Oh boy, do I love Indian food. Sometimes I think I oughta start a foodie blog. Samosas, tandoori, palak paneer—I can’t get enough of the spicy stuff. So when I heard about HOT HOT ROTI FOR DADA-JI, I knew I had to devour it. My nephew is half-Indian and the boy on the cover reminded me of him. But inside HOT HOT ROTI is a story about any grandfather and grandson, for the sentiments transcend culture and ethnicity. Inside is a story about memories, imagination, and the power of sharing family traditions.
I asked the author, Farhana Zia, to join us today. And stick around, because after the interview I have a copy of the book for you and Farhana’s personal recipe for HOT HOT ROTI!
What inspired you to write HOT HOT ROTI FOR DADA-JI?
The motivation for writing HHRFDJ was a desire to do something enduring for my three grandchildren. They are pre-readers now but one day they’ll read the book to themselves and also, not far down the road, to others important in their lives and I hope that when this happens, they’ll sense the love that’s packed inside. I wrote the book to create some good memories for them. We all need warm, lasting memories. Good memories can be so comforting at unexpected times.
The inspiration for the story came from a host of such memories of childhood…memories of sights, smells, sounds, tastes and emotions that linger on and on and are comforting. Foremost among these is the memory of snuggling up to my own grandmother for her wonderful stories.
In the book, Dada-Ji gets his power from the hot, hot roti. What food is your own personal power source?
First of all, I’ll take the liberty to use the word “food” metaphorically and say that each new day, when things generally go right, is the ultimate power source for me as well as a reason to give thanks. In addition to that, as an elementary school teacher, I can truthfully say I derive plenty of power from the energy and vibrancy of my students. They keep me on my toes and competing with their exuberance every single day! A classroom is definitely an exhilarating place to be. As far as real food, I have lots of favorite power sources. At the risk of surprising you I’m going to put a steaming, tongue burning, pepperoni, mushroom, anchovy pizza at the top of the list. This is an occasional weekend treat when I’m absolutely not in the mood to cook. My husband runs down to the local pizza place and I keep the oven nice and hot! A medium rare filet that cuts like butter is a close second in my personal favorites and falls under the, “I don’t want to cook, let’s go out to eat” category. I could go on but….a fluffy, piping hot bature (deep fried leavened bread), puffed up to the size of a volley ball, with a spicy potato can hit the spot when one is very, very hungry. Trust me!
It’s refreshing to see the South Asian/Indian culture in a picture book–that’s rare in the market. How can children from different cultures relate to this story?
I wrote the book for all children, regardless of nationality and ethnicity. While the book definitely has cultural elements, the underlying themes and attributes are universal. I like to think that the story is a testimony to the unfailing creativity and initiative present in all children.
When kids read about Aneel making roti for his grandfather, they’ll recognize their own innate inventiveness. I witness it every day in my classroom. Kids also love to take charge. They can surprise you with their cleverness and their ability to offer creative solutions. They can also be so helpful and they especially love to feel responsible. I think all young readers will recognize and revel in these traits. Besides, Hot, Hot Roti for Dadaji is a fun story mixed with a bit of fantasy and tall tale and what child doesn’t like that? The book is also very strongly a story about inter generational relationships which happen to be universal. All children know about grandparents who love to spend time with them, play with them and spoil them. Whether it’s Dadaji or Grandpa, Gramps, or Pop-Pop the relationship is the same… special and immediately recognizable. Lastly, the book is about food and kids love food, in one form, or another.
My niece me once that when she read the book in her daughter’s kindergarten, she had all kids crying out, “Wah!” Now that’s music to my ears!
Do you have a recipe for hot, hot roti to share with us?
Certainly!
Ingredients:
Whole Wheat Flour (Chapati Flour, available in Indian grocery stores) – 2 cups. Reserve 2 Tablespoons for rolling and dusting.
Salt – 1/2 tsp
Warm Water – 3/4 cup
Method:
1. In a large mixing bowl, mix flour and salt.
2. Gradually add warm water to form a medium soft dough ball. The dough should not be too stiff, nor too sticky. Knead the dough about fifty times. Cover the bowl and set it aside for 15 minutes
3. Heat a skillet on medium heat until a water droplet sizzles and evaporates immediately.
4. Divide the dough into 8 golf ball size balls.
5. Coat one ball in the reserved four and roll it out into a thin disc (the thickness of a penny), approximately 6 inches in diameter. Sprinkle more flour on the rolling board to keep the dough from sticking to the rolling surface.
