Sel Roti Recipe: Here's How To Make Nepal's Iconically Indian Dish At Home

Nepali Sel Roti is a traditional Nepalese roti that is made during festivals and special occasions. It's a deep-fried doughnut-like snack that's crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. While making sel roti might seem intricate, it's actually quite achievable at home with a little patience and practice.

Sel Roti combines simplicity and deliciousness in its preparation. Its unique texture and flavor make it a favorite among Nepalese people, both young and old. It can also be enjoyed as a breakfast food or as a snack with tea or coffee.

This Sel Roti is a healthier alternative to other fried food items because it's made with rice flour, which is gluten-free and easier to digest than wheat flour. It's also lower in fat and calories than many other fried desserts because the rotis are not overly sweet.

Making Sel Roti can be a fun and rewarding activity to do with family or friends. The subtle sweetness, enhanced by the fenugreek seeds, creates a balanced and satisfying flavour profile. Making and sharing this sweet bread is a wonderful way to connect with Nepali culture and celebrate its rich culinary heritage. So here's a step-by-step guide on how to make Nepali Sel Roti at home:

How To Make Nepali Sel Roti:

1. Rinse the rice thoroughly and soak it in water for at least 6 hours, or overnight. The longer soaking time ensures softer and fluffier sel roti.

2. Drain the soaked rice and grind it using a grinder or blender. If necessary, add a small amount of water to it.

3. In a large bowl, combine the ground rice paste, all-purpose flour, ghee, sugar, ground fenugreek seeds, and baking soda. Mix well until you have a soft and slightly sticky dough. Add water gradually if the dough feels too dry or crumbly.

4. Pinch off small portions of the dough and roll them into balls. Make a hole in the center of each ball using your thumb, gently stretching it to form a ring about 2-3 inches in diameter.

5. Heat the oil over medium heat in a deep pan or wok to deep fry the sel roti.

6. Gently drop the shaped sel roti into the hot oil. Fry for a few minutes on each side, until golden brown and crispy.

7. Drain the fried sel roti on a tissue to remove excess oil.

8. Serve it hot with a cup of hot tea.