Roti is a staple food in many parts of the world, particularly in South Asia and the Caribbean. It is a flatbread made from wheat flour that is usually eaten with curries or used to make wraps. Rotis are a versatile food that can be eaten for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, and they are often served at special occasions and festivals.
However, it’s not uncommon to have leftover rotis after a meal. Many people simply toss them out, but there are actually many ways to use leftover rotis to transform your meals and reduce food waste. In this article, we will explore some mind-blowing ways to use leftover rotis in your cooking.
Leftover Rotis: Don’t Discard Them! Here’s Why
Many people believe that consuming stale food can be harmful to health and may even cause food poisoning. However, this is not always true, especially when it comes to food items made from wheat flour, such as roti or chapati. In fact, stale roti or baasi roti can offer more nutritional benefits than you might think. According to experts, leftover rotis can provide benefits for diabetes and digestion if consumed correctly. It is recommended to consume them within 12-15 hours of preparation and freeze them for best results.
Nutritionists suggest having leftover or stale rotis for breakfast. According to Shruti Sharma, a Bariatric Counselor and Nutritionist at Jaypee Hospital, it’s preferable to eat stale rotis with milk rather than subzi since milk has amazing properties.
If you’re planning to consume leftover food, it’s important to store it properly in airtight containers in the refrigerator and to consume it within a day or two.
Here are the 5 benefits of consuming leftover rotis:
- Easier to Digest: Stale rotis are easier to digest compared to fresh ones. Leaving the rotis to sit for some time makes the starch in them more accessible to the digestive enzymes, making it easier for the body to break down the roti and extract its nutrients. This makes stale rotis a great option for those who have digestive issues or a sensitive stomach.
- High in Fiber: Stale rotis are an excellent source of fiber, which is essential for maintaining a healthy digestive system and regulating bowel movements. Stale rotis contain more fiber than fresh rotis, as the starch in the roti begins to break down over time, creating more fiber. This makes stale rotis a great option for those who want to increase their fiber intake.
- Low in Calories: Stale rotis may have a lower calorie count compared to fresh rotis. The process of the starches in the roti breaking down over time can lead to a reduction in calories. This makes baasi rotis a great option for those who are watching their calorie intake or trying to lose weight.
- Rich in Resistant Starch: Resistant starch is a type of carbohydrate that resists digestion and can help regulate blood sugar levels. Freezing leftover rotis overnight can increase the amount of resistant starch in them, making stale rotis a great option for those with diabetes or those who want to regulate their blood sugar levels.
- Versatile: Stale rotis can be used in a variety of dishes. They can be heated up and served with curry or used as a base for a wrap or sandwich. They can also be crushed into crumbs and used as a coating for fried foods. This versatility makes stale rotis a great option for those who want to experiment with different dishes or use up leftover rotis in creative ways.
- Roti Chips
If you have leftover rotis that are starting to go stale, don’t throw them out just yet! You can easily turn them into crispy, flavorful chips that make a great snack or appetizer. Here’s how to make roti chips:
Ingredients:
- Leftover rotis
- Salt
- Cooking oil
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Cut the leftover rotis into bite-sized pieces.
- Arrange the roti pieces on a baking sheet in a single layer.
- Brush the roti pieces with a little cooking oil and sprinkle with salt.
- Bake the roti chips for 10-15 minutes, or until they are crispy and golden brown.
- Serve the roti chips with your favorite dip or enjoy them on their own.
- Roti Pizza
Yes, you read that right – roti can be used to make delicious and unique pizzas! This is a great way to use up leftover rotis and add a new twist to your pizza night. Here’s how to make roti pizza:
Ingredients:
- Leftover rotis
- Pizza sauce
- Shredded cheese
- Your favorite pizza toppings (such as pepperoni, mushrooms, onions, etc.)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Spread pizza sauce evenly over the leftover rotis.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese over the pizza sauce.
- Add your favorite pizza toppings to the rotis.
