Learn how to make soft khapli wheat roti, a healthier alternative to regular whole wheat roti.

Khapli Wheat also known as Emmer Wheat is an ancient grain known for its rich nutritional profile. It has less gluten than normal wheat and is rich in fiber making it easier to digest.
Khapli wheat has a rich earthy flavour and a long shelf life. Considered to be healthier than normal wheat this wheat is believed to have numerous health benefits.
Khapli wheat has deep roots in India, especially in the regions of Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. Traditionally, farmers grew this hardy crop for its ability to thrive under dry conditions and in poor soil. It was a staple grain used to make rotis, bread, and porridge long before modern wheat varieties became mainstream. (Source Internet).
I am able to source this wheat recently here from Reddot Food and trying to incorporate it into our diet. I have also made Khapli Wheat Dosa. It goes well with simple chutney and also can be enjoyed with some sambar. I will share the recipe soon.
Texture and Taste of Khapli wheat roti
Rotis made with khapli wheat has a slightly coarser texture compared to those made with refined wheat or even modern whole wheat. The flavor of khapli wheat is nutty and earthy, making it distinct from the milder taste of regular whole wheat.
Ingredients needed to make Khapli Wheat Roti
- Khapli wheat flour (Emmer wheat)
- Water: for kneading
- Salt: A pinch (optional, based on your taste preferences)
- Oil or ghee: For cooking or brushing on the roti (optional)
Tips on making soft rotis
- Knead thoroughly: Once the dough is mixed all together knead it for a couple of minutes. A well-kneaded dough leads to softer, more pliable rotis. If the dough isn’t smooth, the roti may turn dense.
- Resting the dough: Once kneaded let the dough rest for a minimum of 30 minutes. The more the better. This helps the dough to develop elasticity. Do not skip this step. You can make it immediately, but resting helps make soft rotis.
- Control the heat: Once the pan is hot enough, lower the heat to medium. When you start cooking the roti, Initially keep the pan on medium heat. Once the roti has developed bubbles all over, increase the heat and cook. Do not start on high heat initially.
- Keep them covered: Store cooked rotis in a covered container. Always wrap the roti in a clean kitchen towel to keep them soft and warm.
Storage
The dough can be refrigerated for 2-3 days in the fridge in an air-tight container. The dough may slightly turn darker with storage.
The rotis should ideally be enjoyed immediately but they stay soft for 4-5 hours when kept wrapped in a container or a box.

Preparation Steps to make Khapli Wheat Roti
- Mix the dough:
- In a mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of khapli wheat flour with a pinch of salt (if using).
- Gradually add water, a little at a time, and mix with your hand or a spoon.
- Knead the mixture until it forms a soft, pliable dough. This should take about 3-4 minutes.
- If you have added too much water or if the dough feels sticky, add a bit more flour as needed.
- Rest the dough:
- Cover the dough and let it rest for 20-30 minutes. Resting improves elasticity and makes rolling easier.
- Roll out the rotis:
- Divide the dough into small, equal-sized balls (roughly the size of a golf ball).
- Dip the dough ball into dry flour.
- Make circular thin roti (round discs) around 6-8 inches wide.
- Do not worry about the shape, if you are new to rolling roti.
- Cook the rotis:
- Method 1
- Heat a flat pan or tawa on medium heat.
- Place the rolled-out roti on the pan. Cook for 30-40 seconds until you see bubbles forming on the surface.
- Flip the roti and cook the other side for another 50-60 seconds.
- Now you will see more bubbles coming up.
- Press gently with a spatula or a clean kitchen towel. This will help puff up the roti.
- Once puffed up, keep on pressing it and rotating the roti to cook evenly.
- Flip again and cook again on the other side similarly.
- Method 2
- Heat a flat pan or tawa on medium heat.
- Place the rolled-out roti on the pan. Cook for 30-40 seconds until you see bubbles forming on the surface.
- Flip the roti and cook the other side for another 50-60 seconds.
- Now you will see more bubbles coming up.
- Press gently with a spatula. This will help puff up the roti.
- Spread around 1 teaspoon of ghee or oil all over and cook it evenly.
- Flip, and add 1 teaspoon of ghee or oil.
- Now cook it on the other side until done.
- Finish and serve:
- Optionally brush the cooked roti with a bit of ghee or butter for extra flavor.
- Serve hot with your favorite curry, dal, or vegetable dish.
- If not eating right away, store it wrapped in a muslin cloth in a container/Roti Box (Bread box).

