Buss up shut paratha roti- A Trinidad version – Super Soft, Messy and Tasty . Pair it with Channa Curry and Aloo or Trinidad chicken roti.
First, a little linguistics lesson, Buss up shut refers to tattered and torn up shirt. Now that is out of the way let’s talk about this amazing tender flat bread.
So after making chicken roti, I knew I just had to give Buss up shut paratha roti a go (taste similar to this East African Chapati here) but is quite tender and somewhat buttery. I also knew that I wanted it to be practical and should be easy to make.
So I goggled any and everything on Buss up shut paratha roti and even watched you tube videos to make it come out just right, this is it guys! Quite easy and not scary at all.
Paratha is synonymous with Buss up Shut a layered, tender and buttery flatbread which is shattered or beaten to pieces, while still on the griddle or immediately after it is cooked to resemble a torn shirt. This can be achieved in various ways. The Guyanese use their hands (clap roti), or an enclosed container to beat the heck out of it. While in Trinidad it is done using two spatulas while it is still hot and just about to be taken off the tawa (a round flat griddle used in Indian cooking). Though an import of the Indians it is quite different with the Indian roti and has now become part of the Trinidad Culinary heritage.
The goal while making this is achieve a slightly crisp exterior, with small patches of light browning
There are two vital parts in making paratha, folding the dough with shortening/butter and letting it rest for not less than 2 hours and up to 4 hours.
These vital processes do not only render the dough tender but to give it layers. So don’t skip out on this step- speaking from experience.
Paratha is often enjoyed with almost any meal. However, it is mostly eaten with curries and stews. For an ultimate meal serve with this Curry Channa and Aloo
Enjoy!
Buss Up Shut Paratha Roti - a Trinidad version that is Super Soft, Messy and Tasty. Pair it with Channa Curry and Aloo or Trinidad Chicken Roti.
- 3 cups all purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon ghee butter or oil
- 1 1/4 cup warm water or slightly more
- 1/3 cup shortening /butter
- ¼ cup oil/ghee / melted butter for basting /oiling paratha
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In a large bowl mix together the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt.
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Then make a well then add oil, followed by warm water, knead dough for about 30 seconds to 1 minute to form soft and sticky dough.
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Divide dough into 6 equal pieces. Set aside and let it rest for 15- 30 minutes
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The resting of the dough helps to relax the gluten and make it not only easier to work with but also produces tender paratha.
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Place each one piece on a heavily floured board and roll out dough into a circle. They do not have to be perfect circles.
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Using your fingers or knife rub shortening/ butter (about a tablespoon) on the surface of the dough, lightly sprinkle with flour.
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Using a knife make an opening from the center of the dough roll dough clockwise to form a cone.
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Pleat the ends into bottom of cone and push cone tip inwards. Place in an oil pan and cover with damp clothe.
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Repeat this process for other 5 pieces of dough. Oil each piece to prevent dough from drying out.
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Let it rest for about 2 hours or more covered.
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When ready to cook, heat up griddle, crepe pan or tawah to medium heat.
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Gently flatten out each cone and roll out. Begin rolling out the dough from the center working outwards.
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Rotate the dough out each time you roll it. This helps to make a perfect circle, about 10 inch circles, make sure they are thin at the edges.
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Gently place dough on the griddle (I used crepe pan to make paratha- a skillet will work as well).
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Heavily oil the other side of the dough making sure you oil the edges too.
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Cook until tiny bubbles / air pockets appear on the top of the roti, then flip dough.
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Making the torn up shirts can be achieved in several ways
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Crush paratha with two spatulas while still on the griddle
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Place paratha in a large bowl with a lid and shake the heck out of it
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Place in a clean cloth cover and shake it up.
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Serve warm.
Avaria says
28 Apr, 2019 at 8:20 amI’ve never tried to make Dhalpuri from Trinidad and Tobago though. I find the process of making that roti to be intimidating. By chance would you be exploring that roti as well? I would love for the assist!
