Authentic South Indian Barotta Recipe: Flaky, Delicious and Homemade

Ingredients

  • 2 cups All-Purpose Flour
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 1 tablespoon Sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Vegetable Oil, plus extra for greasing
  • 3/4 cup Water
  • 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter, melted

Steps and instructions

  1. In a large bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, salt, and sugar.
  2. Add the vegetable oil to the dry ingredients and mix.
  3. Slowly add the water while stirring continuously until a dough forms.
  4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10-15 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
  5. Divide the dough into small equal portions and roll each into a ball.
  6. Use a rolling pin to flatten each ball into a thin circle. Brush the surface with melted butter and fold into a square shape.
  7. Heat a frying pan over medium heat and grease it lightly with oil. Cook each Barotta until it's golden brown on both sides, making sure to flip it regularly for even cooking.
  8. Once each Barotta is cooked, fluff it up by clapping it between your hands (be careful, it's hot!). This helps to separate the layers.
  9. Serve warm with desired side dish.

Tools for making

  • Large Bowl - For mixing the ingredients and kneading the dough.
  • Rolling Pin - To flatten the dough into thin circles.
  • Frying Pan - To cook the Barotta on the stovetop.
  • Brush - For brushing melted butter onto the Barotta dough.
  • Flour - To dust the surface while rolling the dough.
  • Oil - For greasing the frying pan and brushing onto the Barotta.

Recipe variations

  • Whole Wheat Barotta: Replace half or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier version.
  • Gluten-Free Barotta: Use gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour for those with gluten sensitivities.
  • Herb-infused Barotta: Add herbs like chopped cilantro, parsley, or basil to the dough for added flavor.
  • Garlic Barotta: Mix minced garlic into the dough for a delicious garlic twist.
  • Spicy Barotta: Add chili flakes or finely chopped green chilies to the dough for an extra kick of spice.
  • Cheesy Barotta: Sprinkle grated cheese (such as cheddar or mozzarella) onto the flattened dough before folding for a cheesy surprise.
  • Layered Barotta: Instead of folding the dough into a square, layer it like puff pastry by folding it multiple times to create flaky layers.
  • Vegan Barotta: Replace the butter with vegan margarine or coconut oil, and swap the water with a non-dairy alternative.
  • Stuffed Barotta: Fill the flattened dough with a savory filling of your choice, such as spiced mashed potatoes, paneer, or minced meat.
  • Sweet Barotta: Skip the salt and add sugar and cardamom to the dough. Serve with a sweet dipping sauce or enjoy as is.

Recipe overview

Barotta, also known as Parotta, is a layered flatbread that originated in Southern India's Tamil Nadu state. Made up of a few simple pantry ingredients like all-purpose flour, salt, sugar, and vegetable oil, it's a versatile bread that pairs wonderfully with a variety of Indian curries and stews. The dough is delicately rolled, folded and cooked until golden, producing a bread with distinct, soft layers. It requires a bit of kneading and cooking technique but is well worth the effort. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to make your kitchen smell like an Indian bakery by following this detailed Barotta recipe. Enjoy the process and the delicious outcome!

Common questions

  1. Can I use different types of flour for this recipe?
    Yes, you can use different types of flour like whole wheat flour or bread flour, but the texture may vary slightly.
  2. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
    Yes, you can use salted butter, but it's recommended to adjust the amount of salt in the recipe accordingly.
  3. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
    Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just make sure to bring it to room temperature before rolling and cooking.
  4. Can I freeze the Barottas?
    Yes, you can freeze the cooked Barottas. Allow them to cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in airtight containers. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm them in a hot skillet or oven until heated through.
  5. What can I serve with Barotta?
    Barotta pairs well with a variety of side dishes such as curry, chutney, or yogurt-based dips. It can also be enjoyed with grilled meats or vegetables.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Rolling Pin - Used to roll out the dough into thin circles.
  • Frying Pan - Used to cook the Barotta on the stovetop.
  • Brush - Used to brush melted butter onto the Barotta during cooking.
  • Flour - Used for dusting the surface while rolling out the dough.
  • Knife - Used to cut the Barotta into desired shapes or sizes.
  • Plate - Used to serve the cooked Barotta.

Origin stories

Barotta, also known as Parotta, is a layered flatbread bursting with flaky goodness, and it has its roots deeply embedded in the culinary traditions of Southern India, particularly in the states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. The art of making Barotta, which involves meticulously rolling and folding the dough to create its distinct, multiple layers, was passed down through generations, often at small local eateries known as 'thattukadas'. It's not just a food item, but a symbol of the region's gastronomic identity. The Barotta's irresistible charm lies in its perfect golden crust and fluffy inside which unravels layers as you tear into it. It's usually paired with a spicy curry, but the Barotta's versatility allows it to be a part of various other mouth-watering fusion dishes popular in today's dynamic Indian cuisine. The beauty of Barotta lies not only in its delightful taste, but also in the skillful dance of hands that breathes life into this humble bread, making it a truly special treat to both prepare and savor.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.