Orotti

{Ramadan Special} – Orotti by Famidha of ‘My Life in Yanbu’

Have you ever felt you are not reading but living in the moment…??? Famidha of ‘My Life in Yanbu‘ takes you into her beautiful world with her words…you just feel to imagine that you are virtually living a moment reading her blog posts…in there…she creates magic with her words. Today’s post is complete synonym for that. Thank you Famidha for being part of this event and making it wonderful.

Assalamualaikum!

As I type this post sitting on my dining table beside the only well-lit window on my right and sleeping Ragee below my chin, a pin-drop silence because the AC is off, the washing machine has stopped, and the exhaust fan is not working, I realized that with all the imperfections and limitations of this city and my home, I have come to love both for the tranquility. As an expat in Yanbu, I blog at My Life in Yanbu.

This is my third Ramadan in this city and my second entry for this grand event of Joy from Fasting to Feasting X hosted by darling Lubna. Alhamdulillah!

I have been racking my brain trying to decide on a dish that is associated with my family’s tradition of Iftar. A recipe which I can re-create and which F would prefer! As the deadline neared, I had to request Lubna, for more time to get the content. I am so thankful she was so calm and cool which helped me destress! I don’t know why I get so worked up when I have to do a guest post even though she has clearly mentioned this is not about just Food but more about what we do as a family during this holy month! But I take this opportunity to get back on the memory lane and try to relive them.

My initial plan was to make Kai Pola (Plantain cake) but I was not able to source good quality Plantains here as it is a rare commodity. Between Kai Pola and a variety of deep fried snacks, I landed on a Plan B which are these rice pancake/flatbread called Orotti but F hates it. I still went with Plan B because taking out time to make your favourite dish that will comfort you is the best gift you can give yourself!

Malabar cuisine celebrates every meal of the day with rice in different forms. Orotti is the staple dish that we have for breakfast or dinner. For me, Orotti and Puttu are in the same level of Fanometer! As Orotti is made with rice, it pairs well with most of the curries out there. Mom usually serves with Beef curry, chicken curry, fish curry or egg with moringa leaves curry, which is my favourite.

Orotti features on our iftar table during most of Ramadan and I dig into the dinner right after breaking the fast instead of the rest of the snacks and fruit spread. I remember my sister teasing me because mom use to keep one dinner plate on the table for me to have Orotti with the egg curry.  Some days, I have it even before the prayer! 😝 It is because this food comforts me. Period.

I never once thought of trying to recreate this dish here in Yanbu because making two different dishes for just two people is too much for me to even consider. But thanks to a headache that woke up with me on a Thursday– which eventually drove me do this and relish as a weekend breakfast too! 😝 I should do more often – pamper me.

Orotti – Malabar Rice Flat Bread

Yields 9 small orotti

INGREDIENTS

• 3/4 cup Parboiled rice, soaked in 2 cups of hot water for 2 to 3 hours
• Approx 1/3 cup water to grind the rice to smooth
• Approx. 1/4 cup rice flour*
• Salt to taste
• Ghee to spread on each orotti

* Rice flour is added to reduce the moisture content of the dough to a workable consistency as grinding the rice to a smooth in mixie will make it more watery than required. The final texture of the dough should hold the shape loosely but not too loose like batter nor too tight like chapati dough. So add rice flour accordingly little at a time and adjust the salt too.

OTHER THINGS:

To spread the soft dough use two plastic sheets or Baking paper or freezer bag… Or use your hands!

PREPARATION:

• Drain the soaked rice and add to the mixie jar. Run it until the rice breaks down to little coarse texture
• Add water a tablespoon a time in intervals and continue to grind until it is soft and smooth.
• Transfer the ground rice to a bowl and start adding a tablespoon of rice flour. Use a rubber spatula to fold in the flour to mix until it becomes a smooth soft dough
• Heat a well-greased cast iron pan or a greased non-stick pan on a medium flame
• Cut two square pieces of Baking paper or a freezer bag. Place one sheet on a flat surface or clean counter.
• Grease your hands and the baking paper with little oil
• Pinch a scoop of the dough and roll between your palm to make a smooth ball
• Place the ball on the greased baking paper and cover it with the other piece of baking paper. Press it with your palm while turning is around to flatten it evenly on all sides into a circle. OR place the ball directly on the pan and flatten it with your hands to a ¼ inch thickness or more.
• Remove the top paper, release the shaped orotti and transfer it onto the greased pan. Add more orotti if your pan size is big.
• Flip them after a minute and repeat until the two sides get cooked. Use a clean kitchen towel or tissue to press all over the orotti throughout the cooking time. You will notice it will puff up slightly, that time turn and press all the sides and edges. Pick the Orotti by the edge and roll the sides of the orotti over the pan so that the sides are also cooked.
• Transfer to a basket and spread some ghee while it is still hot
• Serve hot with any Malabari or Kerala style non-veg curries, fish curries or poached egg spinach curry or anything that fancies your taste bud.

Orotti is best to have while hot and on the same day. If there are leftovers, it tends to become dry so the next day mom makes something called “orotti padhapichadh” meaning – orottis are torn and dropped into leftover curries and cooked until it absorbs all the curry that becomes a fork and eat dish! 😊 Another favourite!

I hope you all are having wonderful days remembering the spirit of Ramadan while you spread the table for iftar. May peace and blessings of Allah be with you and your loved ones!

You can find Famidha @ Facebook| Twitter|Instagram

Find more Ramadan Special recipes of this season @ Joy From Fasting To Feasting – X.