6. Shake or rub off excess flour from the roti and place it onto the hot skillet for about 10-15 seconds.
7. Flip to the other side and allow the roti to cook for 10-15 seconds until you see bubbles appear. Use a paper towel to move the roti around on the skillet for even heat distribution.
8. Flip the roti one last time. You should see scattered golden brown spots. Gently press down on various places using the paper towel. This will make the roti puff up with the built up steam. Be careful that escaping steam does not scald you!
9. Remove the roti from heat and keep it covered with a towel. Repeat the process for the remaining dough.
Hot, hot roti is ready!
Thanks, Farhana! It looks delicious!
And now HOT HOT ROTI is ready for you, too! Please leave a comment for a chance to win the book! I’ll randomly select a winner in one week. Good luck and happy eating (and reading)!
87 comments
Comments feed for this article
April 26, 2013 at 8:43 am
Dorina Lazo Gilmore
I love Indian food & your book is already one of my favorites. As a foodie children’s writer myself, I could relate to your passion for telling a story about food, creativity and memories. My book, Cora Cooks Pancit, carries a similar theme. Thank you so much for sharing your recipe! Off to make some roti!
April 26, 2013 at 8:55 am
Tara Lazar
I love CORA, Dorina, and I’ve made the pancit recipe a few times now–it’s so delicious!
April 26, 2013 at 6:48 pm
FarhanaZia
Thank you, Dorina. I’m definitely going to get your book and read about Cora and Pancit.
Best wishes.
Farhana
April 26, 2013 at 8:52 am
Wendy Greenley
I’ll leave the roti cooking to my husband and the eating to me! Thanks for sharing the story, Farhana and Tara.
April 26, 2013 at 6:49 pm
FarhanaZia
You go, girl! You’ve got the right idea!
Best wishes,
Farhana
April 26, 2013 at 8:55 am
Gwen Tanner
Thanks for sharing this book! I love roti and to now get a chance to read about the power of it???? LOL I am so happy for Farhana to release her story and I’m looking forward to reading it. The colors and styles of the images seem like they will make for a tasty story Now, I can’t say I will try to make the Roti.. I have tried to make Murgh Saag in the past…and I’ll restate that I can’t say I will try to make Roti. That might be best left to experts LOL
April 26, 2013 at 6:50 pm
FarhanaZia
I do hope that you will enjoy HHRFDJ, Gwen. Thanks for your comments.
Best,
Farhana
April 26, 2013 at 9:01 am
Anjali Amit
Yes rotis! Nothing as appetizing as the smell of freshly cooking rotis.
Anjali
April 26, 2013 at 6:51 pm
FarhanaZia
Just made some for dinner!
Best wishes,
Farhana
April 26, 2013 at 9:01 am
Beth Gallagher
What a great idea! I love to read books about ethnic food and recipes with my girls. I can’t wait to get this one! Also, just LOVE the illustrations!
April 26, 2013 at 6:52 pm
FarhanaZia
Thanks for your enthusiasm about the book, Beth. I do so hope that you will enjoy HHRFDJ.
Warm regards,
Farhana
April 26, 2013 at 9:17 am
Mary Flynn
I’ll have to try this sounds yummy
April 26, 2013 at 6:53 pm
FarhanaZia
Thanks for writing, Mary.
Best wishes,
Farhana
April 26, 2013 at 9:20 am
Melanie Ellsworth
Wow – reading this interview is making me so hungry. I’m putting this book right on my to-buy list. I think my daughter will love the story.
April 26, 2013 at 6:54 pm
FarhanaZia
I’ll be delighted to hear what your daughter thinks of it, Melanie.
Happy reading!
Best wishes,
Farhana
April 26, 2013 at 9:35 am
Alexa Kaufhol
Congrats! Will give the book (and the recipe) a try!
April 26, 2013 at 6:55 pm
FarhanaZia
Thanks, Alexa,
Happy reading and happy eating!