Avaria says
28 Apr, 2019 at 8:17 amI’m from Trinidad and Tobago and I grew up making buss up shut. I love how you broke it down into steps with pictures, I love your site and I thank you for showcasing our culture. I’m so proud and happy to see this. Thank you!
imma africanbites says
29 Apr, 2019 at 6:30 amThank you for the feedback. Happy Monday!
Кулинарный блог says
16 Mar, 2019 at 12:12 amThe recipe for 5 out of 5. Fantastically simple and tasty dish. Now I often cook it for myself and my family.
Kali says
23 Feb, 2019 at 8:53 amCan milk be substituted for water? Does milk not make finished product softer?
Cas F says
8 Sep, 2018 at 1:57 pmI did not see baking powder in the ingredient list, did I just miss it?
ImmaculateBites says
9 Sep, 2018 at 7:27 amNo you didn’t . Recipe updated. Thanks for bringing this to my attention.
Rebekah says
1 Sep, 2018 at 6:40 pmJust made this for dinner with some curry chicken. Best roti recipe I’ve tried. The texture is perfect!
imma africanbites says
3 Sep, 2018 at 8:05 pmWoohooo! Thank you for the wonderful feedback, Rebekah.
Anthony Shores says
13 Jun, 2018 at 1:18 pmHi
I tried this for the first time the other and they came out really great and tasty …Thanks or a great recipe
imma africanbites says
13 Jun, 2018 at 4:54 pmGlad it turned out great for you, Anthony! And thanks for taking the time to share your feedback. Have a great day!
Annalise says
13 Nov, 2018 at 7:33 amI need shortening, oil, butter and ghee? Or either
imma africanbites says
13 Nov, 2018 at 2:54 pmThat’s 1 tbsp ghee butter OR oil, 1/3 cup shortening OR butter and ¼ cup either oil, ghee, melted butter for basting/oiling the paratha
Pamela says
22 May, 2018 at 6:24 pmMade this for dinner today with shrimp curry. I followed the recipe and the results were excellent roti. So nice and soft. I let the roti sit for about two hours before I started to cook them. Best roti ever!
imma africanbites says
22 May, 2018 at 6:41 pmGlad it turned out great for you, Pamela! Thanks for taking the time to share your feedback. 🙂
Maritza says
26 Apr, 2018 at 6:27 amHello- this looks delicious! I’m hoping to make it for my daughter lunch tomorrow, but wondered if I could leave out the dough for the whole night rather than the 2 hours indicated, and cook in the morning. What do you think?
imma africanbites says
27 Apr, 2018 at 5:02 amHi, Maritza! Yes, you could leave the dough for the whole night in the fridge and use it in the morning itself.
Shashu says
22 Apr, 2018 at 5:12 pmAwesome recipe. Mine was a great success. I used a garlic butter spread instead of butter and it was delicious. Thanks.
ImmaculateBites says
23 Apr, 2018 at 11:48 pmHmmmm.. garlic butter makes it tastes even better! Might have to try it out sometime. Thanks for the feedback Shashu!
C P says
21 Apr, 2018 at 7:59 amCommented b4, but recently made again using 100% spelt flour, olive oil, and coconut shortening (to keep it vegan) vs the AP flour, oil, and ghee i used b4. Still tasted great. The spelt flour gave it a more hearty consistency but still kept it light and tasty
Evan says
27 Mar, 2018 at 9:09 pmThis is how we make it. A popular South Indian food and parts of Sri Lanka. We call it parrota. It’s way different than the North Indian version. Have to try making this.
Prosperity says
20 Dec, 2017 at 10:10 pmI loooveeeee Roti!!! I have to try this .. tempting.. preparations seems tedious but well worth it. I might try over the weekend.
Beautiful pics!!
ImmaculateBites says
21 Dec, 2017 at 6:50 amYes, it is . So tasty!!!
Prosperity says
21 Dec, 2017 at 11:26 pmImma,
What are some good brands for pots/ pans and dutch oven? I need to invest tin some quality cook ware and bakeware. Kindly, tell. I plan to reorganize my kitchen. Thank you.
Sophia says
15 Nov, 2017 at 11:20 amLoving this website and thank you for the recipe! 🙂 – @myguide2health (IG and YouTube).
C P says
26 Sep, 2017 at 8:29 pmExcellent recipe and easy-to-follow directions. My husband asks for this allllll of the time. Thanks
ImmaculateBites says
27 Sep, 2017 at 7:03 amThanks C.P! So glad to hear this.
Miranda K Bagraj says
31 May, 2017 at 12:15 pmYou didn’t add baking powder? Did you forget to add that ingredient ?
ImmaculateBites says
4 Jun, 2017 at 5:27 amI just did ! But it looks like it’s no updating – it’s 2 teaspoons baking powder. Will work on updating it Thanks for letting me know Miranda.
