Published May 13, 2019 Updated Sep 01, 2024 Is there anything better than warm chapati bread straight out of the oven? Well, you don’t even need an oven to make this delicious Indian flatbread! All you need is a hot griddle or pan and some ingredients to enjoy a fresh batch of chapati. Want to try making more flatbreads at home? Check out my Naan recipe!
What Is Chapati
Chapati, sometimes called chapathi, phulka, or roti, is a staple food in India and many other South Asian countries. It is traditionally served with Indian recipes like curries, stews, chutneys, and stir-fries. The term “chapati” comes from the Sanskrit word “carpatī” which means flat or thin cake. And it perfectly describes the appearance and texture of this delicious bread! It is made by mixing three simple ingredients to form a dough: wheat flour, water, and salt. The dough is then rolled into thin circles and cooked on a hot griddle or skillet until it puffs up. This easy and authentic chapati recipe is from my friend Reem. I have personally tried her homemade chapati and I was instantly hooked on how soft, fluffy, and delicious it was! Learn more about the types of Indian flatbreads from the MICHELIN Guide.
Which Flour Is Best For Chapati
Traditionally, chapati is made with whole meal flour known as atta in Hindi. It is a finely ground whole wheat flour with a slightly nutty flavor commonly used in Indian cuisine. What makes atta perfect for chapati is its gluten content, which gives elasticity to the dough. This property makes each piece easier to roll out thin and puff up when cooked. The amount of damaged starch from the milling process also allows the flour to absorb more water. And that naturally results in a soft and pliable dough. However, if you don’t have access to atta, you can still make delicious chapatis with regular whole wheat flour.
What Goes Into Chapati
Flour – the best flour for chapati is whole wheat flour or durum-wheat atta. It’s sometimes labeled as chakki atta. You might also see chapati flour at the grocery store, which is a combination of wheat flour and plain flour. Water – I like to use lukewarm water as it helps activate the gluten in the flour and makes it easier to roll out. Salt – just a teaspoon of salt is enough to enhance the flavors of your bread. It also helps strengthen gluten, which is what we want for this flatbread.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients.
How To Make Chapati Bread
Sometimes compared to a tortilla for its thin, soft, and round shape, chapati is made from whole wheat flour instead of corn. The dough itself is simple, made from only three ingredients. Making chapati from scratch is all about techniques. And even if it’s your first time making it, you will learn below the exact process and techniques I use in my recipe for a soft, light, airy, and puffy homemade chapati! Here’s how to make chapati at home without oil:
Cooking Tips
Adjust the consistency of the dough by adding more water or flour as needed. It should not be too dry or sticky. Don’t knead the dough without enough moisture. Kneading dough that’s too dry can make it tricky to roll, and worse, it can become tough after cooking. Make sure the dough is soft and pliable before rolling. Poke it with your finger and if it bounces back, it is ready to be rolled out. Like other types of flatbread, don’t over-knead the dough as it can make the flatbread dense, hard, and chewy. Control the heat while cooking. Too high and your chapatis will brown too quickly, not giving them enough time to puff up. Too low, and they will become flat and tough. If your flatbread doesn’t puff up like a ball, don’t worry. It will still taste delicious! Getting puffy chapatis in a skillet may take a little practice, but it’s easier to do on direct flame.
What To Serve With This Recipe
Serve chapati as is, with some butter (my favorite), some garlic and cheese, or even with Mango Chutney, Chicken Biryani, and Butter Chicken. For a wholesome and easy Indian-inspired dinner, I recommend the following recipes: I hope you enjoy this post as much as I do. If you try my recipe, please leave a comment and consider giving it a 5-star rating. For more easy and delicious recipes, explore my Recipe Index, and stay updated by subscribing to my newsletter and following me on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram for new updates.
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