We present a simple recipe for Nepali Sel Roti, which can be easily made at home. Despite its round shape resembling a donut, its taste is completely unique. If you are tired of daily snacks like samosas or kachoris and want to try something new and delicious, Nepali Sel Roti will be an excellent choice.
This traditional dish from Nepal is made from rice. It is characterized by a crispy texture on the outside and softness inside, and its taste is liked by everyone, from children to adults. Preparing this dish at home is also quite simple.
The following ingredients are needed for preparation: 2 cups of rice (soaked for 6–7 hours or overnight), 2 tablespoons of ghee, ½ cup of milk, ½ cup of sugar, 2–3 green cardamoms (crushed), a pinch of salt, and ghee or oil for frying.
To begin, drain the water from the soaked rice. Then, mix the rice with milk, sugar, and ghee and thoroughly blend in a blender until you get a perfectly smooth mixture. After that, add the cardamom powder and a pinch of salt, mixing well. It is important to monitor the consistency of the dough—it should not be too runny nor too thick. Leave the finished mixture covered for about 30 minutes.
Next, pour ghee or oil into a deep pot over medium heat. Transfer the prepared mixture into a bottle, pitcher, or dispenser and slowly pour it into the hot oil, forming a ring to create the Sel Roti. Fry on both sides until golden and crispy. After that, remove and place on a paper towel to remove excess fat.
Hot Nepali Sel Roti pairs especially well with vegetable potato curry, yogurt, pickled vegetables, or milky tea. It can be prepared for breakfast, evening tea time, or any special occasion.
If you are cooking for the first time, start with small rings. Always fry Sel Roti over medium heat. The dough consistency should be moderate—neither too runny nor too thick. To make the Sel Roti crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, be sure to fry it to a good golden color on both sides.