Why prepare chapati
Making homemade chapati is a great way to enjoy fresh bread without needing any yeast or special equipment. The texture is soft and flexible which makes it perfect for scooping up sauces and vegetables. It is much tastier than the versions bought in a shop and contains no preservatives. This recipe relies on a simple resting period to make the dough easy to handle.
Follow these 4 steps for chapati
Make the dough: Place the flour and salt in a large bowl and stir them together. Gradually add the warm water and a little oil while mixing with your hands. Knead the mixture for about five minutes until it becomes a smooth and soft dough. Cover the bowl and let the dough rest for twenty minutes to make it easier to roll.
Roll the portions: Divide the rested dough into eight equal portions and roll them into small balls. Dust a clean surface with a little flour so the dough does not stick. Use a rolling pin to flatten each ball into a thin circle about six inches wide. Try to keep the thickness even across the whole circle for even cooking.
Cook the bread: Heat a flat frying pan or heavy skillet over a medium heat until it is quite hot. Place one chapati onto the dry pan and cook for about thirty seconds until small bubbles appear. Flip the bread over and cook the other side for another thirty seconds. You can press down gently with a cloth to help it puff up.
Keep it warm: Remove the hot bread from the pan and place it inside a clean kitchen towel. This keeps the steam inside which ensures the bread stays soft and flexible. Repeat the process with the remaining dough balls until they are all cooked. Serve them immediately while they are still warm and fresh.
Extra tips for chapati
The temperature of the water is important for achieving a soft texture in your chapati. Using warm water helps to relax the gluten in the flour which makes the dough much softer. If the dough feels too sticky, add a tiny bit more flour until it is manageable. Make sure your pan is properly heated before you start cooking the first piece. A hot pan ensures the bread puffs up quickly without drying out. If you find the bread is becoming hard, you might be cooking it for too long. Store any leftovers in an airtight container to keep them from becoming brittle.
You can lightly brush the finished bread with a little melted butter for extra flavour.
Find more ideas here:
pasta with cream sauce,
strawberry cake or
scrambled eggs.