Nina says
15 Nov, 2017 at 3:28 pmSo does this recipe need baking powder? Because mine are almost finished resting and ready to bake without baking powder.
ImmaculateBites says
15 Nov, 2017 at 6:24 pmIt doesn’t need it .
Nina says
16 Nov, 2017 at 1:13 pmThank you so much for this recipe! It turned out fantastic with our Kaala Chana last night.
Stacey Redley Peak says
3 May, 2017 at 3:45 pmPlease ma’am. Trying to get my diabetics some low carb options! If you have any ideas of getting the Roti just as flaky, I would appreciate it!
ImmaculateBites says
4 May, 2017 at 8:48 amHi Stacey! Do you mean you need another butter option for the paratha ?
Stella says
8 Apr, 2017 at 12:53 pmDear Imma,
I think your site is amazing and well written. Keep up the good work. I am learning, not only about Caribbean recipes (I am from Trinidad) but from other countries as well..thank you for the pics as well….great job!
ImmaculateBites says
9 Apr, 2017 at 5:31 amHi Stella! You are too kind. Thank you so much for taking the the time to let me know.
Dr San Myint says
30 Apr, 2016 at 3:22 amThanks for sharing.
Alyssa says
10 Apr, 2016 at 8:30 amCame out great, my Trini husband was quite impressed, especially after he told me while making it that people have to practice for years to get it right….. HA!! Next time I will use butter instead of ghee in between the layers, the ghee flavour was a little pungent for me. Also, a small suggestion to add the waiting time of hours to the recipe prep timeline. It was ok for us to eat at 10pm but might not be ideal for others 🙂
Thanks for sharing!
Thalia @ butter and brioche says
9 Apr, 2016 at 2:16 pmMy gosh this flatbread looks incredible. What I love about it especially is how soft and buttery it looks!
ImmaculateBites says
9 Apr, 2016 at 5:03 pmThanks Thalia.
Ariel N. says
9 Apr, 2016 at 7:38 amI’m from Trinidad, it’s always nice to see our food being made elsewhere. That is one good-looking buss up shut and your technique looks just the same too! Now for me to actually make it myself!
ImmaculateBites says
9 Apr, 2016 at 10:20 amAww Thanks Ariel! You know it’s not as hectic as it seems. And it’s quite tasty.
Krystal says
25 Feb, 2016 at 12:34 amWell done Imma! Paratha is no easy feat but you’ve done a spectacular job! You’re welcome at this Trinidadian’s home anytime. You bring the buss up shut and I’ll cook the curry 🙂
ImmaculateBites says
25 Feb, 2016 at 8:18 amThank you so much Krystal. Just let me know when ad I’ll be right over. We are going to have a BLAST!!!
Cristie says
7 Aug, 2015 at 4:32 pmI’ve always wanted to make Roti but I’ve never been game. I think you’ve convinced me to give it a try. It looks amazing.
ImmaculateBites says
8 Aug, 2015 at 7:33 amThanks Cristie! Roti is not that daunting.
Cynthia says
18 Jul, 2015 at 4:06 pmAs someone from the Caribbean who is fussy (LOL) about the roti(s) of the region, you have outdone yourself here!
ImmaculateBites says
20 Jul, 2015 at 7:26 amAww thank you so much Cynthia! Glad you approve.
kami says
9 Jul, 2015 at 1:09 amwow again something so delicious ! many greetings from Poland
ImmaculateBites says
9 Jul, 2015 at 8:55 pmThanks Kami! Good to hear from you again!
Nagi@RecipeTinEats says
8 Jul, 2015 at 8:02 pmLook how beautifully flaky that is! We must be in sync, I just made flat bread the other day for my butter chicken! Yours looks better though, love the flakiness. 🙂
ImmaculateBites says
9 Jul, 2015 at 8:56 pmNagi, yours look absolutely Delicious and the butter chicken-YUM!