How to make Soft Chapati

Are you looking for the perfect recipe for soft and delicious chapati? Look no further! This recipe is simple, easy to follow, and the result is the softest chapati you've ever tasted. By following these step-by-step instructions, you'll be able to make the perfect chapati every time. So, grab your ingredients and let's get started!

What Is the Recipe for Soft Chapati?

• Soft chapati, a traditional Indian flatbread, is made with simple ingredients like wheat flour, salt, water, and oil. This recipe combines these basic ingredients with the essence of Indian spices and unique seasoning to create a succulent and flavorful bread that pairs perfectly with your favorite korma or curry dish.
• The soft chapati recipe begins with mixing water and salt in a wide bowl, followed by adding wheat flour to create a soft dough. Kneading the dough with oil and letting it sit allows the flavors to meld and the texture to become just right. Once the dough is ready, it's divided into balls, rolled out, and cooked on a hot tawa until it puffs up, creating the perfect soft chapati.

Why You'll Love Soft Chapati?

• Satisfying Texture: Soft chapati has a light and fluffy texture that is incredibly satisfying to bite into. The dough is kneaded to perfection, resulting in a perfectly soft and pliable chapati that pairs well with any dish.
• Health Benefits: Unlike some other types of bread, chapati is made from whole wheat flour, which means it's packed with fiber and nutrients. This makes it a healthier option compared to refined flour bread, as it aids in digestion and helps maintain a healthy weight.
• Versatile: Soft chapati is incredibly versatile and can be paired with a variety of dishes, from rich and spicy curries to simple and light vegetable preparations. Its neutral flavor allows it to complement a wide range of flavors.
• Family Friendly: Soft chapati is a family favorite, loved by both kids and adults. It's easy to make and can be enjoyed as a part of a hearty meal, making it a staple in many households.
• Traditional Enjoyment: Making soft chapati from scratch is a traditional and time-honored process. The act of kneading the dough and rolling out the chapati can be a therapeutic and enjoyable experience.
• Nutritious Option: Soft chapati is a nutritious and wholesome option for those looking for a healthier alternative to store-bought bread. It's free from preservatives and additives, giving you peace of mind about what you're consuming.

Ingredients for Soft Chapati

• Wheat Flour: A key component in making soft chapati, wheat flour provides the base for the dough, giving it the perfect texture and taste.
• Salt: Adding just the right amount of salt enhances the flavor of the chapati, making it more enjoyable to eat.
• Water: The water is essential for binding the dough together and ensuring the right consistency for the chapati.
• Olive Oil or Any Other Oil: This ingredient adds moisture to the dough, making it softer and more pliable, resulting in a softer chapati.
• Ghee or Oil: Applying ghee or oil while cooking the chapati enhances its flavor and makes it more aromatic, adding a delicious touch to the final product.
• Additional Flour for Dusting: Dusting the chapati with flour while rolling it out prevents it from sticking, ensuring a smooth and perfectly cooked chapati.

How To Make Soft Chapati?

• To make soft chapati, start by mixing water and salt in a wide bowl. Then add 2 cups of wheat flour to the water and knead it into a soft dough, gradually adding more flour if needed. It's crucial to knead the dough for a total of 10 minutes, adding oil halfway through, and letting it rest for 30 minutes to achieve the perfect soft texture.
• Once the dough is ready, divide it into 8 balls and roll each one out into a thin chapati, dusting with flour to prevent sticking. Cooking the chapati on a hot tawa or heavy-bottomed pan is the key to achieving the right texture - it should cook for 20 seconds on one side, then flip and cook for a few more seconds before puffing up when the heat is turned to high.
• The final touch for soft chapati is to apply some ghee on top before serving with your favorite korma. These steps are essential for creating a delicious and soft chapati that complements any meal perfectly. Enjoy!

