Leftover rotis tag a universal question with them, “Now what?” in almost every Indian kitchen. Breakfast is done, lunch is hours away, and you gaze at those two leftover rotis from last night. Most people either reheat them to use in lunch or, even worse, quietly push them into the dustbin because no one wants to eat them again. And honestly, why fuss about it? Dry rotis have no spark of joy. But creative leftover roti options? Those are fun. When you think of rotis as chips, wraps, poha or rolls, they stop being just leftovers and become a creative, comforting, 5-minute breakfast option.
These recipes are not about hiding yesterday’s rotis, but they are about turning them into innovative dishes that your family will not even realise they are eating the same roti in a new form. With just a little creativity, last night’s extra rotis can change the best part of your morning, i.e. breakfast.
Roti Poha With Crunchy Peanut Tadka
Ever thought of making poha out of regular rotis for breakfast? This simple breakfast is prepared by tearing rotis into small pieces and then cooking them with onions, curry leaves, mustard seeds, green chillies and some basic mild spices. The tempering covers every bit of the roti pieces, giving a masala-coated charm without turning it mushy. A final addition of a handful of crushed peanuts from the top adds a crunchy delight that makes the dish feel breakfast-worthy, but not reused. It tastes more like a poha without a hint of roti in it - warm, tangy and extremely comforting. Perfect for busy mornings when you want breakfast without sacrificing on flavour.
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Roti Cheela Wrap With Veggie Filling
It is kind of similar to how you make egg rolls using paratha. Make a thick paste by mixing besan, curd, chilli, turmeric and some seasonings. On a hot, sizzling tawa, spread this batter to make a cheela, la then place a roti on it. Place some sautéed veggies, paneer bhurji or leftover sabzi in the middle and cook well until it turns crispy from both sides. The roti absorbs the batter beautifully, giving a nutty taste while remaining flexible enough to make a roll out of it. Roti cheela wrap is a hearty, protein-filled breakfast and best for busy mornings.
Also read: 5 Roti Boxes To Keep Rotis Fresh And Tradition Alive
Cinnamon Roti Chips With Honey Yoghurt Dip
Turn the leftover rotis into a sweet breakfast treat by cutting them into triangles, brushing with ghee, sprinkling some cinnamon powder, brown sugar, and air-frying or toasting until they turn crisp. When toasted, it comes out like a thin, desi-style cinnamon toast chip that is light, crunchy and very addictive. Pair the cinnamon roti chips with some chilled vanilla or honey yoghurt for a perfect heartwarming breakfast. The warm spices and crispy texture give the feeling of a café-style breakfast, yet it is extremely simple to make. Kids will absolutely love it, and adults will be happy with how it is reused.
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Roti Egg Roll With Cheesy Scramble
Leftover rotis can be turned into fantastic breakfast rolls. Simply heat the leftover roti on a tawa, pour some whisked eggs directly from the top and let them wrap to make an egg-coated base. Add some cheesy, peppery scramble, fold, and cook until the edges turn crisp. The roti becomes a little toasty, the egg turns up fluffy, and the cheese melts into the tiny gooey bites. Roti egg roll makes a satisfying breakfast but is lighter and breakfast-friendly. Ideal for those mornings when you want something grab-and-go but that should also be filling and appetising.
Masala Roti Quesadilla With Melty Cheese & Veggies
Leftover rotis can unexpectedly turn into amazing quesadillas that are light and crisp, making an ideal morning breakfast. Spread some green chutney or a thin layer of schezwan on one roti, scatter the finely chopped onions, capsicum, sweet corn and lots of grated cheese from the top, then cover it with another roti. Pan-toast it on a low flame so the rotis can turn golden and the cheese melts to make a gooey centre. Every bite has crispy edges, soft cheesy layers and a burst of various masalas that does not feel like using leftovers at all.
(Image credit: Freepik)