A Bride's Gift from Multan: Doli Roti

Those unfamiliar with doli roti, a delicacy native to the city of Multan, will wonder why this fried flatbread was given such a peculiar name.

Doli: Swinging cot or litter.
Roti: Bread.

Though Yaseen Dahi Bhalla House may be named after dahi bhallay, it offers plenty more than just this savory-sweet yogurt snack.

The reason behind it is associated with an urban legend of how the doli roti was an essential part of the bridal entourage in the past, when newly wedded brides would have to leave not just their homes, but their villages and travel for days and weeks to reach their future husband’s village. During this journey, fresh bread would be difficult to make and reserve for later, while the doli roti due to its unique fermentation process, would retain its essence for five to seven days at a stretch as it is deep fried.

A doli roti is essentially a leavened bread, and dependent on the use of a starter culture. The grandmothers of Multan would make this bread not just for their own household, but for friends, family and neighbors for two reasons: the first is that it has remained a favorite in the region throughout the ages, and the second reason is the long process and multiple steps required to make the bread itself.

Before the starter is introduced, water is first boiled with black cardamom, some form of lentil - usually chana dal (split yellow peas) - sugar and cinnamon, cooled and then mixed with yeast. Once the water is boiled and all the ingredients have been thoroughly mixed together, the mixture is left to ferment overnight in a warm place, to which wheat flour is added the next day to prepare the dough.

This dough is then divided into pedas (small balls) and flattened into palm-sized circular discs with the help of a rolling pin. After a few hours once the dough has risen, the doli roti is deep fried in clarified butter (ghee) and enjoyed as an accompaniment to a meal, with tea or on its own.

Doli roti is usually served with daal (split lentils) and channay (chickpeas).

Doli roti being served.

Doli roti, khattay aloo (spicy potatoes), moong daal (split mung bean lentils) and channay (chickpeas) and even beh (lotus root) are also available at Yaseen Dahi Bhalla House in Multan.

Doli roti is a unique gift from Multan.