**Chapati Breads: A Culinary Journey Through India's Versatile Flatbreads**
In the tapestry of Indian cuisine, chapati breads hold a prominent place, embodying the country's rich culinary heritage. These flatbreads, known for their soft texture and mild flavor, form the cornerstone of many regional cuisines, offering a versatile canvas for a myriad of accompaniments. From the classic chapati to the tantalizing paratha and the delectable poori, each chapati bread tells a unique story, reflecting the diverse culinary traditions of India. Embark on a culinary voyage through the realm of chapati breads, exploring their captivating flavors and textures, and discover the secrets to crafting these delectable flatbreads at home.
The article presents a comprehensive guide to chapati breads, featuring a selection of beloved recipes that capture the essence of these culinary gems. Learn the art of creating the perfect chapati, a staple in North Indian homes, with its signature soft and flaky texture. Discover the secrets to making paratha, a delectable flatbread often stuffed with savory fillings, a testament to India's culinary ingenuity. Unleash your inner culinary creativity with poori, a deep-fried delight that transforms humble dough into a crispy, golden marvel.
As you delve deeper into the world of chapati breads, you'll encounter a symphony of flavors and textures. Experiment with the tantalizing flavors of methi paratha, infused with aromatic fenugreek leaves. Embark on a taste adventure with aloo paratha, a delightful combination of spiced potatoes wrapped in flaky paratha. Indulge in the crispy bliss of poori bhaji, where fluffy pooris are paired with a flavorful vegetable curry.
Whether you're a seasoned home cook or a novice in the kitchen, this article provides a wealth of knowledge and guidance, empowering you to recreate these culinary wonders in your own home. With detailed step-by-step instructions, expert tips, and a comprehensive ingredient list for each recipe, you'll be able to effortlessly craft these chapati breads, bringing the vibrant flavors of India to your table.
CHAPATI (INDIAN FLAT BREAD)
Chapati is the most commonly eaten bread in Northern India. It is very similar in shape to the Mexican tortilla, but very different in texture and flavor. If you make Chapati ahead of time, reheat before serving by wrapping a stack in foil and heat in a 325° oven for 10 to 15 minutes. If they seem dry, sprinkle a little water before reheating. Prep time does include dough standing time. Serve with Recipe #482643 482643.
Provided by breezermom
Categories Breads
Time 2h46m
Yield 24 Chapati
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- In a large mixing bowl stir together the whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, and the salt. Add 3/4 cup of the warm water while mixing constantly with your hands till the dough is moist. Add the remaining water, 1 tbsp at a time, mixing constantly with your hands. Keep working the dough till the dough forms a ball and holds its shape. (The dough will be stiff).
- Dampen your hands. Keep the dough in the mixing bowl to knead. Knead in an additional 2 tbsp all-purpose flour, if necessary, to make a moderately stiff dough. Knead dough till smooth and elastic (8 to 10 minutes). Continue dampening hands, as needed, during kneading. The dough is ready for shaping when you can lightly and quickly press two fingertips 1/4 inch into the dough and the dough springs back.
- Shape the dough into a ball. Cover the bowl with a damp towel. Let the dough stand in a warm place for 30 to 60 minutes.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead dough 1 to 2 minutes more. Divide the dough in half. Form each half into a 12 inch long roll. Cut each roll into 12 one-inch pieces. Flatten each piece of dough with the palm of the hand.
- Sprinkle some flour over the flattened balls. Cover with plastic wrap. Let rest for 30 minutes.
- On a well floured surface roll the flattened ball into a circle 7 to 8 inches in diameter, turning the dough over once and firmly pressing and stretching the dough with the rolling pin.
- Roll around the rolling pin, and transfer to a hot, greased griddle or heavy skillet. Cook over medium heat about 1/2 to 1 minute or until tiny brown spots appear. Using tongs, turn and cook 30 seconds more. Remove from heat; Brush with Usli Ghee or melted shortening. Repeat with the remaining balls.
- Stack the hot Chapati in a napkin-lined breadbasket to keep warm. Serve immediately.
CHAPATI (EAST AFRICAN BREAD)
This is taken from the Congo Cookbook. Unleavened bread that is very popular and is served with many curry dishes. I am estimating the servings as I have not made this yet. It looks good and simple so I do plan on making.
Provided by Auntie Jan
Categories Breads
Time 1h
Yield 6-10 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 4
Steps:
- All ingredients should be allowed to come to room temperature if they have been in the refrigerator.