Best wishes,
Farhana
April 26, 2013 at 9:38 am
Deb Dunn
I am so thrilled to see a book with an Indian backdrop – it’s too rare! Congratulations and best wishes!
April 26, 2013 at 6:57 pm
FarhanaZia
Thank you for your kind words, Deb,
It really warms my heart!
Best wishes,
Farhana
April 26, 2013 at 9:41 am
Julie Hedlund
I think food is such a wonderful way to introduce children to other cultures, but combining food with a BOOK is even better! I’m starving now, by the way!! 🙂
April 26, 2013 at 6:59 pm
FarhanaZia
Julie, a stack of hot hot roti will do the trick! Thanks for your comment about the book.
Best wishes,
Farhana
April 26, 2013 at 9:48 am
Holly Ruppel
It’s so refreshing to see a book about Indian culture and cooking! Thank you, Farhana! And thank you, Tara, for bringing it to my attention!
April 26, 2013 at 7:00 pm
FarhanaZia
Writing HHRFDJ was truly a great experience. I am so thankful to Tara for posting it on her blog and thank you, Holly for commenting on it.
Best wishes,
Farhana
April 26, 2013 at 10:08 am
jodelle55
This looks like a really cute book and a good recipe too!
April 26, 2013 at 7:02 pm
FarhanaZia
Thank you very much for your kind words. I hope that you will enjoy reading it sometime and good luck with the roti making!
Best wishes,
Farhana
April 26, 2013 at 10:37 am
evelynchristensen
Thanks, Farhana, for sharing your book with us. It sounds like a heart-warming, fun story. And having been an elementary teacher, I know what you mean about the classroom being an energizing place. Best wishes to you.
April 26, 2013 at 7:06 pm
FarhanaZia
Evelyn,
Isn’t being an elementary school teacher just about the best thing to be? I’ve been reading the book to the kids during our annual read aloud nights. I actually started when it was in manuscript form and first read it without the advantage of illustrations. NOthing like Pictures for a Picture book, though!
Thanks so much for your comments.
Best wishes,
Farhana
April 26, 2013 at 11:29 am
Sandie Sing
What a wonderful recipe. It would be great to make in the classroom to show how cultures are alike. It reminds me of tortillas. We have made tortillas in the classroom. Great compare and contrast for second grade readers.
April 26, 2013 at 7:09 pm
FarhanaZia
Hello, Sandie,
When I first read the book at my school, I did a roti making demonstration and I had one of my students act out the role of Aneel. It was a lot of fun! I do hope that you will use the book in your classroom.
Thanks for your comments and best wishes to you,
Farhana
April 26, 2013 at 11:52 am
Lori Alexander
We checked this book out at the library awhile back. How could we resist with a title like that? 🙂 Great PB, great post. Thanks!
April 26, 2013 at 7:09 pm
FarhanaZia
Thanks for writing, Lori and thanks for your thumbs up about the book. It means a lot to me.
Best wishes,
Farhana
April 26, 2013 at 12:10 pm
julie rowan zoch
I had read a great recommendation for this book last year (I think – probably on http://snugglewithpicturebooks.com) and soon saw they were spot on with the great comments! I’m quite fond of the illustrations as well.
April 26, 2013 at 7:12 pm
FarhanaZia
Thank you, for your kind words about HHRFDJ, Julie,
Thank you also for posting the website.
Best wishes,
Farhana
April 26, 2013 at 12:22 pm
Michelle Levin
Good memories are indeed comforting in tricky times.
Good food is too.
Seems like you have a winning combination here – can’t wait to read it!
April 26, 2013 at 7:13 pm
FarhanaZia
Thank you, Julie.
I hope that you will enjoy the book and will pass along the word.
Best wishes,
Farhana
April 26, 2013 at 12:24 pm
Romelle Broas
Sounds like a fabulous book, Farhana. Traditions, culture, family relationships…I can’t wait to get my hands on it. If it weren’t for this interview, I wouldn’t have known about it. Thanks Tara!
April 26, 2013 at 7:17 pm
FarhanaZia
Thank you, Romelle,
Family relationships do form the basis for the book and are so invaluable. Since becoming a grandmother, I’ve come to appreciate this fact more than ever. I do hope you will enjoy reading the book.
Best wishes,
Farhana
April 26, 2013 at 12:26 pm
janelle
Wonderful!
