Garlic Sesame Roti Recipe – Easy Indian Flatbread with Atta

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Garlic Sesame Roti Recipe – Easy Indian Flatbread with Atta

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, there’s just something incredibly comforting about a warm, soft roti straight off the tawa. Today, I’m sharing a recipe that takes that comfort to the next level: Garlic Sesame Roti. It’s a simple twist on a classic, packed with flavour, and honestly, it’s become a weeknight staple in my kitchen. I first made this when I was craving something a little different with my dal, and it’s been a hit ever since!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Garlic Sesame Roti is more than just a flatbread; it’s a little burst of flavour in every bite. The fragrant garlic, the nutty sesame seeds, and the soft, slightly chewy texture… it’s just so good. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make, even if you’re new to making rotis. It’s a fantastic way to add a little something special to your everyday meals.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of these delicious rotis:

• 2 cup wheat flour / multigrain atta
• ¼ cup garlic pearls
• 2 teaspoon oil
• 2 teaspoon sesame seeds
• Salt to taste
• Water as needed
• Oil / butter / ghee as needed

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients for a sec, because a few little things can make a big difference!

Wheat Flour / Multigrain Atta Variations

I usually use whole wheat atta for this recipe, but feel free to experiment! You can use a mix of wheat and multigrain flour for added texture and nutrients. About 200-220g of atta is equivalent to 1 cup.

Garlic Pearls: Choosing & Preparing

Fresh garlic is best, of course. Look for firm, plump garlic bulbs. We’re crushing the garlic, so don’t worry too much about perfect cloves. You’ll need about 30-40 pearls depending on size.

The Role of Sesame Seeds in Indian Cuisine

Sesame seeds aren’t just a tasty topping; they’re a really important part of Indian cooking! They add a lovely nutty flavour and a beautiful texture. Plus, they’re packed with goodness.

Oil & Fat Options: Regional Preferences

Traditionally, ghee is used to brush the rotis, giving them a rich, delicious flavour. But you can absolutely use butter or any neutral oil. In some regions, mustard oil is preferred for a more pungent flavour – it’s all about personal preference!

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. First, let’s prep the garlic. Crush those garlic pearls using a garlic press or finely chop them. You want them nice and small so they distribute evenly.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the wheat flour, salt, half of the crushed garlic, and oil. Mix it all together really well – get your hands in there!
3. Now, gradually add water, a little at a time, and start kneading the dough. You want a smooth, pliable dough that isn’t too sticky.
4. Once you have a nice dough, cover it and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax, making the rotis softer.
5. Divide the dough into lemon-sized balls. About 50-60g each.
6. Roll each ball into a thick roti – not too thin, we want some chewiness! Sprinkle with sesame seeds and the remaining crushed garlic, then gently roll again to embed the toppings.
7. Heat a tawa (a flat griddle) over medium heat. Place the roti on the hot tawa, sesame-side down.
8. Cook for a minute or two, pressing gently with a ladle to ensure even cooking.
9. Flip the roti and cook until golden spots start to appear.
10. For that lovely charred flavour, you can briefly finish cooking the roti over a direct flame (be careful!).
11. Brush with ghee or butter and serve hot!

Expert Tips

Here are a few things I’ve learned over the years to help you make the perfect Garlic Sesame Roti:

Achieving the Perfect Roti Texture

The key is the dough! Don’t be afraid to add a little more water if it feels too dry, or a little more flour if it’s too sticky.

Working with Atta Dough

Atta dough can be a little different than all-purpose flour dough. It tends to be a bit drier, so kneading is really important.

Getting Evenly Cooked Rotis

Pressing gently with a ladle while cooking helps ensure the roti cooks evenly and puffs up nicely.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

Vegan Garlic Sesame Roti

Simply use oil instead of ghee or butter. It’s just as delicious! My friend, Priya, makes these all the time and swears by using a little olive oil.

Gluten-Free Garlic Sesame Roti (with Atta Alternatives)

If you’re gluten-free, you can use a gluten-free atta blend. Jowar (sorghum) or bajra (pearl millet) flour work well. The texture will be slightly different, but still tasty.

Spice Level Adjustment

Add a pinch of red chilli flakes to the dough for a little heat.

Festival Adaptations (Lohri, Makar Sankranti)

These rotis are perfect for festive occasions like Lohri and Makar Sankranti! They’re often served with sarson ka saag (mustard greens) and makki di roti (cornmeal flatbread).

Serving Suggestions

These Garlic Sesame Rotis are incredibly versatile. They’re amazing with:

• Dal (lentils)
• Vegetable curries
• Yogurt
• Pickles
• Even just a simple cup of chai!

Storage Instructions

Leftover rotis can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for a day or two. To reheat, sprinkle with a little water and warm on a tawa or in a microwave.

FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers!

What type of flour is best for making roti?

Whole wheat atta is traditional, but you can experiment with multigrain or gluten-free alternatives.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make the dough a few hours in advance and store it in the fridge. Just let it come to room temperature before rolling.

How do I know when the tawa is hot enough?

Sprinkle a few drops of water on the tawa. If they sizzle and evaporate quickly, it’s ready!

What is the best way to store leftover rotis?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature. Reheat with a sprinkle of water.

Can I use a rolling pin if I’m not comfortable stretching the roti by hand?

Definitely! A rolling pin works just fine. It might take a little practice to get the thickness right, but don’t worry about it being perfect.

Enjoy making these Garlic Sesame Rotis! I hope they bring as much joy to your table as they do to mine. Let me know how they turn out in the comments below!