Discover the secrets to making authentic Roti Canai, a beloved Malaysian flatbread known for its flaky layers and crispy texture. Perfectly paired with dhal (lentil curry) or your favorite curry, this easy-to-follow recipe will bring the flavors of Southeast Asia to your kitchen. Whether you're a fan of traditional street food or just looking to explore new culinary horizons, this Roti Canai recipe is a must-try.

Ingredients:

- 2 cups all-purpose flour

- 1/2 teaspoon salt

- 1 tablespoon sugar

- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter or ghee (clarified butter)

- 1/2 cup water

- 1/4 cup condensed milk

- Extra butter or ghee for frying

Instructions:

Mix the Dough:

  - In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, and sugar.

  - Add the butter or ghee and rub it into the flour mixture until it resembles breadcrumbs.

  - Mix water and condensed milk in a separate bowl. Gradually add this to the flour mixture, kneading until a smooth dough forms.

Rest the Dough:

  - Divide the dough into 8 equal balls. Coat each ball with butter or ghee, cover them, and let them rest for at least 2 hours or overnight for best results.

Shape the Dough:

  - On a lightly greased surface, flatten each dough ball using your hands. Stretch and thin it out into a large, paper-thin circle (or as thin as possible without tearing).

  - Fold the stretched dough into thirds like a letter, then coil it into a spiral. Flatten the coil slightly with your palm.

Cook the Roti Canai:

  - Heat a non-stick pan or griddle over medium heat. Add a small amount of butter or ghee.

  - Place the flattened dough on the hot pan and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.

Serve:

  - Serve the Roti Canai hot with dhal (lentil curry) or any other curry of your choice. Enjoy the crispy, flaky layers!

Notes:

- For extra flakiness, you can layer additional butter or ghee during the stretching and folding process.

- The resting time is crucial for the dough's elasticity, so don't skip it!

Nutritional Values

All-Purpose Flour (2 cups)

  - Calories: 910

  - Protein: 25g

  - Fat: 2g

  - Carbohydrates: 190g

  - Fiber: 2g

Benefits:

  - Provides essential carbohydrates for energy.

  - Contains some protein which supports muscle repair and growth.

  - Often enriched with vitamins and minerals like iron and B vitamins.

Salt (1/2 teaspoon)

  - Sodium: 1150mg

Benefits:

  - Essential for maintaining fluid balance and proper nerve and muscle function.

  - Used in moderation, salt can enhance flavor and preserve food.

Sugar (1 tablespoon)

  - Calories: 49

  - Carbohydrates: 13g

Benefits:

  - Provides quick energy.

  - Adds sweetness to balance flavors in recipes.

Unsalted Butter (2 tablespoons)

  - Calories: 204

  - Protein: 0.3g

  - Fat: 23g

  - Carbohydrates: 0.1g

Benefits:

  - Rich in fat, which helps in creating a flaky texture in baked goods.

  - Contains vitamins A, D, E, and K, which are essential for various body functions.

Water (1/2 cup)

  - Calories: 0

  - Protein: 0g

  - Fat: 0g

  - Carbohydrates: 0g

Benefits:

  - Essential for hydration and proper digestion.

  - Helps in the formation of dough and the proper consistency of the recipe.

Condensed Milk (1/4 cup)

  - Calories: 120

  - Protein: 3g

  - Fat: 3g

  - Carbohydrates: 22g

  - Sugar: 22g

Benefits:

  - Adds sweetness and richness to the dough.

  - Provides a small amount of protein and calcium.

Extra Butter or Ghee for Frying

  - Calories: 102 per tablespoon of ghee

  - Fat: 12g

  - Protein: 0g

  - Carbohydrates: 0g

Benefits:

  - Adds flavor and contributes to the crispy texture of the Roti Canai.

  - Ghee contains beneficial fats and is a source of butyrate, which supports digestive health.

Health Tips:

- Moderation: Enjoy Roti Canai as part of a balanced diet, considering its calorie and fat content.

- Substitutes: For a lighter version, consider using less butter or substituting with a lower-fat alternative.