Chapati (Indian Flat Bread)

     

   


    My interest in Indian Cuisine took over in March when I was handed over a Tandoor Oven for a restaurant project. I thought I knew in concept about indian food, but everything came into perspective the moment I was handed that oven. What really did I know about Indian cuisine? I never even had indian food before, less cooked it!
   Over the past months the taste of India had me worked up, not just in the workplace, but in my head. Spices and flavors of Masala invaded my nose, and I took in every piece of information youtube, blogs and books could give.
 I'm no indian food expert yet (I will let you know when I am able to travel to India), but one of the best recipes I've found in my studies of this culture is in bread. Bread is universal, it is warmth and a whole meal in one.
  The Chapati is that 'go to' recipe I use often. It is versatile, and takes just about 1 hr or less to prepare. And it goes great with alot of meals, not just indian oriented. There are several recipes you can find out there, remember India has different regions and recipes change according to families.

Chapati

• 50 g whole grain flour
• 100 g all purpose flour
• 15 g salt
• 30 g canola oil
• 50-60 ml water

Take a bowl and put these ingredients together, I use a wooden spoon to mix them. You know it is just right when the flour is not visible, and the dough is elastic. There is no need for real kneading, but if you desire you can knead your bread until it reaches an attractive elastic point. 

  Put some flour on your hands and on the surface of the dough to make fist sized balls (10 portions).  I leave to rest with a moist cloth for 10 minutes. 

  After rested, take each ball with flour to avoid sticking, roll out the circles. 

Heat up a non-stick pan with oil, and leave your extended dough to cook. 1.30 minutes per chapati.

Don't be alarmed by the dark spots. You are aiming for this!

A successful Chapati bread is flexible. Eat it with some chicken curry, ricotta fillings, or bean pastes.

You must be able to fold it up, fill it up and eat. Chapati is a common street food, use it wisely!