Authentic Homemade Indian Chapati Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 cups of whole wheat flour
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 1 tablespoon of cooking oil
  • Approximately 3/4 cup of lukewarm water

Steps and instructions

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine the whole wheat flour and salt.
  2. Gradually add water to the mixture, kneading the dough until it is smooth and pliable.
  3. Add the cooking oil to the dough, kneading it again until the oil is well incorporated.
  4. Cover the dough and let it rest for 15-20 minutes.
  5. Divide the dough into equal parts, rolling each part into a ball.
  6. On a floured surface, roll out each ball into a thin, round chapati.
  7. Heat a pan or griddle over medium heat. Place the rolled chapati on the pan and cook until bubbles start to form.
  8. Flip the chapati and cook the other side until it has brown spots.
  9. Remove the cooked chapati from the pan and keep it covered until ready to serve.

Tools for making

  • Mixing Bowl - A bowl large enough to mix the dough ingredients
  • Rolling Pin - A long cylindrical tool used to flatten the dough into thin rounds
  • Pan or Griddle - A flat cooking surface used to cook the chapati
  • Spatula or Tongs - Utensils to flip and remove the chapati from the pan
  • Cover or Cloth - To keep the cooked chapatis warm and soft

Recipe variations

  • Using all-purpose flour instead of whole wheat flour
  • Adding spices or herbs such as cumin, turmeric, or crushed garlic to the dough
  • Incorporating cooked and mashed vegetables like spinach or potatoes into the dough
  • Making a stuffed chapati by adding a filling of your choice, such as spiced potatoes, paneer, or minced meat
  • Making a gluten-free version by using alternative flours like rice flour or chickpea flour
  • Adding a sweet twist by sprinkling sugar and cinnamon on the rolled chapati before cooking
  • Experimenting with different oils or fats, such as ghee or coconut oil, for a different flavor
  • Making a vegan version by substituting oil for ghee and using plant-based milk or water instead of regular water
  • Adding chopped onions, green chilies, or coriander leaves to the dough for added flavor and crunch

Recipe overview

Chapati is a traditional Indian flatbread that is both simple and delicious. Made with only four ingredients - whole wheat flour, salt, water, and a bit of oil - it's a versatile bread that pairs well with a variety of dishes. This recipe will guide you through the process of making chapati from scratch, from kneading the dough to rolling it out and cooking it to perfection on a hot pan. By following these steps, you'll end up with a stack of warm, soft chapatis that are ready to be enjoyed with your favorite curry, stew, or even on their own. Despite its simplicity, making chapati does involve some technique, but don't worry - with a little practice, you'll be rolling out chapatis like a pro. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!

Common questions

  1. How long does it take to make chapati?
    It takes approximately 30-40 minutes to make chapati, including the resting time for the dough.
  2. Can I use all-purpose flour instead of whole wheat flour?
    Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour, but the texture and taste of the chapati may differ.
  3. Do I have to use lukewarm water?
    Using lukewarm water helps in the elasticity of the dough, but you can use room temperature water if lukewarm water is not available.
  4. Can I cook chapati without oil?
    While oil adds flavor and helps in the cooking process, you can make chapati without oil if desired.
  5. Can I make the dough in advance?
    Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just make sure to bring the dough to room temperature before rolling and cooking.
  6. What can I serve chapati with?
    Chapati pairs well with a variety of curries, lentils, vegetables, or can be enjoyed with chutneys and pickles.
  7. Can I freeze leftover chapati?
    Yes, you can freeze leftover chapati. Make sure to cool them completely, stack them with parchment paper in between, and store in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be reheated in a pan or microwave when needed.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Rolling Pin - Used to roll out the chapati dough into thin, round shapes.
  • Tawa or Griddle - A flat, round cooking surface used to cook the chapati.
  • Spatula - Used to flip the chapati while cooking and remove it from the pan.
  • Kitchen Towel - To keep the cooked chapatis warm and soft until serving.

Origin stories

Chapati holds a special place in Indian cuisine, where it originated. It's a staple diet across the country and each region has its own unique way of making it. Interestingly, the art of making chapati is often seen as a measure of a person's cooking skills in Indian households. It's believed that a good cook can roll out perfectly round and soft chapatis. Moreover, the puffing up of the chapati on the pan, a result of steam building up in the dough's layers, is seen as a sign of a well-made chapati. The simplicity of its ingredients and the skill required to make it perfect embodies the essence of Indian cooking — transforming simple ingredients into extraordinary dishes through mastery and patience.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.