Chapati (Indian Flat Bread)

breezermom's Note:

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 Lamb or Pork Koftas - India 482643.

• Total Time: 2 hrs 46 mins
• Prep Time: 2 hrs 10 mins
• Cook Time: 36 mins

Ingredients:

Yield: 24 Chapati

• 2 cups whole wheat flour
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup warm water (110Ã to 115Ã )
• all-purpose flour, for kneading and shaping
• usli ghee or shortening for your griddle and to brush the chapati

Directions:

1. 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).
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Sprinkle some flour over the flattened balls. Cover with plastic wrap. Let rest for 30 minutes.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. Stack the hot Chapati in a napkin-lined breadbasket to keep warm. Serve immediately.

Reviews

[:(]

This is an excellent recipe for chapatis, except I don't care to have the ghee/shortening brushed on it after grilling. I tried one like that, then skipped doing it for the rest. We also adore stuffed chapati so I added methi (fenugreek leaves) and sliced chillies to the dough, which gives it extra flavor without changing the outcome of the chapatis. I do recommend the griddle be almost smoking hot since it should only grill briefly, until it puffs, which it should do almost immediately. Oh, and I also didn't need that last 30 minutes of rest time, since I kept the dough nicely warm while it rested for the first hour. Thanks for sharing-

[MsPia]

We loved it!

[KateL]

Very good taste, even with such a simple ingredient list. I admit, I let my ABM knead the dough. Madhur Jaffrey says people keep the little balls kept damp in the refrigerator and use them as needed. So I made one for a test, and will see how the refrigerated chapati (I covered each layer of balls with a damp paper towel) works tomorrow. I'm not used to rolling out dough, so please excuse my practice chapati (it still tasted fine.) Made for The Wild Bunch for ZWT8 Family Picks.