Besan Masala Roti Recipe (Spiced Gram Flour Flatbread)

Besan masala roti is wheat flour dough enriched with gram flour, onion, green chilli and spices, kneaded straight into the dough rather than used as a stuffing — a quicker, hardier flatbread than a stuffed paratha, common on Haryanvi tables for breakfast or as an accompaniment to a simple dal.

Why it's rolled with dry flour, not stuffed

Because the spice and onion are mixed directly into the dough, the roti holds together without the usual risk of a stuffed paratha tearing — just roll it a touch thicker than a plain roti so the onion pieces don't poke through.

Serving

Serve hot off the tawa with a dollop of butter, plain yogurt, or a simple dal on the side.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Adding too much besan relative to wheat flour — the roti turns dense and cracks while rolling. Keep besan to roughly a third or half of the total flour, not the dominant part.
• Rolling it too thin — besan dough with vegetables mixed in tears easily. A little thicker than a plain roti works best.
• Cooking on too high heat — the outside browns before the inside cooks through. Medium heat with a bit of patience gives an evenly cooked, soft roti.

Storage and reheating

Best eaten fresh and hot off the tawa with ghee, but extras keep 1-2 days at room temperature wrapped in a cloth, or 3-4 days refrigerated. Reheat on a hot tawa rather than the microwave, to bring back softness without drying it out.

Frequently asked questions

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, it can be refrigerated for a few hours, but roll and cook it fresh — besan dough left too long can turn a little sticky and harder to shape.

What else can I add to the dough besides onion and chilli?
Grated radish, fenugreek leaves (methi), or finely chopped spinach are common additions in Haryanvi kitchens, each bringing its own flavour.

Is besan masala roti gluten-free?
Not as written — it uses wheat flour alongside the besan. For a gluten-free version you'd need to swap in a gluten-free flour blend, though the texture will differ.

Watch how it's made

Watch the full method step by step in the video below.