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a delicious side dish: Soft chapati goes well with a variety of side dishes such as butter chicken, chana masala, or paneer tikka masala. The combination of soft chapati and flavorful side dishes makes for a complete and satisfying meal.
• Serve with raita or salad: Add a refreshing side of cucumber raita or a crisp green salad to balance out the flavors and textures of the meal. The coolness of the raita or salad complements the warm and comforting chapati.
• Accompany with pickles or chutney: Enhance the flavors of the soft chapati by serving it with some spicy mango pickle or tangy coriander chutney. The combination adds an extra kick of flavor to the meal.
• Include a bowl of dal: A bowl of creamy dal on the side adds a rich and comforting element to the meal. The soft chapati pairs perfectly with the hearty and nutritious dal, making it a wholesome and satisfying dish.
• Pair with steamed vegetables: For a lighter option, serve the soft chapati with a side of steamed vegetables such as carrots, green beans, and broccoli. The combination provides a balanced and nutritious meal.
• Offer a variety of chutneys and dips: Provide a selection of chutneys, dips, and sauces such as mint chutney, tamarind date chutney, and garlic yogurt dip. These condiments add layers of flavor and enhance the dining experience.

Now that you have your perfectly soft and delicious chapati ready, try pairing it with these suggested side dishes for a delightful and complete meal!

Tips for how to make Soft Chapati

• Preparation Duration: The preparation time for making soft chapati is relatively short, with only 30 minutes needed for the dough to rest. This makes it a convenient dish to prepare, especially for busy weeknights.
• Rolling Technique: When rolling out the chapati, ensure that the surface and rolling pin are lightly dusted with flour to prevent sticking. Gently roll the dough into a thin, even circle for a perfect shape and texture.
• Cooking Temperature: It's important to heat the tawa or pan over high heat initially, then reduce to low heat when placing the chapati on it. This helps to cook the chapati evenly and prevents it from burning.
• Checking for Air Bubbles: Keep an eye out for small air bubbles forming on the chapati when cooking. This is a sign that it's time to flip it over and cook for a few more seconds before increasing the heat to puff it up.
• Garnishing for Presentation: Once the chapati is cooked, apply some ghee on top to enhance the flavor and presentation. This step adds a touch of richness to the chapati and makes it more visually appealing.
• Serving Suggestion: Soft chapati can be served with your favorite korma or curry. Consider incorporating fresh herbs or a sprinkle of ground spices on top for an extra pop of color and flavor.

By following these tips, you can create soft, flavorful chapati that will be a hit at any meal.

Variations for Soft Chapati Recipe

• Whole Wheat and All-Purpose Flour Blend: Instead of using only wheat flour, try a combination of whole wheat flour and all-purpose flour for a softer texture and lighter chapati.
• Flavored Chapati: Add different flavors to the chapati dough by incorporating ingredients such as garlic, cumin seeds, or chopped herbs for a unique taste.
• Multigrain Chapati: Experiment with a multigrain blend by adding ingredients like oats, millet, or flaxseeds to the dough for a healthier and nuttier flavor.
• Sweet Chapati: For a twist, add a touch of sweetness by adding a little sugar or honey to the dough and enjoy the soft chapati with your favorite sweet or savory fillings.
• Veggie Chapati: Incorporate pureed vegetables like spinach, carrot, or beetroot into the dough for colorful and nutritious chapatis.
• Spiced Chapati: Add a kick of spice to your chapati by mixing in some red chili powder, turmeric, or other spices for a flavorful and aromatic chapati experience.

How to Store Soft Chapati

• Store in an airtight container: After making soft chapatis, make sure to store them in an airtight container to maintain their freshness. This will prevent them from drying out and becoming hard.
• Keep at room temperature: Soft chapatis can be stored at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. However, make sure to check for any signs of spoilage before consuming.
• Refrigerate for longer shelf life: If you want to store soft chapatis for a longer period, it's best to refrigerate them. Place them in a zip-top bag or airtight container and refrigerate for up to a week.
• Freeze for future use: To store soft chapatis for a longer period, you can also freeze them. Place them in a zip-top bag with parchment paper between each chapati to prevent sticking, and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Proper storage of wheat flour: To ensure the chapatis stay soft, it's important to store the wheat flour properly. Keep it in an airtight container in a cool, dry place to prevent it from becoming rancid.
• Use fresh ghee and oil: When applying ghee or oil on top of the chapatis, make sure to use fresh ones to prevent any rancid flavors from affecting the taste of the chapatis.

