Why Bajra Roti Is Perfect for Winter, and How to Make It Soft and Fluffy

Come

winter, and the best foods are here. Not just for flavour, but also for the health benefits they provide. One among them is Bajra – also known as pearl millet. Bajra is a quintessential part of Indian cuisine - especially in Northern India - and has a nutrient-dense composition, which includes minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants like iron, magnesium, phosphorus, B-complex vitamins, fibre, and antioxidants. And so, most health experts recommend eating bajra roti in winter, as it is not just easy on digestion but also regulates gut health, provides the much-needed warmth in the freezing weather, and is nourishing. A few benefits include:

Suitable for diabetics due to a lower glycaemic index

Bakra has a low glycaemic index (56), which allows glucose to be released more slowly. The complex carbs in this grain help stabilise blood sugar and reduce the risk of diabetes as well. According to experts, if you add psyllium husk to it, the GI further reduces to 47.5, making it a sensible winter grain for anyone trying to maintain consistent energy without sharp sugar spikes.

Packed with iron

Bajra is a great source of iron - making it beneficial for preventing and addressing iron deficiency anemia – especially in women. It is also particularly important for maintaining energy levels during the winter months

Supports heart health

Being packed with antioxidants like phenolic compounds, which help neutralize harmful free radicals in the body and promote cell regeneration, Bajra roti contributes to overall health and well-being. Bajra is also rich in magnesium, beneficial for your heart as it regulates blood pressure and lowers the risk of high cholesterol levels.

Aids digestion

Since bajra is loaded with dietary fibre, it promotes digestive health as it prevents constipation and supports regular bowel movements.

Weight loss

Eating bajra roti can contribute to the feeling of fullness, as it helps control appetite and manage your weight, especially in the winter months.

Regulates bone health

Bajra is a powerhouse of phosphorus, important for maintaining strong and healthy bones. It contributes to overall bone health, especially important during the winter when movement is limited, and most people stick to a sedentary lifestyle.

Bajra is gluten-free

Being naturally gluten-free, bajra is a safe and nutritious alternative for those with celiac disease or other gluten sensitivities - while also providing numerous health benefits.

How to make healthy and soft bajra roti?

To make soft and fluffy bajra roti, experts believe the best ingredient to add to the flour is hot water to knead the dough and ensure thorough kneading and resting. This helps bind the gluten-free flour, making it pliable and less prone to cracking.

Ingredients:

• One cup of bajra flour
• One cup of hot water
• A pinch of salt (optional)
• One teaspoon of ghee or neutral oil

Steps to make the rotis

In a bowl, combine the bajra flour and salt, and then slowly add the hot water while mixing with a spoon. Once it cools down, knead the mixture thoroughly into a soft, smooth, and pliable dough for several minutes. The more you knead, the softer the roti will be. Thereafter, cover the dough and let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes to hydrate the flour and make the dough less prone to cracking. You can then shape the rotis and cook them.