April 26, 2013 at 7:17 pm
FarhanaZia
Thanks for writing, Janelle,
Best,
Farhana
April 26, 2013 at 1:06 pm
Pat Haapaniemi
Such a wonderful story!
April 26, 2013 at 7:19 pm
FarhanaZia
Thank you for your thumbs up, Pat!
Best wishes,
Farhana
April 26, 2013 at 1:33 pm
LeslieG
Kids + books + tall tales + hot roti = recipe for success! Love the title, too. Thanks for a great interview!
April 26, 2013 at 7:19 pm
FarhanaZia
Leslie,
Your words mean a lot. Thanks so much for writing.
Best wishes,
Farhana
April 26, 2013 at 1:55 pm
Ann Ingalls
Thanks for sharing this book and recipe. Great idea of a book!
April 26, 2013 at 7:21 pm
FarhanaZia
Ann,
I am so delighted that Tara posted HHRFDJ on her blog. Thank you, for your comment about it.
Best wishes,
Farhana
April 26, 2013 at 2:07 pm
Gail Handler
What a wonderful story! Shared memories between generations is so important and nothing connects you to family like food! Thanks for sharing. I’m HOT to get this book!
April 26, 2013 at 7:22 pm
FarhanaZia
You’ve said it so well, Gail. I wish you happy reading. Please let me know if you liked HHRFDJ.
Best wishes,
Farhana
April 26, 2013 at 2:56 pm
Bernadette Laganella
Definitely will buy this book for my grandson – we make “homemades” pasta on Sunday with him.
April 26, 2013 at 7:29 pm
FarhanaZia
I appreaciate your thumbs up, Bernadette. I hope your grandson will enjoy the book.
Best wishes,
Farhana
April 26, 2013 at 5:05 pm
Patricia Tilton
What a wonderful idea for a story. My son is Indian (Pondicherry) and it would have been great to have a book like this for him when we adopted him. He was older and had difficulty with American food. He didn’t know how to cook, and would try to make up his own receipes. I found stores specializing in Indian food and would buy him items. The hotter the better. Will have t share this with him.
April 26, 2013 at 7:30 pm
FarhanaZia
Please do share, Patricia. I’d be delighted to know what he thought of HHRFDJ. Thank you for your comments and best wishes to you.
Farhana
April 26, 2013 at 5:47 pm
pennymorrison
I’d love to spice up my life with an Indian picture book. My kids’ latest favourite food is Rogan Josh – I leave the chilli out of their portion. I will definitely make some roti for them.
Roald Dahl thought children were more interested in books about food than fairies, but if you’ve got a bit fantasy and family relationships in there, then you’ve covered everything.
April 26, 2013 at 7:28 pm
FarhanaZia
Roti should go well with Rogan Josh. I’m impressed that you make it, penny.
Happy reading and happy eating.
Best wishes,
Farhana
April 26, 2013 at 6:45 pm
FarhanaZia
Thank you, Tara, for posting HHRFDJ on your delightful blog and thank you, one and all for your kind comments. Happy reading!
Best wishes,
Farhana
April 26, 2013 at 7:08 pm
patientdreamer
ohh, I love indian food. This sounds so good and I love inter culture themed stories.
April 26, 2013 at 7:14 pm
FarhanaZia
Thank you, patientdreamer! I hope you will enjoy HHRFDJ and pass the good word around!
Best wishes,
Farhana
April 26, 2013 at 7:35 pm
Kathy Cornell Berman
Thanks for sharing. Can’t wait to buy the book and try the recipe. Wonderful!
April 27, 2013 at 11:02 pm
FarhanaZia
Kathy,
Best wishes and happy reading!
Farhana
April 27, 2013 at 2:57 am
Ashley Taylor
I love what she describes as her motivation for writing this book. Packed with love for good memories. Beautiful!
April 27, 2013 at 11:11 pm
FarhanaZia
Ashley,
Creating a good memory for someone can be as simple as giving them a hug. Right?
A hug from me to you.
Farhana
April 27, 2013 at 4:04 pm
Kerry Aradhya
We actually have a copy of this book already and love it, so I was happy to see you featuring it on your blog today 🙂 My husband is Indian, and everyone in our family loves Indian food. I used to make fresh rotis sometimes but have been turning to frozen ones more lately. Nothing like a homemade, steaming hot, hot roti, though. Yum!
