Whole Wheat Chapatis Recipes

INDIAN WHOLE WHEAT GRIDDLE BREADS: CHAPATIS

Steps:

• Pour the flour and salt into a large bowl. Slowly pour water into the flour, moving your other hand through the flour in circular motions, until it starts to come together. Then, either in the bowl or on your counter (which you might want to lightly flour to prevent sticking), knead the dough for about 10 minutes. The dough should be soft and pliant.
• Return the ball of dough to the bowl and rub the surface of the dough with a little oil to keep it from drying out. Cover with plastic wrap or a damp cloth and allow to rest about 30 minutes.
• When you're ready to make chapatis, assemble your tools: a small, flat bowl of whole wheat flour, a small bowl of olive oil or melted butter with a small spoon in it, and a paper towel-lined plate or container for the finished breads.
• Heat a flat griddle or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Meanwhile, on a lightly-floured surface, work the ball of dough into a long log. Cut into 12 equal pieces by cutting it in half, and then half again. Cut each of the quarters into 3 equal pieces. Return to the bowl and cover with a damp towel to prevent them from drying out.
• To roll the chapatis: Roll a piece of dough between your palms to form a ball, and then flatten with your palm. Dunk this puck in the bowl of flour, and then roll until it's a 4-inch circle. Spoon about 1/4 teaspoon of oil in the center of the circle, and spread it out almost to the perimeter of the circle using the back of the spoon. Fold the circle in half, then in half again, so it forms a triangle. Seal the edges, and dunk in flour again if it's sticky.
• Start rolling, turning the triangle a quarter turn after each roll, until it's about 6-inches wide, with an even thickness. After some practice you'll be able to roll the chapati and rotate it without picking it up; I do this by weighing down a little on my right hand and pushing the chapati around that way.
• Test the griddle by sprinkling a little flour on it; if it turns brown immediately, it's ready. Flapping the chapati between your hands to remove any excess flour, slap the chapati onto the griddle. It should start darkening almost immediately.
• When small bubbles start to form, spread a little oil over the surface of the chapati, then flip. It should start to puff up. Spoon a little oil over this side too, and when it's puffed up a little more, flip. Press down on the edges of the chapati with your spatula or (if you're brave!) with a dry rag. This will seal the edges and encourage the entire chapati to puff up. If you spot any holes, press down on those too so the air doesn't escape. Allowing the air to stay inside the whole chapati makes it flaky and light. But don't fret if your first few don't puff up; it takes practice! It will still taste delicious.
• Remove to your container. Repeat with the remaining dough, and serve the chapatis hot.

WHOLE WHEAT CHAPATI

Steps:

• Sift together flour and salt in a bowl. Stir in olive oil and water, and then knead until firm and elastic. Divide into four balls, and roll as flat as possible with a rolling pin.
• Heat a frying pan over medium-high heat. Cook the chapati on both sides until golden brown, about 1 minute per side. If desired, sprinkle with additional olive oil before serving.

WHOLE WHEAT CHAPATIS

Steps:

• Whisk whole wheat flour and 1 cup all-purpose flour in a medium bowl. Make a well in the center and add yogurt, salt, and 3/4 cup water. Mix with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
• Turn out dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead, adding more all-purpose flour as needed, until dough is smooth, elastic, and no longer sticky, 8-10 minutes. Dust with more all-purpose flour, wrap in plastic, and let rest at least 1 hour at room temperature.
• Divide dough into 12 pieces. Working with 1 piece at a time and keeping the other pieces covered with plastic wrap, roll out on a lightly floured surface to 8" rounds (if dough springs back when rolled, let rest a few minutes before proceeding).
• Heat a dry large skillet, preferably cast iron, over medium-high heat. Cook a round of dough until lightly charred in spots and browned in others, about 30 seconds per side. Transfer to a wire rack. Repeat with remaining rounds.
• Do Ahead
• Chapatis can be cooked 45 minutes ahead. Wrap in foil and keep warm in a 250°F oven.