Make Traditional Mughlai Khameeri Roti Without Tandoor And Have A Royal Feast

Indian cuisine is invaded by different curries and these curries are enjoyed with a variety of breads. While roti, paratha and naan are ubiquitous across the country, some old gems are still waiting for their day of fame. Khameeri roti is one such traditional Indian bread that impresses everyone with its unique taste and texture. It is India’s answer to international sourdough bread. It derives its name from ‘Khameer’, an Urdu word meaning yeast. Khameeri is a yeast-baked flatbread, which is made from sourdough bread and turns out soft and fluffy.

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What is the origin of Khamiri Roti?

Khameeri Roti is more than a flatbread; it is a culinary masterpiece that embodies the richness of Indian culture and cuisine. The origin of khameeri roti can be traced back to the Mughal era. It is believed to be a staple food among the people of old Delhi, especially among the Muslims of old. Even now you can find many food shops in Old Delhi that make Mughlai roti in clay ovens and sell it with delicious curries. Khameeri roti is still made in many Muslim homes and they combine it with mutton and chicken sauces and even dal.

^{Khameeri roti pairs well with non-vegetarian curries Photo Credit: Instagram/gaurav_avinash}

What is khameeri roti made of?

Khameeri roti is made from a special dough kneaded by combining wheat flour, salt, sugar, yogurt and khameer. This khameer natural leavening agent is made by soaking wheat grains overnight and allowing them to germinate. The sprouted wheat is then ground into a fine paste, which not only ferments the dough, but also gives it a subtle sour taste.

Roti made from the dough is traditionally cooked in tandoor or clay ovens, but some households also cook it in a pressure cooker or ‘ulta tawa’. From the delicate balance of ingredients to the slow fermentation process and the searing heat of the tandoor, each step contributes to the creation of a sensory delight.

Also read: Delhi Breads: 5 Types of Bread You Must Try in Delhi

How To Make Khameeri Roti At Home I Mughlai Khameeri Roti Recipe

We have a quick and easy recipe to make khameeri roti at home in a pan with ready-to-use baking powder that you can get at any store.

To make khameeri roti, first combine the yeast with a little flour, sugar, salt, and water. Mix well and let stand for 20 minutes. Combine the yeast mixture with flour and knead with milk and a drizzle of oil. Cover the dough with a muslin and let it rest for about two hours. Make long rotis from the batter and top with melon seeds, sesame seeds, kalonji seeds and coriander leaves. Cook in a pan and your khameeri roti is ready!

Watch the full khameeri roti recipe video from NDTV Food: