Chapati
Chapati is a quintessential Indian unleavened whole wheat flatbread, cooked on a griddle (tawa) until it puffs up, signifying it's perfectly cooked. It's a daily staple across the Indian subcontinent.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 cups Whole wheat flour (atta)(Use good quality atta for best results.)
- 3/4 cup Warm water(Adjust amount slightly based on flour absorption. It should be lukewarm, not hot.)
- 1/2 tsp Salt(Or to taste.)
- for brushing Ghee or oil(Optional, for serving. Ghee adds richness.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the whole wheat flour and salt. Gradually add the warm water, a little at a time, while mixing with your hand or a spoon. Once the flour starts coming together, begin to knead the dough. Continue kneading for about 8-10 minutes until you have a soft, smooth, and pliable dough. The dough should be soft enough to indent with your finger but not sticky.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 2
Cover the dough with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let it rest at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. This resting period allows the gluten to relax, making the dough easier to roll and resulting in softer chapatis.
⏱️ 30 minutes - 3
After resting, knead the dough for another minute. Divide the dough into 10 equal portions. Roll each portion into a smooth ball between your palms. Lightly dust a clean surface with flour and take one dough ball. Using a rolling pin, roll it out evenly into a thin circle, approximately 6-7 inches in diameter. Aim for uniform thickness to ensure even cooking and puffing. Dust with more flour as needed to prevent sticking, but brush off any excess.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 4
Heat a flat griddle or tawa over medium-high heat. The tawa is ready when a drop of water sizzles and evaporates quickly. Place one rolled chapati onto the hot tawa. Cook for about 30-45 seconds, or until you see small bubbles forming on the surface and the underside has light brown spots. Flip the chapati using tongs.
- 5
Cook the second side for about 1-1.5 minutes, until light brown spots appear. Now, using tongs, carefully lift the chapati off the tawa and place it directly over a low to medium flame (or use the residual heat on the tawa if you have an electric stove). The chapati should start to puff up like a balloon. Gently rotate it with tongs to ensure even puffing. If it doesn't puff on its own, you can gently press the edges with a clean cloth or spatula to encourage puffing.
- 6
Once puffed and lightly golden brown on both sides, remove the chapati from the flame. Immediately brush it with a little ghee or oil, if desired. Serve hot.
⏱️ 1-2 minutes per chapati
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓The dough should be soft and pliable, like your earlobe, but not sticky. If it's too dry, add a teaspoon of water; if too sticky, a teaspoon of flour.
- ✓Rolling the chapati evenly is crucial for it to puff up properly. Avoid thick edges or center.
- ✓The chapati will puff either directly over an open flame or when gently pressed on the tawa with a cloth after the second flip.
- ✓Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Stuffed Paratha: Fill the rolled dough with a spiced potato, paneer, or vegetable mixture before folding and cooking.
- Laccha Paratha: Create layers by folding and rolling the dough multiple times before cooking for a flaky texture.