By following these simple storage tricks and emphasizing the importance of proper storage for key ingredients, you can maintain the freshness and softness of your homemade chapatis for a longer period.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Question: How can I ensure my chapati turns out soft?

Answer: To ensure your chapati turns out soft, make sure to knead the dough well for at least 10 minutes. Allowing the dough to rest for 30 minutes also helps in achieving soft chapatis.

Question: Can I use a different type of flour for the recipe?

Answer: Yes, you can experiment with different types of flour such as whole wheat flour, multigrain flour, or even gluten-free flour to make variations of soft chapatis.

Question: What can I serve the soft chapatis with?

Answer: Soft chapatis can be served with a variety of dishes such as korma, curry, dal, or even as wraps with fillings of your choice.

Question: Can I make the dough in advance?

Answer: Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just make sure to bring it to room temperature before rolling and cooking the chapatis.

Question: How do I store leftover chapatis?

Answer: Leftover chapatis can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply place them on a hot tawa or microwave for a few seconds.

Question: What if my chapati doesn't puff up?

Answer: If your chapati doesn't puff up, try pressing it gently with a cloth or spatula while cooking. Also, make sure the tawa is hot enough before placing the chapati on it.

How to make Soft Chapati 2019-03-29 04:07:27

Recipe Card

How to make Soft Chapati

Serving Size: 8 medium sized chapatis

Prep Time: 40 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups Wheat flour
• 1 tsp Salt
• 1 cup Water
• 1 tbsp Olive oil or any other oil
• Ghee or oil for applying

Instructions:

• In a wide bowl, mix water and salt well.
• Add 2 cups of wheat flour to the water and mix until combined.
• Knead the flour mixture to a soft dough by adding more flour as needed (approximately 1/4 to 1/2 cup).
• Knead the dough for 5 minutes and then apply 1 tbsp of oil. Knead for another 5 minutes until it becomes soft.
• Cover the dough and let it sit for 30 minutes.
• After 30 minutes, knead the dough again.
• Divide the dough into 8 medium sized balls.
• Roll the balls in the palms of your hands gently.
• Dust with flour and roll each ball into a thin chapati.
• Heat a tawa or heavy bottomed pan over high heat.
• When the tawa is hot, reduce the heat to low and place the chapati on the tawa. Cook for 20 seconds or until small air bubbles form.
• Flip the chapati and cook for a few seconds.
• Turn the heat to high and press the chapati gently.
• Flip again and cook until it puffs up.
• Remove the chapati from the heat and apply some ghee on top. Serve with your favorite korma.

Notes:

• For 2 cups of wheat flour, 3/4 cup of water is enough.

By Santhi Therese, The Indian Claypot: https://theindianclaypot.com/

Step-By-Step Instructions:

Take water and salt in a wide bowl and mix well.

Then add 2cups of wheat to the water and

mix well until combined by using a spoon as shown in the picture.

Now knead the flour mixture to a soft dough by adding more flour as needed.
(It takes 1/4 to 1/2 cup)

Knead it for 5 mins and then apply 1 tbsp of oil

and again knead for 5 more minutes or until it becomes a soft dough as shown in the picture.

Now cover it and let it sit for 30 minutes.

After 30 mins. knead it well once again. Then divide the dough into 8 medium sized balls.

Roll the balls in the palms of your hand gently. Then dust it with flour

and roll it into a little thin chapati.

Meanwhile, heat a tawa or heavy-bottomed pan over high heat. When the tawa becomes hot, reduce the heat to low and place the chapati on the hot tawa and cook it for 20 seconds or until you see some small air bubbles on the chapati.
Now flip over and cook for a few seconds. After a few seconds, turn the heat to high and press the chapati gently. Again flip over and cook until it puffs up as shown in the video.

Now remove the chapati from the heat and apply some ghee on top and serve with
your favorite korma.