Steamed Bajra Roti with Spiced Jaggery Chutney

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A traditional Gujarati millet flatbread steamed to perfection, paired with a sweet and spicy jaggery chutney that balances earthiness and heat. This indian-inspired vegetarian ready in about 30 minutes pairs bajra (pearl millet) flour, warm water, salt for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.4 (8 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Indian cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup bajra flour with 1/4 tsp salt and slowly add 1/2 cup warm water, kneading until a firm dough forms. Cover and let rest for 10 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Divide the dough into 4 equal balls and roll each into a 5-inch diameter circle on a lightly floured surface.
  3. Step 3: Prepare a steamer by bringing water to a boil. Place each rolled roti on parchment paper and steam for 8 minutes until cooked through and soft.
  4. Step 4: For the chutney, heat 1 tbsp oil in a small pan over medium heat. Add 1/2 tsp mustard seeds and 1/2 tsp cumin seeds; once they sputter, add 1 tsp grated ginger and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 1/3 cup grated jaggery, 1/2 tsp red chili powder, and 1/4 cup water. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until the jaggery dissolves and the chutney thickens slightly.
  6. Step 6: Serve the warm steamed bajra roti alongside the spiced jaggery chutney for dipping.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Steamed Bajra Roti with Spiced Jaggery Chutney take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Steamed Bajra Roti with Spiced Jaggery Chutney?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep bajra (pearl millet) flour from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Steamed Bajra Roti with Spiced Jaggery Chutney?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Steamed Bajra Roti with Spiced Jaggery Chutney for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Steamed Bajra Roti with Spiced Jaggery Chutney?

Indian vegetarian like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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