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Roti Canai

A flaky Indian-influenced flatbread with crispy outer layers and a soft, chewy interior. Excellent paired with curry or enjoyed plain as a snack.

45 minMediumServes 4310 cal/serving

MalaysianBreakfastStovetopVegetarianHalal-friendlyNut-FreeSoy-FreeEgg-FreeSesame-FreeLow-SodiumPork-FreeAlcohol-FreeNightshade-Free

Ingredients

  • 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp sweetened condensed milk
  • 3/4 cup warm water
  • 1/3 cup ghee, melted
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil

Instructions

  1. 1

    Mix 2.5 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tsp salt, 1 tbsp sweetened condensed milk, and 3/4 cup warm water in a bowl until a soft dough forms.

  2. 2

    Knead dough for 10 minutes until smooth, then divide into 4 balls and coat each with 1/3 cup melted ghee.

  3. 3

    Cover dough balls and let rest at room temperature for at least 4 hours.

  4. 4

    Coat work surface with 2 tbsp vegetable oil, then stretch each dough ball until paper-thin.

  5. 5

    Fold edges inward to form a square, then fry in a skillet with remaining ghee until golden and flaky.

  6. 6

    Clap the cooked flatbread between your hands to fluff up the layers before serving.

Questions

Can I make Roti Canai dairy-free?

Yes. The dairy in this entry is 1 tbsp sweetened condensed milk, 1/3 cup ghee, melted. Swap the sweetened condensed milk for a plant-based version of the same product; the butter for olive oil where it melts, or a plant-based block butter where it is creamed. The richness shifts slightly, but the method does not change.

Can I make Roti Canai gluten-free?

Yes. The gluten in this entry is 2.5 cups all-purpose flour. Swap the flour for a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking blend (where it only thickens a sauce, half as much cornstarch also works). Everything else proceeds as written.

How long does Roti Canai keep?

Refrigerate leftovers within two hours and eat them within three days. Reheat uncovered in a 400 F oven (or an air fryer) for a few minutes to bring the crust back; the microwave softens it.

Can I halve or double Roti Canai?

Yes. As written it serves 4. Every ingredient in this entry carries precomputed half and double quantities, and the app's batch dial rewrites them inside each step. When doubling on the stovetop, use your widest pan or work in two batches so the food sears instead of steaming.

Serve it with

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