Akki Rotti (Indian Rice Bread)

Akki Rotti (Indian Rice Bread) is one of the favourite breakfasts in south India, especially in Karnataka. It is one of those excellent breakfasts which you rarely find in Hotels. Though tasty, many people find it very difficult to prepare it at home due to the nature of Rice flour which makes it slightly difficult to knead and roll, unless you have the right tricks!!!

Here is a simple formulae for all you Uttara-Kannada cuisine lovers to have Akki Rotti whenever you wish for it!! :-)

Ingredients:
Rice Flour - 1 cup
Oil - 1 tsp
Water - 3/4 cup
Salt - 1 tsp

Procedure:

1. Take a thick bottom vessel , pour water, Oil and salt. Turn on the flame (low to medium) [fig.1]
2. Once the water starts to boil, change the heat/flame to very low and add Rice flour in it. Allow to heat for 2 mins and turn off the heat. [fig.2]
3. Take the vessel off from the stove and stir it with a stick (since it is hot) to mix well. After mixing its consistency should like half kneaded dough.  Allow it to cool for 10 mins.
4. This process of stirring when it is hot allows the flour to mix with water very well which makes it easier to knead into a soft dough after cooling. [fig.3]
5. After cooling, knead the dough softly. Add water if required. The water needed may vary depending on the quality of flour. You can also add little rice flour in case of excess water.  [fig.4]
6. After kneading, make lemon size balls. Roll it like chapatis. 
7. For rolling care should be taken that the edges don't break. A trick for this is, after half rolling thicken the edges like small walls  [fig.8] using your fingers. Then continue to roll.  [fig.5-10]
8. Put the rotti on a heated pan (tawa). Apply the water immediately on upper side of the rotti.
9. There are many ways how water can be applied. You can sprinkle with your hand OR touch the rotti with soft wet cloth OR wipe softly using a brush. [fig.12]
10. After 1 min turn the rotti and allow to cook for 30 seconds. Do not apply water on opposite side after turing.
11. Take out rotti from the pan and place it a hotbox.
12. You can apply Ghee (crystallised butter) or butter immediately after taking out from pan to keep it soft for a longer time.
13. And finally, Akki Rotti goes very well with any side dish or curry, especially made with beans or pulses.