- Bake the roti pizzas for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve the roti pizzas hot and enjoy!
- Roti French Toast
Do you love French toast for breakfast? Why not switch it up and use leftover rotis instead of bread? Roti French toast is a delicious and unique breakfast option that will add some variety to your morning routine. Here’s how to make roti French toast:
Ingredients:
- Leftover rotis
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Cinnamon
- Butter or cooking oil
Instructions:
- In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of cinnamon.
- Heat a non-stick pan over medium-high heat and add a little butter or cooking oil.
- Dip the leftover rotis in the egg mixture, making sure to coat both sides.
- Place the rotis in the hot pan and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Serve the roti French toast with your favorite toppings, such as maple syrup, fresh fruit, or whipped cream.
- Roti Chips and Salsa
Looking for a unique and tasty snack to serve at your next party? Roti chips and salsa are a perfect option! The roti chips add a unique twist to the traditional tortilla chips, and the salsa is a great way to use up any leftover vegetables you have in your fridge. Here’s how to make roti chips and salsa:
Ingredients:
Leftover rotis Salt Cooking oil 2-3 tomatoes, chopped 1 small red onion, chopped 1-2 jalapeno peppers, chopped 1 clove of garlic, minced Juice of 1 lime Salt and pepper to taste Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Cut the leftover rotis into bite-sized pieces.
- Arrange the roti pieces on a baking sheet in a single layer.
- Brush the roti pieces with a little cooking oil and sprinkle with salt.
- Bake the roti chips for 10-15 minutes, or until they are crispy and golden brown.
- Meanwhile, prepare the salsa by mixing together the chopped tomatoes, red onion, jalapeno peppers, garlic, lime juice, salt, and pepper.
- Let the salsa sit for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve the roti chips with the salsa and fresh cilantro (if using).
- Roti Quesadillas
Quesadillas are a popular Mexican dish that typically consists of a tortilla filled with cheese and other ingredients, such as chicken, vegetables, or beans. But did you know that you can use leftover rotis to make a delicious and unique version of this classic dish? Here’s how to make roti quesadillas:
Ingredients:
Leftover rotis Shredded cheese Your favorite quesadilla fillings (such as cooked chicken, sautéed vegetables, or black beans) Cooking oil
Instructions:
- Heat a non-stick pan over medium-high heat and add a little cooking oil.
- Place one roti in the pan and sprinkle shredded cheese over half of the roti.
- Add your favorite quesadilla fillings on top of the cheese.
- Fold the other half of the roti over the fillings to create a half-moon shape.
- Cook the roti quesadilla for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the cheese is melted and the roti is crispy and golden brown.
- Repeat with the remaining rotis and fillings.
- Serve the roti quesadillas hot with your favorite toppings, such as salsa, sour cream, or guacamole.
- Roti Bread Pudding
Bread pudding is a classic dessert that is typically made with stale bread, milk, eggs, sugar, and spices. But why not switch up the bread and use leftover rotis instead? Roti bread pudding is a unique and delicious dessert that is sure to impress your guests. Here’s how to make roti bread pudding:
Ingredients:
Leftover rotis 2 cups milk 2 eggs 1/2 cup sugar 1 tsp vanilla extract 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg 1/4 tsp salt Cooking spray or butter
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Cut the leftover rotis into small cubes.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Add the cubed rotis to the bowl and stir to combine.
- Spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or grease with butter.
- Pour the roti mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Bake the roti bread pudding for 30-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the pudding is set.
- Let the pudding cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve the roti bread pudding warm with whipped cream or your favorite topping.
As you can see, there are plenty of creative and delicious ways to use up leftover rotis. From crispy roti chips and flavorful salsa to cheesy roti quesadillas and sweet roti bread pudding, there’s something for everyone. So the next time you have some rotis sitting in your fridge, don’t let them go to waste! Give one of these recipes a try and enjoy a tasty meal or dessert that’s both unique and satisfying.
