Easy Indian Chapati

Step 1

Put flour and salt (if using) in a large bowl and give them a whisk or alternatively use a fine sieve to sift them through into a bowl. If you do the latter ensure to add all the bran that stayed on the sieve back to the bowl.

Step 2

Start adding lukewarm water and bringing dough together with your hand until there is no flour left at the bottom of the bowl.

Step 3

Depending on the flour you use, you might need more or less water so always add it slowly and never all at once.

Step 4

You will end up with quite shaggy looking ball of dough. It shouldn't be either too dry or too sticky.

Step 5

Take the dough out onto the kitchen counter generously dusted with some flour and start kneading with your hands until the dough is looking smooth, soft and springs back when you poke it with your finger (5-8 minutes).

Step 6

Return dough to the bowl, cover it lightly with damp paper towel and let it rest for 30 minutes.

Step 7

After 30 minutes resting time, divide the dough into 8 roughly equal balls. I like to weigh my dough out using kitchen scales.

Step 8

Cup each dough ball with your hand and gently roll around until nice, smooth and uniform looking.

Step 9

As you start rolling out your chapatis, keep the other dough balls covered with damp paper towel to prevent them from drying out.

Step 10

Dust the kitchen counter and rolling pin generously with flour and roll the dough ball out into a rough circle about 2 mm thick.

Step 11

Heat up the non-stick pan, griddle or skillet until hot.

Step 12

Dust excess flour off the chapatti and gently place it in a hot pan.

Step 13

Let it cook until you notice bubbles appear and/or your chapatti starts puffing up slowly (it won't always happen). Take a look underneath and if you see nice brown coloured spots, it's time to flip. First side might take anything from 30 seconds to almost 2 minutes.

Step 14

Once flipped, let your chapati cook for another 30 seconds or so (again check underneath for a bit of colour). It might be puffing up nicely but it might not. It will be tasty nevertheless so don't be put off.

Step 15

Once done, keep your chapati wrapped in clean kitchen towel which will help keeping it warm and soft.

Step 16

Repeat the process with remaining dough balls and serve!