Chapati Flatbread Recipe

Introduction

Chapati is a simple, soft flatbread that pairs perfectly with a variety of dishes. This traditional Indian bread is quick to make and requires just a few basic ingredients, making it a staple for many home cooks.

A stack of three round, flat breads with a light golden-brown color and some darker brown spots, showing a soft, slightly puffy texture with subtle dusting of flour on top, resting on a metal cooling rack placed over a red cloth, all set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour*
  • 1 1/4 cups water
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, water, and salt. Stir until the ingredients are well combined.
  2. Step 2: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until it is soft and smooth.
  3. Step 3: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rest for about 1 hour.
  4. Step 4: Heat a lightly oiled skillet or griddle over medium-high heat.
  5. Step 5: Remove dough from the bowl and divide it into 8 evenly sized pieces. Roll out each piece to about 1/4 inch thick.
  6. Step 6: Place each chapati on the hot skillet and cook for 30-60 seconds until golden brown dots appear on the bottom. Flip and cook the other side until similar golden spots appear. If a large bubble forms, gently press it down.
  7. Step 7: Transfer cooked chapatis to a serving platter and cover them until ready to serve.

Tips & Variations

  • Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for a traditional and slightly nuttier flavor.
  • Brush chapatis with melted butter or ghee right after cooking for added richness.
  • Keep the dough covered during resting to prevent it from drying out.

Storage

Store cooked chapatis in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat on a skillet over medium heat until warm and pliable.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of two soft flatbreads stacked on top of each other, placed on a metal cooling rack over a red cloth with a subtle texture. The top flatbread is folded over, revealing a light golden-brown surface with darker toasted spots and a slightly powdery texture. The edges are soft and slightly uneven, showcasing the handmade look. The overall colors are warm beige and brown tones, with the cool metal rack and red cloth underneath adding contrast. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, whole wheat flour is commonly used for chapati and offers a more authentic taste and texture.

How do I prevent chapatis from becoming hard after cooking?

Keep them covered with a clean kitchen towel or in a container to retain moisture. Reheating on a hot skillet with a little steam also helps soften them.

Print

Chapati Flatbread Recipe

Chapati is a traditional Indian flatbread made from simple ingredients like all-purpose flour, water, and salt. This soft and slightly chewy bread is cooked on a hot skillet until golden brown spots form, making it perfect to accompany curries, vegetables, or to enjoy as a snack.

  • Author: Leo
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
  • Yield: 8 chapatis 1x
  • Category: Bread
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Indian
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/4 cups water
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, water, and salt. Stir them together until the mixture is well combined and begins to form a dough.
  2. Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead it for 5 to 7 minutes until it becomes soft, smooth, and elastic. This helps develop the gluten to create a pliable dough.
  3. Rest the Dough: Place the kneaded dough into a lightly oiled bowl and cover it tightly with plastic wrap. Let it rest at room temperature for about 1 hour to allow the gluten to relax, which makes rolling easier.
  4. Preheat Skillet: Heat a lightly oiled skillet or griddle over medium-high heat, ensuring it is hot enough to cook the chapati evenly.
  5. Divide and Roll the Dough: Remove the dough from the bowl and divide it into 8 evenly sized pieces. Roll each piece out on a floured surface into a circle about 1/4 inch thick.
  6. Cook the Chapati: Place a rolled-out chapati onto the hot skillet. Cook for 30 to 60 seconds or until golden brown spots start to appear on the bottom. Flip it over and cook the other side until similar golden brown dots form. If large bubbles develop, gently press them down with a spatula to ensure even cooking.
  7. Serve: Transfer the cooked chapati to a serving platter and cover to keep warm while you cook the remaining pieces. Serve fresh as an accompaniment to your favorite meals.

Notes

  • If you prefer whole wheat flavor, you can substitute all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a more traditional chapati.
  • Resting the dough is important for making the chapati easier to roll and fluffier when cooked.
  • Use a dry skillet or lightly oiled surface; excess oil is not traditional but can be added if preferred.
  • Chapatis are best eaten warm and can be stored covered for a few hours to maintain softness.

Keywords: Chapati, Flatbread, Indian Bread, Indian Flatbread, Homemade Chapati, Easy Indian Bread, Soft Flatbread

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