Buss up shut paratha roti- A Trinidad version

I was introduced to this flatbread by my Caribbean friends, Buss up shut paratha roti- A Trinidad version – Super Soft, Messy and Tasty.

If you ever wondered what Buss up shut means, here it is Buss up shut refers to tattered and torn up shirt, leave it up to the fun-loving Trinis to come up with such a name. Now that is out of the way let's talk about this amazing tender flatbread.

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. The Guyanese use their hands (clap roti), or an enclosed container to beat the heck out of it. In Trinidad, it is done using two spatulas.

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 cup whole wheat flour

• 1 teaspoon sugar

• 2 teaspoons baking powder

• 1 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1 tablespoon ghee/ butter

• 1 1/2 cup warm water

• 1/2 cup butter for filling

• ¼ cup melted butter for basting /oiling paratha

Method

In a large bowl mix together the flour, sugar,  baking powder, and salt.

Then make a well then add oil, followed by warm water, knead the dough for about 30 seconds to 1 minute to form a soft and sticky dough.

Divide dough into 6 equal pieces. Set aside and let it rest for 15- 30 minutes

Place each one piece on a heavily floured board and roll out the dough into a circle. They do not have to be perfect circles.

Using your fingers or knife rub butter (about a tablespoon) on the surface of the dough, lightly sprinkle with flour.

Now gently fold in the butter, and roll the dough back into form a ball stuffed with butter.

Repeat this process for the other 5 pieces of dough. coat each dough ball with butter to prevent dough from drying out.

Let it rest for about an hour or more covered.

When ready to cook, heat up the griddle, or Tawa to medium heat.

Gently flatten out each cone and roll out. Begin rolling out the dough from the center working outwards.

Rotate the dough out each time you roll it. This helps to make a perfect circle, make sure they are thin at the edges.

Gently place dough on the griddle.

Butter the other side of the dough making sure you grease the edges too.

Cook on both sides

The beaten up look can be achieved in several ways

Crush paratha with two spatulas while still on the griddle

Place paratha in a large bowl with a lid and shake it vigorously

Say a little prayer and serve warm with any curry.