Chapatis or rotis are simple, delicious Indian flat breads that are made from whole wheat flour that goes perfectly with many curries. Its really simple and easy to make so you should definitely give it a go.
Ok, what do we need? Here's the list of ingredients:
2 cups of whole wheat flour
A pinch of salt
Water
Time to start making the chapatis
1. Mix the whole wheat flour with the salt in a large mixing bowl
2. Start adding water to the mix, a little at a time. You want to get it to a medium consistency dough.
3. You can also use milk and yogurt instead of water which I have been told results in softer chapatis. I've yet to try this.
4. Once you've gotten your dough you can add a tablespoon of oil and continue to knead the dough. This step is optional though and I prefer to add oil on the chapatis at the end.
5. Let it sit for 10 minutes or so.
6. Take the dough you've kneaded and divide them into round balls. Press them between your palms so that they are somewhat flat. Place them on a cutting board which has been sprinkled with some flour. Now roll them out.
7. Most people are particular about their chapatis and want them perfectly round. I believe in equal opportunity so any shape works for me as long as you can get it on the pan.
8. I usually have it on medium to high heat. Place the chapati on the pan and once it starts to get cooked, flip it over. You'll see little bumps on the chapatis and that is a good indication that it is ready to be flipped. You can press on the chapatis with your slotted spatulas and then take it off. This helps the chapatis to puff if they have not been rolled too thin.
9. Once they are cooked take them off and I usually take some olive oil and lightly brush it on both sides of the chapatis. You can also use butter or ghee.
Let me know how your chapatis turn out.
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