Chapati Bread is a staple at Indian meals! Simple to make and delicious with curries, grills, used as a wrap, or with saucy dishes, you’ll want to make Chapati for every meal!
What is Chapati Bread?
Chapati bread, a staple of Indian cuisine, is not just a simple flatbread; it’s a cultural icon that embodies centuries of tradition and culinary mastery. Made from whole wheat flour, water, and a touch of salt, chapati is both humble and versatile, finding its place on dinner tables from bustling Mumbai kitchens to serene countryside homes.
You typically make chapati with atta flour (see below for more info on atta). This whole wheat flour adds delicious flavor to the chapati flatbread and also boosts the nutritional value!
Chapati bread is used in the same way as a tortilla in Mexican and Spanish meals. Use chapati as a wrap or to dip or scoop meats, vegetables, and sauces.
What is the Difference between Chapati and Naan?
One difference between chapati and naan is that chapati is not leavened while naan includes a small amount of yeast to help the bread rise. They are both flatbreads but naan tends to be fluffier.
The leavening in naan also means that naan takes longer to make than chapati. Serve Chapati bread more often at casual, family meals and save Naan for special occasions.
Another key difference between chapati bread and naan is that naan typically includes yogurt and is then brushed with butter or ghee, sometimes with garlic and herbs. These extra ingredients make naan a more elevated flatbread that is served as an indulgence.
What is Atta Flour?
Atta flour is a game-changer! Once you try this flour you will want to try it in everything!
Made from finely ground whole wheat grains, atta flour carries a distinct nutty flavor. It has a wholesome texture that lends itself beautifully to dishes like chapati, paratha, and puri. Its high fiber content and rich nutritional profile make it a preferred choice for health-conscious cooks seeking both taste and nourishment.
Atta is a whole wheat flour that includes every component of the wheat grain, meaning the bran, germ, and endosperm. ‘Whole wheat flour’ in the US does not contain whole grains.
Atta flour is very high in gluten which allows you to roll it into very thin sheets without breaking thanks to the elasticity provided by the gluten.
I buy Atta Flour at a local Food Import store but have also purchased it from Amazon in a pinch.
What Do I Serve with Chapati Bread?
Chapati bread pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes, enhancing the flavors and textures of any meal. Traditional accompaniments include:
- Curries: Rich and flavorful curries such as butter chicken, dal (lentil stew), chana masala (spicy chickpea curry), or vegetable korma are perfect companions for chapati. The bread serves as a versatile utensil for scooping up delicious sauces and tender chunks of meat or vegetables.
- Vegetable Stir-Fries: Stir-fried vegetables seasoned with aromatic spices like cumin, coriander, and turmeric complement the simplicity of chapati bread. The combination offers a satisfying balance of flavors and textures, making for a wholesome and nutritious meal.
- Paneer Dishes: Paneer tikka masala, palak paneer (spinach and paneer curry), or paneer bhurji (scrambled paneer) are popular vegetarian options that pair exceptionally well with chapati. The soft and creamy paneer (Indian cottage cheese) harmonizes beautifully with the soft texture of chapati.
- Yogurt and Pickles: A side of plain yogurt or raita (yogurt mixed with vegetables and spices) provides a cooling contrast to the spiciness of curries. Pickles or chutneys add a tangy and refreshing element to the meal.
- Dals and Lentils: Alongside chapati, serve a hearty bowl of dal (lentil stew) or other lentil-based dishes such as dal makhani or tarka dal. The combination of protein-rich lentils and whole wheat chapati offers a nutritious and satisfying meal.
- Rice Dishes: Serve Chapati alongside rice-based dishes like biryani, pulao, or khichdi. The combination of fluffy rice and soft chapati provides a delightful contrast in textures and flavors.
Overall, the versatility of chapati makes it a perfect accompaniment to a wide range of dishes. That allows you to explore different flavor combinations and create a truly memorable dining experience.
You can serve chapati with Chicken Tikka Masala , Chicken Schawarma, or Shakshuka.
Let your imagination and your taste buds go wild!
Chapati
Equipment
- Large Bowl
- Rolling Pin
- Skillet or cast iron pan
Ingredients
- 125 g all-purpose flour
- 375 g atta whole wheat chapati flour
- 8 g sea salt
- 1/2 tsp granulated sugar
- 125 mL milk
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 120 mL water
Instructions
- Sift the flours and the salt together into a large bowl. Mix in the sugar and then make a well in the center.
- In a bowl, add the milk, egg, oil, and water, and whisk to combine. Pour the liquid ingredients into the well in the dry ingredients. Gradually mix the flour into the wet ingredients with a fork or butter knife. Gather the dough together with your hands and knead for about 8 minutes to form a soft dough.
- Cover the dough with a clean, damp cloth and rest for 30 minutes.
- Knead the dough for an additional 2 minutes then divide the dough into 10 equal portions that are about 70 grams each. Roll each one into a ball. Cover with the towel.
- Heat your pan over medium-high heat. While the pan heats, roll each ball out as thinly as you can.
- Place the chapati in the pan and cook for 1 to 2 minutes on each side. Use a damp towel that is folded several times to press down on the chapati while it cooks. Keep it moving around the pan.
- Repeat the rolling and cooking with each ball of dough. Serve Warm. Store leftovers airtight for up to 2 days. Reheat in a hot pan before serving.