- Mix flour and salt in a bowl.
- Slowly mix in enough water to make a thick dough.
- Mix in one spoonful oil.
- Knead dough on a cool surface for a few minutes, adding a few spoonfuls of dry flour.
- Return dough to the bowl, cover with a clean cloth, and let it rest for thirty minutes.
- Lightly grease (with cooking oil) and pre-heat a skillet or griddle.
- Divide the dough into orange-sized balls. Flatten them into six-inch circles. Fry them in the skillet or griddle, turning once, until each side is golden brown and spotted.
- Place in warm oven as they are done and serve with butter and any curry, stew or soup dish.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 158.3, Fat 1.2, SaturatedFat 0.2, Sodium 388.4, Carbohydrate 31.8, Fiber 1.1, Sugar 0.1, Protein 4.3
CHAPATI (EAST AFRICAN BREAD)
Adopted from Indian cuisine, chapatis have been a part of East African cuisine for centuries. The East African recipe is slightly different from its Indian counterpart. This bread accompanies African soups and stews well. Preparation is minimal, making this a great choice for cooks that are in a pinch.
Provided by Jamie
Categories Bread Quick Bread Recipes
Time 1h10m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Mix 2 cups flour and salt together in a bowl. Slowly mix in enough water to make a thick dough. Mix in oil until combined.
- Knead dough on a cool surface for a few minutes, adding a few spoonfuls of flour. Return dough to the bowl, cover with a clean cloth, and let rest for 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 200 degrees F (95 degrees C).
- Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat.
- Divide dough into orange-sized balls. Flatten into 6-inch circles. Fry in batches in the hot skillet, turning once, until golden brown and spotted, 6 to 8 minutes. Repeat with remaining dough. Keep chapatis warm in the oven.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 181.6 calories, Carbohydrate 32.5 g, Fat 3.4 g, Fiber 1.1 g, Protein 4.4 g, SaturatedFat 0.5 g, Sodium 389.3 mg, Sugar 0.1 g
CHAPATI BREADS
My daughter and I prepare this Indian flatbread frequently. It is so fun to make and goes well with any spiced dish. We use the extras to make sandwich wraps. -Joyce McCarthy, Sussex, Wisconsin
Provided by Taste of Home
Time 25m
Yield 10 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- In a large bowl, combine the flours, salt and, if desired, garlic powder. Stir in water and oil. Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, 8-10 minutes. Cover and let rest for 30 minutes. Divide dough into 10 portions. On a lightly floured surface, roll each portion into a 6-in. circle. In a large cast-iron or other heavy skillet, cook breads over medium heat until lightly browned, 1 minute on each side. Keep warm.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 113 calories, Fat 3g fat (0 saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 237mg sodium, Carbohydrate 19g carbohydrate (0 sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges
INDIAN WHOLE WHEAT GRIDDLE BREADS: CHAPATIS
Provided by Aarti Sequeira
Time 1h15m
Yield 12 chapatis
Number Of Ingredients 4
Steps:
- Pour the flour and salt into a large bowl. Slowly pour water into the flour, moving your other hand through the flour in circular motions, until it starts to come together. Then, either in the bowl or on your counter (which you might want to lightly flour to prevent sticking), knead the dough for about 10 minutes. The dough should be soft and pliant.
- Return the ball of dough to the bowl and rub the surface of the dough with a little oil to keep it from drying out. Cover with plastic wrap or a damp cloth and allow to rest about 30 minutes.
- When you're ready to make chapatis, assemble your tools: a small, flat bowl of whole wheat flour, a small bowl of olive oil or melted butter with a small spoon in it, and a paper towel-lined plate or container for the finished breads.
- Heat a flat griddle or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Meanwhile, on a lightly-floured surface, work the ball of dough into a long log. Cut into 12 equal pieces by cutting it in half, and then half again. Cut each of the quarters into 3 equal pieces. Return to the bowl and cover with a damp towel to prevent them from drying out.
- To roll the chapatis: Roll a piece of dough between your palms to form a ball, and then flatten with your palm. Dunk this puck in the bowl of flour, and then roll until it's a 4-inch circle. Spoon about 1/4 teaspoon of oil in the center of the circle, and spread it out almost to the perimeter of the circle using the back of the spoon. Fold the circle in half, then in half again, so it forms a triangle. Seal the edges, and dunk in flour again if it's sticky.
