BASIC CHAPATTI

BASIC CHAPATTI

There are many different recipes for making chapatti, but this is the way my family has made them for generations. Our version is a healthy one – there is no added salt, oil or any other ingredient, just flour and water, which gives you perfect, simple chapatti that

taste amazing. Use them to scoop up sabjis, curries, chutneys and pickles, and as wraps.

MAKES 12

300g (10½oz) chapatti flour, plus extra for dusting

roughly 175ml (6fl oz) water

ghee, to serve

Put the flour into a bowl. Very slowly, mix in just enough of the measured water to bring the mixture together in a dough – you might not need all the water or you may need a little more, so add just a few drops at a time. This is the best way to achieve a dough that is the correct consistency: smooth but not sticky.

Once the dough has come together, knead it on a clean surface for 2 minutes. Leave it to rest, either in a covered bowl or an airtight box, for 15–20 minutes.

Divide the dough into 12 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball in your hands, then roll each ball in a little flour to dust. Using a rolling pin, roll out each ball into a circle with a diameter of 15–18cm (6–7 inches).

Heat a skillet over medium heat until hot. Carefully transfer 1 rolled-out portion of dough to the hot skillet and cook it for a few seconds on the first

side, then turn. Allow the chapatti to bubble up a little on the second side, which will only take a few seconds, then turn it over again and cook for a few seconds, until it is golden and cooked through, pressing gently on the edges with some kitchen paper or a clean tea towel, which encourages the flatbread to puff up a little. Transfer the chapatti to a serving plate and spread a tiny amount of ghee across the top surface. Keep hot while you repeat the process with the remaining portions of dough. The best way to keep your chapatti soft and warm until serving is to wrap them in foil or in a clean tea towel until ready to eat. Serve the chapatti hot.

This recipe is from Chetna’s Healthy Indian: Everyday Family Meals Effortlessly Good for You by Chetna Makan

If you like this, why not try this recipe for Grilled Halloumi Flatbreads?