Gluten-free roti prepared using soybean flour is a low-calorie, low-carb, healthy, easy-to-make bread alternative to traditional Indian roti.
While you are here, check out our gluten-free ragi roti, healthy oats chapati, or roti.
About the recipe
Soy bread or soybean flatbread, or Indian roti with soya flour is a protein-packed simple chapati recipe made using soy flour, water, oil and salt.
Soybean flour is similar to chickpea flour and has a nutty aroma. To make this soya chapati or roti more nutritious, add grated paneer, green chilies, grated veggies or sprouts, or even make it like an avocado chapati.
Benefits of soya chapati
- Soybean is a good source of protein, iron, and dietary fiber.
- It is low in cholesterol and sodium.
- Soya chunks, granules, or flour are highly recommended for diabetic diets, pregnant women, and weight loss diets.
- For vegetarians, it is one of the best sources of essential omega-3 fatty acids, and also, because of its high protein content, it is considered a healthy meat substitute.
Ingredients
Soybean flour: I have used store-bought soya flour available in the flour aisle of the grocery store.
Water: The amount of water you require may vary based on weather conditions and the texture of the flour.
Salt: Adjust to taste
Oil: Use oil or ghee to add flavor and make your roti or bread softer and pliable.
See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.
Step-by-step instructions
Make the gluten-free roti dough
- Add soybean flour, salt, oil, and mix in a bowl. Now add warm water little by little and form a soft and smooth dough. (The exact amount may vary depending on the texture of the soybean flour and the humidity in your kitchen). This dough may be tacky compared to your traditional roti dough or naan dough.
- Cover it and keep it aside for 15 - 20 minutes.
Roll and cook roti
- Heat the tawa/nonstick pan/skillet on medium-high flame.
- Dust the working surface with flour. Divide the dough into 6 or 8 equal portions.
- Roll each portion to an approx 6-inch diameter like a tortilla or roti.
- Once the pan is hot, place the rolled bread and cook until the underside has brown spots for about 30 seconds.
- Then flip and cook on the other side for another 30 seconds.
- Repeat the process for the remaining dough.
- Serve hot with roasted eggplant dip, Indian dal tadka, or any curry of your choice, and enjoy.
Tips
- I have made this soya flour roti without wheat flour. If you find it difficult to roll, add 1 or 2 tablespoon of wheat or chickpea flour, or make mini or coin bread using the dough.
- Always use warm water to make the roti to make soft gluten-free roti.
- Soybean flour and soybean powder are different. I have used flour in the recipe.
- This roti dough is a little tacky compared to the traditional roti because of the lack of gluten.
- Don't cook this roti on flame for long as it will turn hard. This flatbread tastes the best when cooked and served immediately.
- I cooked it dry (without applying oil) on a nonstick pan and served it with village-style roasted eggplant dip to make it healthy. You can add oil or butter to cook this bread if desired.
Serving suggestions
- You can serve soybean roti with desi ghee or butter.
- Serve gluten-free roti with chutney for breakfast: any coconut-based chutney, tomato chutney, coriander mint chutney, roasted eggplant dip.
- For a nutritious, wholesome lunch or dinner, serve this soy bread with dal tadka, mixed vegetable kadai, or palak paneer.
Recipe FAQs
Soya bean is one of the best plant-based proteins. It is also gluten-free, lactose-free, and rich in fiber. So chapati (roti or bread) prepared using this flour has protein, omega three fatty acids, antioxidants, and low saturated fat, which makes it suitable for anyone with any dietary restrictions.
Soy flour is high in fiber, good fat, and protein. It also helps lower cholesterol, control sugar level, and maintains hormonal balance in women. So it is definitely a good choice.
You will have to grind the small soybeans into fine powder. Soybean flour is available in any grocery store in the flour aisle.
One roti or soy bread contains 106 calories with 7g of protein.
More Indian Roti
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Recipe card
Gluten-Free Roti | Soy Bread
Equipment
- Tawa/Pan/Skillet
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups Soybean flour
- ½ to ¾ cup Warm water (more or less as needed)
- 1 tablespoon Coconut oil or ghee, optional
- Salt to taste
Instructions
Make the gluten-free roti dough
- Add soybean flour, salt, oil, and mix in a bowl. Now add warm water little by little and form a soft and smooth dough. (The exact amount may vary depending on the texture of the soybean flour and the humidity in your kitchen). This dough may be tacky compared to your traditional roti dough or naan dough.1 ½ cups Soybean flour, ½ to ¾ cup Warm water, 1 tablespoon Coconut oil, Salt to taste
- Cover it and keep it aside for 15 - 20 minutes.
Roll and cook roti
- Heat the tawa/nonstick pan/skillet on medium-high flame.
- Dust the working surface with flour. Divide the dough into 6 or 8 equal portions.
- Roll each portion to an approx 6-inch diameter like a tortilla or roti.
- Once the pan is hot, place the rolled bread and cook until the underside has brown spots for about 30 seconds.
- Then flip and cook on the other side for another 30 seconds.
- Repeat the process for the remaining dough.
- Serve hot with roasted eggplant dip, Indian dal tadka, or any curry of your choice, and enjoy.
Notes
- I have made this soya flour roti without wheat flour. If you find it difficult to roll, add 1 or 2 tablespoon of wheat or chickpea flour, or make mini or coin bread using the dough.
- Always use warm water to make the roti to make soft gluten-free roti.
- Soybean flour and soybean powder are different. I have used flour in the recipe.
- This roti dough is a little tacky compared to the traditional roti because of the lack of gluten.
- Don't cook this roti on flame for long as it will turn hard. This flatbread tastes the best when cooked and served immediately.
- I cooked it dry (without applying oil) on a nonstick pan and served it with village-style roasted eggplant dip to make it healthy. You can add oil or butter to cook this bread if desired.
Nutrition
Note: We originally posted this recipe in Jan 2016. It has now been modified in July 2023 with Expert Chef Tips, FAQs, Calories, Storage Instructions, etc.
Revathi
I usually have trouble rolling chapatis into the perfect circle. But your soybean bread looks perfect and very inviting. Look like an amazing recipe to eat healthy 🙂
Kushi
Thank you Revathi 🙂
Amanda@craftycookingmama
Looks great, Kushi! I've never tried a flatbread with soy flour - I'm excited to make this!
Kushi
Thank you Amanda 🙂
Martine
This looks great! I never knew it was possible to make flatbread with just soy flour. This would be great for a low carb diet.
Kushi
Thank you Martine 🙂