Close up shot of golden brown roti on a plate with a side of curry

Roti

island style roti: a step by step guide (updated march 29 2025)

By Esmeralda Hayes

Published: 29 Mar 2025

Island style roti is a beloved Caribbean staple, soft and fluffy flatbread perfect for scooping up curries and stews. Making it from scratch might seem daunting, but trust me, it's easier than you think! This recipe walks you through every step. I've even added some of my favorite tips and tricks to ensure you achieve those perfectly soft and delicious rotis. You'll be amazed at how simple it is once you get started.
A family enjoying Island Style Roti with a colorful array of curries
This isn't just any roti recipe; it's a taste of home, a reminder of family gatherings, and a celebration of Caribbean flavors. Whether you're an experienced baker or a complete beginner, this recipe is designed to guide you towards success. With a few simple ingredients and a little patience, you'll be crafting restaurant-quality rotis in no time. So, gather your ingredients, prepare your workspace, and let's create some culinary magic together!
Close up shot of hands kneading roti dough

Required Equipments

  • Large Mixing Bowls (2)
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons
  • Rolling Pin
  • Clean Kitchen Towels
  • Large Baking Sheet or Griddle
  • Sharp Knife
  • Mixing Spoon or Spatula

Island-Style-Roti:-A-Step-by-Step-Guide-(Updated-March-29-2025)

Learn how to make authentic Island Style Roti from scratch. This detailed recipe will guide you through the process step by step, from preparing the dough to cooking the perfect flatbread.

ā³ Yield & Time

Yield: 6 servings

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Total Time:

šŸ½ Ingredients

šŸ“– Instructions

  1. First, let's get started with the dough. In a large mixing bowl, combine 4 cups of all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon of salt. Give it a quick whisk to mix the dry ingredients together. It's super important to use all-purpose flour here, don't even think about substituting it with other things, unless you're a roti expert and know exactly what you're doing!
  2. Next, make a well in the center of the flour mixture. Gradually add in 1 1/2 cups of warm water, a little at a time, while mixing with a mixing spoon or your clean hands until a soft dough forms. The goal is to have a dough that isn't sticky but is also not too dry. If it's a bit sticky, you can add a tablespoon or two more of flour. But don't add too much, or your rotis will be tough.
  3. Once the dough comes together, knead it vigorously on a lightly floured surface for about 8-10 minutes. Trust me, the kneading is crucial! This process develops the gluten, which gives the roti its elasticity and soft texture. Think of it like a workout for your roti dough. The dough should become smooth and slightly elastic.
  4. After kneading, form the dough into a smooth ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover the bowl tightly with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for at least 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size. This is the resting period that helps the dough relax, and ensures that our roti will be super soft and delicious, kinda like a mini spa day for the dough.
  5. After it's risen, divide the dough into equal-sized balls. Depending on how many rotis you plan to make. I usually make them about 100g each, just big enough to make a nice-sized roti. Roll each ball into a smooth circle, about 8 inches in diameter. Tip: Keep the dough lightly dusted with flour, this will prevent sticking. Don't worry if its not perfectly round, we all make mistakes, even master roti makers like myself
  6. Now for the fun part! Heat a large griddle or heavy-bottomed frying pan over medium heat. Once it's hot, carefully place one roti on the griddle. Cook for about 30-45 seconds per side or until you see small bubbles appearing on the surface and the roti is starting to puff up. You might need to adjust the heat according to your griddle. If it's getting burned too quickly, turn the heat down.
  7. Once cooked, remove the roti from the griddle and immediately brush it lightly with a little bit of ghee or oil to give it a shiny and soft finish. This little step is a game changer! And honestly who doesn't like extra butter?
  8. Repeat steps 6 and 7 with the remaining dough balls. Serve immediately! You can serve the roti with a variety of savory dishes including curries, stews and other side dishes. The world is your oyster!

šŸ“ Notes

  • For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of sugar to the dough.
  • Make sure the water is warm but not hot, as this could affect the doughā€™s consistency.
  • Adjust the amount of water according to the flour's consistency. Some flours may absorb more water than others.
  • If the roti sticks to the griddle, try sprinkling a little flour on the surface before cooking. Donā€™t use too much, just a light dusting!

šŸŽ Nutrition

Calories: 250kcal

Protein: 5g

Fat: 5g

Carbohydrates: 45g

Fiber: 2g

Calcium: 20mg

Frequently Asked Questions

The best things in life are homemade, especially roti!

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