Kid-Friendly Indian-Food Roti
Carrot Roti is a delicious whole wheat flour thin and hand rolled tortilla that is packed with vegetables and other fiber rich nutrients. There are many variations of Indian Flatbreads and this roti recipe is one that is popular throughout India and beyond. When eaten hot and topped with ghee clarified butter or butter, it tastes like comfort food to any East Indian.
Carrot Roti/Rotli
Carrot Roti is pretty much the same as my zucchini roti recipe, but this one uses carrots instead. Honestly, using any vegetable as an addition to your daily homemade East Indian flat breads can change your vegetable intake drastically. I add a healthy fat oil such as avocado, coconut, or almond to my daughter's whole wheat tortilla everyday, in addition to the vegetables.
What types of Indian Flatbreads are there?
In a country as diverse as India which is full of culture, art, and food there is bound to be different flatbreads right? Some are native to certain parts of India such as naan which is North Indian and appam which is South Indian. These, plus others are very different as you travel across India. My favorites include this carrot roti recipe. Some other variations include
- puri (fried)
- rotla (thicker)
- bhakri (whole wheat tortilla that is thicker and cooked in oil or sometimes dry)
- thepla (flavored)
- rice roti (eaten with desserts)
What's the difference between roti, flatbread, and tortilla?
Every country has their own way of saying things. A tortilla is a variation of a roti or vice versa. Both are thin and flat and used to make wraps or eaten as a main meal. Flatbread is an umbrella word that can include almost all forms of... well, flat breads. Mediterranean flatbread is common in the US to compare with roti but the two are very different in the sense that roti is VERY thin.
Why is this Carrot Roti Recipe Kid Friendly?
With the added nutrition, I think it is the perfect addition to any individual who wants to try healthy Indian Food and not just kids. This recipe is great for all ages!
Healthy Roti Recipe
When it comes to healthy roti recipes, it is up the maker to decide what is best for their family. I love to add vegetable purees, healthy oils, fats, and protein to my dough when combining. It adds more nutrition to the dough versus using the usual whole wheat flour atta, oil/ghee, and water.
Some healthy roti recipe variations include
- avocado roti
- spinach
- kale
- carrots
- zucchini roti
- tofu roti
- beets
- yellow squash
- cauliflower
- lokhi/doodhi
Tips for healthy flatbreads/roti
Steam, blanch, or cook the vegetables so it is easier to puree using a juicer/blender. If you are in a time crunch, then feel free to use baby food as a substitute. This carrot roti recipe is perfect when using carrot baby food pouches. It is quick and easy to just squeeze and go! Try any of the brands that you find fit for your family to make healthy roti.
How do I warm up roti?
Cover the roti in a microwave safe bowl and cook for about 5-10 seconds per roti. The timing will vary based on microwave capacity so be sure to check on it. Keep covered until you are ready to eat.
Can I freeze soft cooked roti?
Yes, you can! Be sure to freeze roti flat so they are easy to stack and defrost nicely in a stack. Use my heating instructions to warm them up in a microwave.
Step by Step Carrot Roti Photographs and Instructions
combine flour, oil, and puree hand knead or use a kitchen aid mixer 
make a soft dough , cover, and let it rest make individual sized roti portions roll out thin and cook until done
Recipe for Carrot Roti
Carrot Roti
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 4 tablespoon pureed carrots (equivalent to ¼ cup or 5 baby carrots)
- 2 teaspoon oil (avocado, coconut, almond, etc)
- ¼ cup water
- optional salt
- optional ground flax seed
- optional ground chia seeds
- dusting all purpose flour
Instructions
- Divide into 9 sections and form into small balls using the palm of your hands.
- Heat a flat non-stick pan on medium-high heat.
- Dust each with all purpose flour and roll out into a 6" diameter rotli. NOTE: the thickness of the rotli can determine its ability to inflate during the cooking process.
- Once rolled out, place the rotli on the hot pan. Wait about 20 seconds and flip over. Wait about 40 seconds and then place the cooler side down over an open flame and let it rise SIDE NOTE: be sure the pan is hot before starting the cooking process.
- Serve as is, topped with ghee, or topped with un/salted butter.
Notes
- steamed/boiled carrots are easier to puree
- baby food can be used if you are in a time crunch