- Start rolling, turning the triangle a quarter turn after each roll, until it's about 6-inches wide, with an even thickness. After some practice you'll be able to roll the chapati and rotate it without picking it up; I do this by weighing down a little on my right hand and pushing the chapati around that way.
- Test the griddle by sprinkling a little flour on it; if it turns brown immediately, it's ready. Flapping the chapati between your hands to remove any excess flour, slap the chapati onto the griddle. It should start darkening almost immediately.
- When small bubbles start to form, spread a little oil over the surface of the chapati, then flip. It should start to puff up. Spoon a little oil over this side too, and when it's puffed up a little more, flip. Press down on the edges of the chapati with your spatula or (if you're brave!) with a dry rag. This will seal the edges and encourage the entire chapati to puff up. If you spot any holes, press down on those too so the air doesn't escape. Allowing the air to stay inside the whole chapati makes it flaky and light. But don't fret if your first few don't puff up; it takes practice! It will still taste delicious.
- Remove to your container. Repeat with the remaining dough, and serve the chapatis hot.
INDIAN CHAPATI BREAD
A simple but delicious recipe for Indian flatbread. Serve with Indian curry, main dishes, or even use to make sandwich wraps. Enjoy!
Provided by INSHA87
Categories Bread Quick Bread Recipes
Time 30m
Yield 10
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- In a large bowl, stir together the whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour and salt. Use a wooden spoon to stir in the olive oil and enough water to make a soft dough that is elastic but not sticky. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface until it is smooth. Divide into 10 parts, or less if you want bigger breads. Roll each piece into a ball. Let rest for a few minutes.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat until hot, and grease lightly. On a lightly floured surface, use a floured rolling pin to roll out the balls of dough until very thin like a tortilla. When the pan starts smoking, put a chapati on it. Cook until the underside has brown spots, about 30 seconds, then flip and cook on the other side. Continue with remaining dough.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 110 calories, Carbohydrate 18.2 g, Fat 3 g, Fiber 1.8 g, Protein 2.9 g, SaturatedFat 0.4 g, Sodium 234 mg, Sugar 0.1 g
CHAPATIS
We can't resist a warm chapati with our favourite curry. This traditional Indian side dish is easier than you think and only takes a handful of ingredients
Provided by Member recipe by hbridge
Categories Side dish
Time 25m
Yield Makes 10
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- In a large bowl, stir together the flours and salt. Use a wooden spoon to stir in the olive oil and enough water to make a soft dough that is elastic but not sticky.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 5-10 mins until it is smooth. Divide into 10 pieces, or less if you want bigger breads. Roll each piece into a ball. Let rest for a few mins.
- Heat a frying pan over medium heat until hot, and grease lightly. On a lightly floured surface, use a floured rolling pin to roll out the balls of dough until very thin like a tortilla.
- When the pan starts smoking, put a chapati on it. Cook until the underside has brown spots, about 30 seconds, then flip and cook on the other side. Put on a plate and keep warm while you cook the rest of the chapatis.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 121 calories, Fat 3 grams fat, SaturatedFat 0.4 grams saturated fat, Carbohydrate 20 grams carbohydrates, Sugar 0.3 grams sugar, Fiber 2 grams fiber, Protein 3 grams protein, Sodium 0.5 milligram of sodium
Tips:
- Use a fine-grained, high-protein flour like bread flour or all-purpose flour. This will help the chapatis puff up better and give them a soft, chewy texture.
- Make sure the dough is well-hydrated. This will help the chapatis stay soft and pliable.
- Rest the dough for at least 30 minutes before rolling it out. This will allow the gluten to relax and make the dough easier to work with.
- Roll out the dough thinly, about 1/8-inch thick. This will help the chapatis cook evenly.
- Cook the chapatis on a hot, greased skillet over medium heat. This will help them puff up and get those nice golden brown spots.
- Don't overcrowd the skillet. Cook the chapatis in batches if necessary.
- Flip the chapatis frequently so that they cook evenly on both sides.
- Serve the chapatis hot with your favorite toppings. Some popular options include ghee, butter, yogurt, chutney, and pickles.
Conclusion:
Chapatis are a delicious and versatile flatbread that can be enjoyed with a variety of toppings. They are a staple of many Indian and Pakistani cuisines, and they are also becoming increasingly popular in other parts of the world. With a little practice, you can easily make chapatis at home that are just as good as the ones you get from a restaurant.
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