Indian CuisineIndian FoodDurban Indian

Sugar Roti

Make authentic Sugar Roti with this foolproof recipe. Packed with rich traditional flavor, step-by-step photos, and cooking tips by Denisiya on EatMee Recipes.

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By DenisiyaPublished on July 12, 2022
Sugar Roti
⏱️
Prep Time25 mins
🍳
Cook Time8 mins
⌛
Total Time33 mins
🍽️
ServingsMakes 1 Loaf / 6-8 Portions
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This Indian Recipe Makes ± 10 Pieces

This Sugar Roti recipe is definitely a nostalgic one. It was often made by our parents/grandparents using the last lot of normal roti dough & stuffed with sugar for the kids.

It is sweet, delicious & has a caramelized coating. Be sure to only stuff them with sugar before toasting because if left aside for too long, the sugar will begin to melt & result in a sticky dough which will make it difficult to work with.

Roti (otherwise called handmade bread or chapati) is a level bread which originated in India. This bread is widely recognized throughout many parts of the world. It is also common in South Africa.

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Ingredients

Scale:
Base Yield: Makes 1 Loaf / 6-8 Portions
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Step-by-Step Instructions

27 Steps
  1. Step 1

    To a large bowl, add the flour, salt & butter/margarine.

    Step 1 visual guide
  2. Step 2

    Next, pour in the vegetable oil.

    Step 2 visual guide
  3. Step 3

    Rub the butter/margarine & vegetable oil into the flour using your fingers. It should resemble a breadcrumb texture.

    Step 3 visual guide
  4. Step 4

    Gradually pour in the boiling water.

    Step 4 visual guide
  5. Step 5

    Stir in the boiling water using a spoon until it forms a clumpy dough. Do not add more water as it will get too sticky & thereafter you will need to add in more flour.

    Step 5 visual guide
  6. Step 6

    Use your hands & bring the dough together.

    Step 6 visual guide
  7. Step 7

    Knead the dough in the same bowl for about 6-8 minutes until it forms a soft pliable dough. Take note, the dough will be hot, so be careful when handling with your hands. Knead & take a break for your hands to cool down – I prefer doing this process in the bowl so that there is less clean up & the dough is still warm in the bowl.

    Step 7 visual guide
  8. Step 8

    Next, divide the dough into 10 equal parts. Cover the bowl with a dish towel so that the dough remains warm & doesn’t dry out.

    Step 8 visual guide
  9. Step 9

    Sprinkle a little flour on your working surface. Working with ball of dough at a time, tuck, roll into a ball & flatten on the floured surface.

    Step 9 visual guide
  10. Step 10

    Using a rolling pin, roll each ball out into a circular shape. At this point there is no need to stress about getting them perfectly round as they will be reshaped after the sugar is added.

    Step 10 visual guide
  11. Step 11

    Continue this process until all the dough is rolled out.

    Step 11 visual guide
  12. Step 12

    It is best to roll all the dough out now & then fill them & toast.

    Step 12 visual guide
  13. Step 13

    To the dough, use about a tablespoon of white or brown granulated sugar & sprinkle it over.

    Step 13 visual guide
  14. Step 14

    Grab the edges & crimp them together to keep the sugar secure in the dough.

    Step 14 visual guide
  15. Step 15

    Carefully flatten the edges so it forms a circular shape.

    Step 15 visual guide
  16. Step 16

    Flour the dough a bit so it doesn’t stick to the counter/working surface & roll out into a disc.

    Step 16 visual guide
  17. Step 17

    The shapes don’t have to be perfect because it is fairly difficult to get them into perfect circles due to the sugar.

    Step 17 visual guide
  18. Step 18

    Do not fill them all with sugar as the sugar will melt leaving the discs sticky. They need to be toasted immediately after filling.

    Step 18 visual guide
  19. Step 19

    Line a container with wax or parchment paper.

    Step 19 visual guide
  20. Step 20

    Heat a pan, tawa, skillet or electric pan on medium heat. Once it is hot, place the rolled out dough onto it.

    Step 20 visual guide
  21. Step 21

    Allow it to toast for a few seconds & flip over using a spatula.

    Step 21 visual guide
  22. Step 22

    Toast until all the dough is cooked & the sugar has completely melted.

    Step 22 visual guide
  23. Step 23

    Do not add any butter or ghee over it whilst toasting – this makes the roti hard.

  24. Step 24

    When roti’s are toasted on both sides, place in the lined container.

    Step 24 visual guide
  25. Step 25

    Be sure to cover the container with a dish towel after toasting each roti. This will keep the rotis soft with the moisture. Keep it covered with a dish towel until ready to serve.

    Step 25 visual guide
  26. Step 26

    This Sugar Roti is best served as is or with chutney dishes.

    Step 26 visual guide
  27. Step 27

    They can be stored for 2-3 days in an air tight container but I highly recommend eating them on the same day whilst still hot & fresh.

    Step 27 visual guide
Video Tutorial

Watch How It's Made

Follow along with Denisiya's step-by-step video guide for Sugar Roti.

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Frequently Asked Questions & Cooking Tips

Expert kitchen guidance and troubleshooting for making the best Sugar Roti

What is the secret to making soft rotis that stay soft for hours?

The golden secret is kneading the flour with boiling hot water, which pre-gelatinizes the starches. Roll thin, cook on a hot tawa with a light brush of butter or ghee, and stack inside a covered container wrapped in a clean kitchen cloth.

Can I freeze the roti dough or cooked rotis?

Yes! Cooked rotis freeze exceptionally well. Place sheets of wax paper between each cooked roti, wrap in foil or a zip-top bag, and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat directly on a hot pan for 30 seconds.

Why did my rotis turn out stiff or hard?

Stiff rotis are caused by rolling the dough with too much dry flour, rolling too thick, or cooking on too low heat for too long, which dries out the moisture. Cook on medium-high heat quickly.

Denisiya - Founder & Chef at EatMee Recipes
About the Creator

Meet Denisiya

Hi, I'm Denisiya! Food lover, recipe developer, and founder of EatMee Recipes. I specialize in authentic South African Durban Indian cuisine, comforting curries, and modern Instant Pot adaptations. Every recipe on this site is tested in my personal kitchen to ensure you get mouth-watering, foolproof results every time.

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