Benefits of eating Makki Ki Roti in winters

The combo of Sarson Ka Saag and Makki Ki Roti is an ideal comfort food to have during winters. This classic Punjabi delicacy is eaten all across India and provides the much-needed warmth during the chilly winter months. A dollop of butter on the saag and a smear of ghee on makki roti enhances the flavours even further. Do you know that Makki Ki Roti not only tastes good but also carries a number of health benefits? Read on to know why you must eat Makki Ki Roti in winters and how to make it at home. (image credits- istock)

Makki ka atta, also called maize flour is made from corn, which is a winter staple in Northern India. It is loaded with all the essential vitamins that your body requires on a regular basis. Makki flour contains vitamin A, C, K and also B-complex vitamins. Maize flour is also rich in iron, phosphorous, zinc and antioxidants.

Makki flour is a fibrous flour that helps in regulating blood sugar. A high fibre diet ensures that sugar is released slowly into the bloodstream, which further prevents an insulin spike. The high fibre content of maize flour can also aid digestion and keep your gut healthy.

Maize is a gluten-free flour and is ideal for all those suffering from lactose intolerance. Usually, people who are lactose intolerant have to eliminate wheat chapati and other gluten-rich food from their diet. If you are looking for wheat chapati substitutes, then you must include makki roti in your winter diet especially.

Maize flour is also a rich source of folic acid which is a must-have nutrient for pregnant women and new mothers. Also, the presence of other nutrients in makki flour will ensure that the mother and baby, both stay away from nutrient deficiencies.

Makki is warm by nature and thus, Makki Ki Roti will keep you warm during winters. Pair it up with Saag, add a dollop of butter or ghee on top and enjoy the winter season in a lip-smacking manner.

Since maize flour is a rich source of vitamins, as well as beta-carotene and selenium, it helps in improving thyroid function. Usually, thyroid patients are asked to reduce gluten from their diet, so this flour is the perfect substitute for you in winter.

Ingredients required- 2 cup maize flour (makki ka atta), ½ radish and salt as per taste.

Method

• Peel and grate the radish in a bowl. Sprinkle some salt on it and set it aside for 5 minutes.
• After 5 minutes, squeeze the excess water from the grated radish and collect it in a bowl.
• Add maize flour and salt as per taste to the bowl.
• Now add water in batches and knead with your hands to form a thick dough.
• Pinch out a small ball from the dough, dust it with some flour and roll into a small chapati. Don’t make large chapatis as they might break or crack up.
• Sprinkle some water on the roti and place it on the hot tawa.
• Cook from both sides until golden brown patches appear.
• Serve the Makki Ki Roti with Sarson Ka Saag and some butter or ghee.
• Tip- Adding grated radish to the dough helps in binding and prevents the Makki Ki Roti from falling apart while rolling it.

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