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Jamaican Roti
How To Make Curry's Best Friend
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by Venesha Johnson | Associate Writer
Roti, a popular item you can find on many menus of Jamaican restaurants. It was originally brought to Jamaica by Indians and has been a huge part of our culture since. The traditional roti from India is just a little bit different from how we make ours here in Jamaica.
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What is Roti?
Roti is a flatbread that is mostly used to eat savoury meats such as Curried Goat. Roti is flaky yet soft, allowing you to scoop up any gravy or sauce, or use it as a wrap.
Difference between Indian and Jamaican Roti?
The key difference between Indian and Jamaican Roti are Indian roti is traditionally made using wheat flour while Jamaicans use white flour and Indian Roti does not use any leavening agent, Jamaicans use a leavening agent in theirs, mostly baking powder.
Because of this, Jamaican Roti is seen as more of a cross between Naan and traditional roti.
What is Jamaican Roti made of?
Jamaican style roti is quite simple to make and consist of just a few basic ingredients, water, flour, baking powder, salt and oil.
How do you eat Jamaican Roti?
You can eat your roti however you like or with or without utensils. Roti is most commonly eaten by using your bare hands to break it into small pieces that you will use to scoop up meat or gravy. You can also choose to have your roti by rolling or folding it in two and stuff with your meats, vegetables or beans.
Using a knife and fork is also an option, albeit an unpopular one.
Is Roti the same as Tortilla?
Roti and Tortillas are both flatbreads and share many similar characteristics which most flatbreads share, they are flat, most times under an inch in thickness, round, soft and doughy. They are similar in appearance but it's their ingredients that point out their differences.
Flour tortillas require you to have flour, shortening, warm water and salt to make and the only difference between the tortilla and roti in the ingredients department is that roti does not require any shortening.
Because tortillas require shortening, it has a higher percentage of fat and carbohydrates compared to roti. Tortillas carry around 4.5 grams of fat while roti is only around 2 grams and each tortilla has around 26 grams of carbohydrates while each roti only has around 18 grams.
What is Roti usually served with?
Because of its doughiness, roti is usually served with meats or vegetables cooked in a lot of sauce or gravy. The most popular way to have roti in Jamaica is with curried chicken or goat. It also makes a great accompaniment for soups, stews and beans.
What is the difference between Jamaican roti and naan?
Roti is traditionally prepared in a flat cast iron pot called a Tawa, most Jamaicans use a flat bottom Dutch pot instead. Naan and Roti both have similar ingredients with the main difference being the use of leavening agents. Naan is prepared in a tandoor oven, but Jamaican roti is prepared on a stovetop in a barely greased Dutch pot.
Of course, there is nothing quite like being able to make your meals from scratch, so here is a simple recipe for making Jamaican Roti.
Jamaican Roti Recipe
INGREDIENTS
- White flour
- Salt - just a pinch
- baking powder
- water
- Vegetable oil
- Flour for dusting
PROCEDURE
- In a bowl sieve, the flour then, add baking powder and salt.
- Gradually add water to the mixture until it is formed into a soft smooth dough.
- Set aside and cover for at least 15 minutes.
- After your dough has rested, separate the dough into small round pieces and roll it into a ball.
- Use a rolling pin, your fingers or palms to flatten each piece.
- Brush each side of the flattened dough with a small amount of vegetable oil then lightly dust with flour.
- Use your Tawa or flat-bottom Dutch pot to prepare your dough by adding them to the pot, oiled side down for about 3 minutes then flip and repeat for about 1 minute. This should be done on low or medium heat.
- Remove from the heat and serve with your favourite curry dishes such as chickpeas, goat or chicken.
Jamaican Roti is a great substitute for naan or tortillas and can be had with most main dishes. They are easy to prepare and you will be able to make large batches for your entire family in no time.
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References & Sources For Jamaican Roti
- Plain Roti Recipe, https://jamaicans.com/plain-roti/
- Caribbean Roti, Food Glossary,https://www.itzcaribbean.com/food/caribbean-food-glossary/caribbean-roti/
- What is Roti? | Caribbean Hut, https://caribbean-hut.com/caribbean-food-blog/what-is-roti/
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