Khapli Wheat Roti
Ingredients
- 2 Cups Khapli wheat flour Emmer wheat
- 1/2 Cup – 3/4 Cup Water for kneading
- a Pinch Salt optional, based on your taste preferences
- Oil or ghee For cooking or brushing on the roti (Optional)
- 1/4 Cup Khapli wheat flour For Dusting rotis
Instructions
Mix the dough:
- In a mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of khapli wheat flour with a pinch of salt (if using).2 Cups Khapli wheat flour, a Pinch Salt
- Gradually add water, a little at a time, and mix with your hand or a spoon.1/2 Cup – 3/4 Cup Water
- Knead the mixture until it forms a soft, pliable dough. This should take about 3-4 minutes.
- If you have added too much water or if the dough feels sticky, add a bit more flour as needed.
Rest the dough:
- Cover the dough and let it rest for 20-30 minutes. Resting improves elasticity and makes rolling easier.
Roll out the rotis:
- Divide the dough into small, equal-sized balls (roughly the size of a golf ball).
- Dip the dough ball into dry flour.1/4 Cup Khapli wheat flour
- Make circular thin roti (round discs) around 6-8 inches wide.
- Do not worry about the shape, if you are new to rolling roti.
Cook the rotis:
Method 1
- Heat a flat pan or tawa on medium heat.
- Place the rolled-out roti on the pan. Cook for 30-40 seconds until you see bubbles forming on the surface.
- Flip the roti and cook the other side for another 50-60 seconds.
- Now you will see more bubbles coming up.
- Press gently with a spatula or a clean kitchen towel. This will help puff up the roti.
- Once puffed up, keep on pressing it and rotating the roti to cook evenly.
- Flip again and cook again on the other side similarly.
Method 2
- Heat a flat pan or tawa on medium heat.
- Place the rolled-out roti on the pan. Cook for 30-40 seconds until you see bubbles forming on the surface.
- Flip the roti and cook the other side for another 50-60 seconds.
- Now you will see more bubbles coming up.
- Press gently with a spatula. This will help puff up the roti.
- Spread around 1 teaspoon of ghee or oil all over and cook it evenly.
- Flip, and add 1 teaspoon of ghee or oil.
- Now cook it on the other side until done.
Finish and serve:
- Optionally brush the cooked roti with a bit of ghee or butter for extra flavor.Oil or ghee
- Serve hot with your favorite curry, dal, or vegetable dish.
- If not eating right away, store it wrapped in a muslin cloth in a container/Roti Box (Bread box).
Notes
- Standard US-Size Cups and spoons used.
- Water required for kneading can be more or less depending on the flour quality.
Sharing this with
Bread Bakers – The theme for this month is Ancient Grains. Check out what my friends made for this theme.
- Bajri Tilachi Bhakri from Sneha’s Recipe
- Banana Millet Bread from The Wimpy Vegetarian
- Banana Oat Pancakes from A Day in the Life on the Farm
- Khapli Wheat Roti from Cook with Renu
- Milled Ancient Multigrain Bread from A Messy Kitchen
- Peanut Butter Ancient Grain Corn Muffins from Palatable Pastime
- Spelt and Poppyseed Sourdough Bread from Karen’s Kitchen Stories
- Spelt Coconut Sourdough Bread from Zesty South Indian Kitchen
- Sprouted Spelt Banana Walnut Muffins from Food Lust People Love
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Sneha Datar
Thursday 23rd of January 2025
Love this ancient grain roti, I too make it!
Sue
Wednesday 15th of January 2025
This looks lovely. This week I have to eat small bite foods due to throat damage when I was ill. Nice to tear into little bits and eat with soup. Although I daresay I could manage some of the bhindi with rice. I'd just sadly have to wait for more healing to add spice. But the desire is there!
Renu Agrawal Dongre
Friday 17th of January 2025
Get well soon. You can make it without the spice too. Simply skip it and you are good to go.
Susan
Tuesday 14th of January 2025
I'm not at all familiar with Emmer (Khapli) wheat. I wonder how it compares to Einkorn, and ancient wheat flour I use in baking. I love learning about new grains and am going to look into this one! Thank you!
Karen @karenskitchenstories
Tuesday 14th of January 2025
You are the master of flatbreads! What a great use of the emmer!
Renu Agrawal Dongre
Friday 17th of January 2025
Thank You
Hobby baker Kelly
Tuesday 14th of January 2025
I love the flavor of emmer! I have farro on hand, I think that is the same wheat by a different name, hmmm.
Renu Agrawal Dongre
Friday 17th of January 2025
Hi, Yes I think the name is used Interchangeably. Thank You