How to make Indian bread (Chapatis)

Chapatis are thin, delicious Indian bread that are very light yet very filling. The Indians use special clay ovens called Tandoor to get the brown spots and bubbles on the chapatis, which is the traditional look. If you want to do the same then read on to find out how. This recipe makes around 20 pieces.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 1 1/2 cups of unbleached white flour
• 1/2 cup of whole wheat flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 3 tbsp oil or butter
• 1/2-3/4 cup of water

1. Mix the first four ingredients and add enough water to make a firm dough. The water used should be no more than 3/4 cup. knead for 10-15 minutes. That may seem tough but the more the dough is kneaded, the lighter it will be. Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a large bowl. Cover the bowl with a plastic wrap and let the dough rest for one hour. Placing the bowl in the fridge and leaving the dough to rest overnight will yield greater results.

2. When you are ready to bake, take a small piece of dough (around the size of a golf ball) and roll it in your hands to make a round ball. On a lightly floured board, flatten the ball using a rolling pin and make a circle with the piece of dough. Try to make it very thin. Repeat this step with the rest of the dough in the bowl.

3. Heat a griddle or heavy bottomed iron skillet until you see the smoke rising from it. Place the rolled out chapatis on the surface and cook for about 2-3 minutes, depending on how thin you have rolled it. Using a pair of kitchen tongs, you can lift the chapati to see if the underside has turned a golden brown. If so, flip and cook the other side for 1 minute.

4. As they are cooked, store the chapatis on a towel in a warm covered container until ready to serve. You should serve as soon as the last chapati is baked.

Tips & Warnings

• To get the traditional chapati look, use a pair of tongs to hold the chapatis directly over a hot gas flame until it puffs up like a balloon. It should collapse as it cools, leaving brown spots and bubbles.

[sullysee]

on 12/15/2009 Great Indian bread recipe, so easy. I love these with chutneys and sauces. Thanks for sharing. 5*

[cookiesmagic]

on 11/16/2009 Great recipe

[lighthouse1958]

on 11/10/2009 my son loves to eat bread from other countries, I bet he would like this one also. He loves Greek bread. 5*

[southerngirl09]

on 11/7/2009 Thanks for sharing your recipe to make Indian bread (Chapatis). It looks and sounds delicious, I love bread. Recommended and 5*

[mizzy]

on 8/31/2009 I not much of a baker, but I'm tempted to try this. 5*'s.