Foni Roshi (Foni Roshi)

Name: Foni Roshi (Foni Roshi)
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 8
Cuisine: Maldives
Ingredients: Plain flour — 2 cups (250 g / 9 oz); Warm water — 1/2 cup (120 ml / 4 fl oz); Coconut oil — 1 tbsp; Grated coconut — 1 cup (80 g / 3 oz); Grated palm sugar — 3 tbsp (45 g / 1.5 oz); Of salt — pinch

The Quirky Foodster Team

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25 min

Prep

15 min

Cook

Servings

Ingredients

Plain flour — 2 cups (250 g / 9 oz)
Warm water — 1/2 cup (120 ml / 4 fl oz)
Coconut oil — 1 tbsp
Grated coconut — 1 cup (80 g / 3 oz)
Grated palm sugar — 3 tbsp (45 g / 1.5 oz)
Of salt — pinch

Method

Mix the flour, salt and coconut oil, then gradually add warm water to form a smooth, firm dough.
Knead for 5 minutes, cover, and rest for 15 minutes.
Combine the grated coconut and palm sugar in a separate bowl for the filling.
Divide the dough into 6 balls, flatten each, place a spoonful of filling in the centre, and seal like a parcel.
Roll each filled parcel gently into a flat disc, taking care not to tear it.
Cook on a hot dry griddle for 1–2 minutes per side until lightly browned in spots.

Introduction: A soft, lightly sweet flatbread filled with grated coconut and palm sugar, eaten alongside tea as a treat breakfast.

Cultural Background: While plain roshi accompanies savoury dishes, foni roshi (‘sweet roshi’) is a variation made for mornings when something a little richer is wanted, often prepared for guests or family gatherings on the islands.

Tips: Keep the rolling gentle so the sweet filling doesn’t burst through the dough. Rest the dough fully — a rushed rest makes rolling difficult.

Variations: Use grated jaggery in place of palm sugar if palm sugar is unavailable. Add a pinch of ground cardamom to the filling for extra fragrance.

Storage: Store cooled roshi in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day, or refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Reheating: Warm on a dry griddle or in a dry pan over low heat for 30–60 seconds per side.

Nutrition: Per serving (approx.): 240 kcal, 4 g protein, 8 g fat, 38 g carbohydrate.

FAQs:

Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?

A: Yes, it can rest, covered, in the fridge for up to 4 hours.

Q: What does foni mean?

A: ‘Foni’ means sweet in Dhivehi.