:-)
Thank you for this easy recipe my rotis was a success!
Thats great news:-)
Tasty roti but mine came out hard. 🤦🏾♀️
I am sure l missed something.
Maybe your dough wasn’t soft enough or your stove temperature wasn’t correct. Always ensure your dough is soft and your pan is hot when toasting. In some climates you may need more or less water.
OMG! 1st time after many fails and won today. soft and flexi…and cooked through. Even my 2yr old is asking for more! thanks for this, I love you for this recipe!!
I will add a pinch of salt next time, but the salted butter is just fine. I am so happy with myself 😌
I made the soft butter rotis a few days ago and they were absolutely scrumptious! Thank you for sharing the recipe. 👌
I use this all the time, it’s so quick and easy and so so soft
Thank you so much:-)
What an amazing recipe they are perfect and not dry and doesn’t crack they are absolutely stunning!
Thank you so much Yvette:-)
Your recipe is just perfect. Had a craving for roti today just made 1 cup got 4 rotis. It was soft and delicious I have kept 2 rotis for tomorrow I hope it remains soft then this will be the best rotis. Thank you for sharing Lorraine
Thank you so much. I am glad you enjoyed the rotis:-)
I love making rottis but sometimes it doesn’t come right but I try
Keep trying Happiness, practice will definitely make it better:-)
After reading the reviews l decided to give the recipe a go. I had made mince curry and thought it would be nice to have it in a roti…a salomi. To my great surprise the roti came out so well even though l used Atta flour. Thank you for a great but simple recipe and the encouragement to give it a try.
Thank you so much Mary. I am so glad you tried it:-)
Had fun with roti recipe. Easy the easiest dough I have ever made Need more practice making them but happy with my results. Thank you so much
Thank you for trying the recipe Lisa. With practice you will definitely become a pro:-)
Thank you are will make these tonight.i will email you with my results… NJ
Hi there. Thank you for the recipe. My dough is soft but when toatsted, the roti turns out rubbery. Do u maybe know why? Tia
You have to toast the rotis on a hot pan. If your pan is not hot enough it will definitely turn out rubbery. I also place mine between clean paper towels or a kitchen towel to keep them soft:-)
Tried it today, came out great, will perfect the shape next time. 😁
That’s good to hear Karen. Practice makes perfect so keep trying, you will soon be a pro:-)
I have made ur rooties , and it was really lovely and easy indeed! thanks for sharing
Thank you Shanaaz. So glad you enjoyed it:-)
This is by far the best roti recipe ever
Absolutely delicious!
They come out perfect each time.
Thank you so much Mishka:-)
Thank You, recipe was lovely. Will try half butter and half oil in my next attempt.
This recipe is perfect mine came out lovely. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you for trying it:-)
Thank you for trying my recipe:-)
Just tried this recipe now, it took me 2 minutes to nead my dough and it came out perfectly soft. Loved it. Gonna bake it off later. Thank you.
Thank you so much Simone. That’s wonderful, glad you enjoyed the recipe:-)
Hi there,
Thanks so much for a ‘flop-proof’ soft roti recipe. I am South African too, but living in the Netherlands since 2010. It was 32 degrees yesterday, but, I had to try your recipe in the sweltering heat! It was amazing! I’m gonna share this with others as well.
PS My hubby is Dutch, and wasn’t really keen on eating it, be he tried it out……today, he took roti for lunch! He enjoyed it!
I’ve just subscribed to your blog, and will be trying out other awesome recipe of yours.
Thanks again…
Warm regards,
Jude
Thank you so much:-) So Glad you enjoyed the rotis:-)
Turned out perfect! Would use a bit less butter next time, was a bit too oily for my liking, but turned out perfect and it was so easy to make.
it was my very first time i made the rooties, it was very delicious to my surprise, thank you for sharing this recipe. i will never buy rootie leaves again.
The most amazing recipe! Thanks so much, I have never been able to make my own roti but tried this today and it turned out amazing!
Wow the best Roti recipe I have tried to date!
Im so used to buying rotis and have just moved to CPT so not sure where to buy in Gordons bay so i decided to make it. Thanks to you and on my First attempt it cape out great! and it was soft. Thank you!
I Tried this receipe after few failed attempts from other recipes. This soft butter roti is spot on. 1st attempt and the rotis are exactly as the picture. It’s soft and tasty. Loved making the roti. Thank you.
It was super delicious.
Accurate recipe.
I made this for the first time and it came wonderfully.
