Pathiri Recipe (Soft Kerala Rice Flatbread)

Learn how to make soft and traditional Kerala Pathiri at home using rice flour. This easy, gluten-free rice flatbread pairs well with curry.

Last Updated on 19th January, 2026 by Durga

Pathiri is a soft, thin rice roti from Kerala, commonly served with chicken curry, mutton curry, or vegetable kurma. It is light, gluten-free, and easy to digest.

Ingredients

  • Rice flour – 1 cup
  • Water – 1¼ cups
  • Salt – to taste
  • Oil – 1 tsp

Preparation Method

  1. Boil water
    • In a pan, bring water to a boil.
    • Add salt and oil.
  2. Make the dough
    • Lower the flame.
    • Add rice flour gradually while stirring continuously.
    • Mix well until it forms a soft, non-sticky dough.
    • Switch off the flame, cover, and let it cool slightly.
  3. Knead the dough
    • While still warm, knead the dough well until smooth.
    • Divide into small lemon-sized balls.
  4. Roll the pathiri
    • Dust lightly with rice flour.
    • Roll each ball into a thin circle like a roti.
  5. Cook
    • Heat a tawa on medium flame.
    • Place the rolled pathiri on the hot tawa.
    • Cook gently on both sides without browning.
    • Do not overcook; it should remain soft.
  6. Serve hot
    • Stack and cover with a cloth to keep them soft.

Tips

  • Dough must be kneaded while warm for softness.
  • Roll thin, not thick.
  • Cook on low to medium heat only.
  • Do not roast like chapati (no brown spots).

Variations

  • Milk Pathiri: Replace water with milk for extra softness.
  • Coconut Pathiri: Add coconut milk for rich flavor.
  • Green Chilli Pathiri: Add finely crushed green chilli to dough.

Serving Suggestions

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