Most flatbread recipes that we often come across are made with wheat, which includes variations beyond one’s imagination. There is Aloo, Moole, Methi, and Palak Ka Paratha among various others that we are familiar with. But a roti, aka flatbread, made out of rice flour is quite different and not that a common phenomenon to see. Coming from the state of Karnataka is the Akki Rotti which is made entirely out of rice flour with the addition of some basic spices. While some regions of India make a simple thin flatbread out of rice flour, this Akki Rotti comes with the inclusion of cucumber.
The Humble Rice Flour And Its Inclusion Into Various Regions
The first shred of evidence points toward the cultivation of rice in China around 10,000 years ago. According to archaeological findings, it was a group of hunters who had gathered near China's Yangtze River and began growing rice. From here the Chinese then spread crops of rice to the rest of the world. Whereas other historical accounts point to the rice being cultivated in the Ganges valley regions as early as 4530 BC and 5440 BC.
As for the invention of rice flour, the first recorded evidence point toward its usage being done since for over 2000 years ago in China. The Chinese people came about the invention of rice flour to make rice paper - a translucent paper prepared by soaking thin sheets of rice flour in water.
And in India, scientists found pieces of evidence indicating the domestication of rice in Lahuradewa Lake in Uttar Pradesh. While there are no pieces of evidence suggesting when the introduction of rice flour took place in India but it has been in heavy use in the southern states.
You can add masala to your Akki Roti | Picture credit : Instagram - @sushma.maheshwar
- 2 grated Cucumber
- 1.5 cups Rice flour
- 2 tsp finely chopped Green Chillies
- 1 tbsp finely chopped Curry Leaves
- 2 tbsp finely chopped Coriander Leaves
- ½ tsp Cumin Seeds
- Salt
- Water as needed
- Oil
Method:
- In a bowl add the grated cucumber, rice flour, green chillies, curry leaves, coriander leaves, cumin seeds, and salt as per taste.
- Give all these ingredients a good mix. Add water little by little and knead into dough. Remember to make a slightly loose dough and add water less at a time.
- Take a portion from the dough and form it into a ball. Apply oil to a baking sheet and spread it evenly circularly. Make sure it is spread out as thin as possible.
- Then flip it on the hot pan and remove the paper. Apply some oil on both sides and cook well. Serve with chutney or spicy vegetable curry.
A delicious break from the usual wheat chapatti or Paratha, this rice-based roti will evoke the taste buds to another level. Even for children, this is a different style of feeding them food that they otherwise would have avoided. For variations, try adding boiled potato and onions, which will also make it equally appealing.
