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Copyright © 2025 Foodies Only
Copyright © 2025 Foodies Only
5 min
06/11/2025
Indians use ‘jugaad’ or quick fix, in a lot of instances, and kitchens are no exception to that. You must have seen leftover rotis turned into a new recipe that actually tastes delicious. From savoury snacks to sweet ones, there are multiple ways to turn extra chapatis into new recipes.
Doing this not only reduces food waste but also saves a lot of time, especially if you have busy mornings. Here are five delicious ways to reuse extra chapatis, proving that nothing in the kitchen should go to waste.
Chapati or roti is the staple of everyday meals in a lot of Indian homes. But this roti or chapati is certainly more than that, and a base for many repurposed dishes. Rotis are nutritious, filling, and versatile, pairing well with almost everything. Although they are enjoyed best when warm with sabzi, the cold ones too, have their unique role in Indian recipes. In earlier times, there was a tradition not to throw away anything that was edible and thus, families found new ways to reuse the leftover food. This tradition of repurposing leftover rotis resulted in a creative cooking habit of making snacks and even sweet dishes.
Today, this practice fits perfectly with present concerns about being sustainable. Leftover roti recipes are quick to make, cost-effective, and require minimal cooking, making them ideal for working families or students. From rolling them into wraps to cutting them into chips, there is no limit to imagining dishes made from leftover rotis. They are also healthier than many packaged snacks, instant breakfast options, and retain the goodness of the original roti. Whether you are aiming for a quick breakfast, a filling lunch, or an evening bite, leftover rotis are a ready-made starting point for a satisfying meal.
Transforming rotis into rolls gives them a whole new personality. The soft rotis make an excellent base for holding different fillings. These could range from light salads and spiced vegetables to richer and saucier options. Once wrapped, the rolls are easy to carry, making them a great go-to choice for lunchboxes, picnics, or a quick meal on the move. This approach also adds variety to everyday lunches, so that even familiar ingredients feel exciting. The beauty of roti rolls is in their versatility; each one can be tailored to taste, making them popular with everyone from schoolchildren to busy professionals.
Roti upma is a warm, homely dish that turns into a filling breakfast. The roti pieces soak up savoury flavours and take on a softer texture, making them easy on the stomach and to eat first thing in the morning. This is a versatile choice as it also pairs well with vegetables and spices. This also tastes great with just a few simple additions like peanuts, curd and garnished with lemon juice and sev. In many households, roti upma is linked to busy mornings when a hearty meal is needed, but there is little time to cook from scratch.
A leftover roti can easily take on a crunchy, snackable form with these chips. Once crisped up, it becomes light yet satisfying, and ideal for pairing with dips or sprinkling over soups and salads. The seasonings on chips can add an extra layer of flavour, from tangy and spicy to herby and fragrant to the earthy roti flavour. These chips are a perfect example of how a simple change in texture can make yesterday’s roti feel like an entirely new treat. The chips are especially handy when you need to make something homemade and quick for snacks.
Replacing lasagne sheets with leftover rotis gives this comfort food a unique Indian twist. This lasagne is layered with rich, saucy fillings. The roti absorbs flavours while adding a wholesome, earthy base to it. The result is a dish that feels indulgent but familiar, merging two culinary worlds in one. This fusion approach is perfect for experimenting; you can use classic Italian-inspired sauces or spiced Indian curries, the roti works beautifully to hold the layers together. This is also a clever way to make a family favourite while using what is already in the kitchen, cutting down both cooking time and food waste.
Not all leftover roti dishes have to be savoury; many Indian households also have a sweet take on this. A roti can be lightly warmed, spread with ghee, and dusted with sugar for a quick, nostalgic dessert. You can also turn them into bite-sized or laddoo-shaped sweets by combining crumbled roti with ghee, jaggery, nuts, and some spices. This sweet dish is comforting, often linked to childhood memories of mothers or grandmothers whipping up something special from whatever was at hand.