Dal-roti khaya? I learned that this is an idiomatic expression to ask someone if they've eaten lunch yet? Literally translated this means "did you eat bread and lentil soup?" One of Michael's mates taught me that. I had corresponded with him and his wife to ask if they could clarify the difference between roti and chapati. Well, the response was delicious. I was treated to a culinary/cultural/linguistic lesson that took me through many regions of India!
First, I the big picture: there is very little difference between roti and chapati. The terms are often used interchangeably and moreoever in north & central India, people generally refer to Bread as Roti.
Then a bit of culture: For example, if some asks a friend "Dal-roti khaya?". He means "have you had lunch?", literal translation "did you eat bread and lentil soup?"; here the Roti could be any type - chapati, puri, naan or roti. hope you get the idea.
Now for some culinary detail: Technically, the three main differences are a) Chapati's are thinner & flufflier b) Chapati uses fine wheat flour ( usually thin or medium) c) rotis could be wheat or other flour.
Finally a course of linguistics: There are also regional variations. e.g in Gujarat, chapatis are called 'rotli' in local language; in Maharastra (where Mumbai is), chapati is called 'phulka-roti', in Southern India it is called 'chapathy', in Punjab (where most Sikhs are), roti generally means 'makke-di-roti' i.e. roti made of corn.
I'm full!
Just wanted to show you all how really easy it is to put together these meals. First, I always have some dosa batter in the fridge (it keeps for a couple of days) so I can make a fresh dosa whenever I feel like it. Second, always have leftovers: Michael made aloo paratha on Sunday and we had some potato-pea mixture left over. So, this morning, I quickly cooked up a dosa and then sauteed the left over potatoes with some fennel, fennugreek, and cumin seeds and used that to fill a couple of dosas. Check out the photos. YUM!