Thank you so much.a look p
It was super delicious.
Accurate recipe.
I made this for the first time and it came wonderfully.
Thank you so much.
I am so happy to hear that. Thank you for the feedback:-)
I’ve been trying to make rotis for years. This recipe is the easiest and the most successful.
This is far better than the recipe I have been using. It is a keeper!
yo i try to make roti for my first time, it was awesome soft and nice
Shocked is an understatement.
I did NOT think I could EVER make rotis.
With my recent roti addiction and late-night craving for them, I decided I’d find a recipe.
This was not only the easiest recipe I have EVER made, but the most delicious as well.
Thank you for sharing with us!
Hi. Made my first batch today, came out quite soft,now to roll and bake in pan. Thank you for sharing this with everyone. Will use this to generate an extra income with curry filling. Again thank you very m7ch.
I tried making Rotis for the first time today and I was so chuffed with how these turned out. I kneaded the dough for about 3 mins and let it sit for 30 mins. Soft, buttery with a little crunch and roasted flavour on the bubble spots. Great recipe and so joyfully simple.
Thank you so much for the recipe, my children and grandkids enjoy the roti so much. it was my first time making roti and it came out perfect.
The best roti very fluffy, my family enjoys it👌🌹
2nd time I’ve tried it. Came out perfectly!
I’ve always wanted a Roti recipe thank you this helped a lot ❤
I made this recipe this morning. Soft rotis. They also puffed up nicely. Thank you for a lovely recipe.
I made them for my children as lunch and they loved them. Thank you so much this will be the recipe I will use all the time ❤️
Truely the best and softest Roti recipe! I made the mistake of making them for my family…. Now they won’t eat store bought ones 😅
By far the easiest flop proof version – made it twice and prior to that I never tried it before, so that says something!
This is such a lovely recipe. Easy and delicious every timevI make it gor my family .
hi Lorraine
Thank you for the recipe. This was my first attempt and the roti was superb. Never did get it perfectly round when I was rolling but I made up for it with the finished product. Thank you from NZ.
Love the recipe. Each time I make it, it comes out different, but I think I have the hang of it now.. I like to not add butter in the pan, but then brush it as soon as it comes out and sprinkle sesame seeds on top. Delicious!
Just like your crumpet recipe, this is jow my go to Roti recipe!
Thee PERFECT Roti’s
With practice I am now enjoy making these rotis. Thanks for the recipe and easy to follow steps.
thank you sooo much for the recipe. i have made the best rotis today.
I REALLY APPRICIATE IT
I am so glad today I know how to make soft roti thank you thank you so much
So quick and easy! I didn’t knead by hand – I cheated and used my kitchen aid. I then let the dough rest while I made a curry and while that simmered I rolled out and fried the rotis. They were delicious and soft. Thank you so much for this recipe.
Since discovering this recipe I use nothing else. Thank you 😊
I didn’t think the texture could be silky smooth. That just sounded weird, but goodness, we were absolutely right!
We just made these, for tonight’s supper of Butter Chicken, but ate the first 4 immediately. They didn’t turn out as soft, because we forgot to add the butter before turning, but they were delicious.
Saving this under my winner recipes.
Thank you
I just love this resep, very easy to prepare and make, although mine does not come out perfectly round🤣, could you make the dough before work in the moring and make them when you come back from work that afternoon? Should you put the dough in the fridge if you wait that long to make the routi?
Love Chante
This roti recipe was just what I wanted. My dentures make most roti difficult to chew. I googled “flaky roti recipe” and yours came up! It worked up very quickly. I pressed it into the round discs rather than rolled it with a rolling pin as it was a bit soft and stickier than the more leathery roti. They are soft and flaky and scoop up curry perfectly. My only change was that I thought it needed salt for flavor, even more than the pinch you suggested.
These Soft Butter Rotis sound absolutely delightful, Lorraine! Your tips and personal journey to mastering the recipe make it so relatable. I can’t wait to pair them with a flavorful curry and give it a try—thank you for sharing! 😊
Roti making is an art! This recipe is really good for beginners and hopefully with time my roti making only gets better!
I have tried many of your recipes and they have really elevated my cooking skills and given me much more confidence in the kitchen.
Thank you!!!
Hi from JHB👋
I’ve made this recipe numerous times, and every time it turns out great! Simple, easy and delicious! Thanks so much for the recipe
Thank you so much for this recipe. I made rotis for the first time in my life and it was so easy! It came out perfect!