April 27, 2013 at 11:14 pm
FarhanaZia
Kerry,
I’m delighted you enjoyed HHRFDJ.
Best,
Farhana
April 27, 2013 at 7:26 pm
Sheri R
I will look into this book and see if it would be something my grandkids would like to read.
April 27, 2013 at 11:16 pm
FarhanaZia
Sheri,
I would love to know if they did.
Best wishes,
Farhana
April 28, 2013 at 1:12 am
tinamcho
Looks like a fun book! I’ve never heard of roti before. Do you put anything on it? Looks like a tortilla.
April 28, 2013 at 7:26 pm
FarhanaZia
Tina,
Roti is unleavened bread. The dough is rolled thin and the roti is cooked on a griddle. You can eat roti with many accompaniments….lentils, potato curry, spinach, meat dishes….the list is endless.
Best,
Farhana
April 28, 2013 at 11:01 am
thiskidreviewsbooks
I really like the idea of this book! I want to win it!
April 28, 2013 at 3:39 pm
joanwatsonmartin
I don’t enjoy very hot foods, but I love VERY HOT books like HOT HOT ROTI
April 28, 2013 at 7:23 pm
FarhanaZia
What a sweet thing to say!
Thanks,
Farhaa
April 28, 2013 at 7:26 pm
FarhanaZia
Good luck and good wishes.
Farhana
April 29, 2013 at 8:28 am
Penny Klostermann
I love that your motivation was to do something enduring for your grandchildren! What a treasure! (your book and your grandchildren) The recipe sounds yummy!
April 30, 2013 at 7:39 pm
FarhanaZia
Penny,
What a nice thing to say!
Best,
Farhana
April 29, 2013 at 9:29 am
Alison Goldberg
Congratulations on your wonderful book!
April 29, 2013 at 9:33 am
laurimeyers
Looks like a delicious read. I love saying the title over and over again – it’s fun on the tongue! This looks like a recipe my little ones would enjoy making too.
April 30, 2013 at 7:43 pm
FarhanaZia
Lauri,
Thanks for your comment. Playing with dough is great fun for little ones, trust me!
Best,
Farhana
April 29, 2013 at 5:20 pm
Annette Pimentel
Hooray for books that seem to be about something unfamiliar but end up being for every child!
April 30, 2013 at 7:44 pm
FarhanaZia
Annette,
Thanks for your encouraging comment.
Best,
Farhana
April 30, 2013 at 10:29 am
Cathy Biggerstaff
Lovely interview, Tara. Looking forward to reading this book to my grandchildren. Blessings to both of you!
April 30, 2013 at 7:46 pm
FarhanaZia
Cathy,
Happy reading! And if you enjoy the book, please pass the word along.
Best,
Farhana
April 30, 2013 at 11:23 am
Laura Renauld
Looks delicious! (the roti AND the book!)
April 30, 2013 at 7:47 pm
FarhanaZia
Laura,
Thanks for you comment.
Best,
Farhana
May 1, 2013 at 10:01 pm
Ken Min
lovely interview with farhana. i feel like i got to know her better, especially since we worked together on the book. well, she wrote it, i just doodled some pictures. 🙂
i hope everyone enjoys the book and makes a batch of roti.
btw- tara, i see you have a book coming out soon- the monstore- illustrated by my buddy, james burks. i think the four of us should get together to play cards or a round of golf. 🙂
May 2, 2013 at 9:47 am
Tara Lazar
Ken, be forewarned, I am a poker ace! LOL!
May 3, 2013 at 8:11 pm
FarhanaZia
Ken,
How lovely to see you here and to be your new FB friend. Am I invited to the the golf/ card game with you and Tara? I’ll bring some hot hot roti!
Best,
Farhana
May 3, 2013 at 11:50 pm
Ken Min
of course, it’s the ‘monstore’ duo vs. the ‘roti’ crew! : )
May 2, 2013 at 9:44 am
Wendy
I hope I’m not too late to enter!
June 6, 2014 at 5:01 pm
Hot, Hot Roti for Dada-Ji! – Book Review | Doodling Through Life
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