Roti Chapati Flat Indian Bread Food

ROTI-CHAPATI-FLAT-INDIAN-BREAD

Steps:

• Mix flour, salt, and water to make soft dough, adding water as needed. Knead the dough for about one minute on a lightly greased surface to make it smooth and pliable. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and set aside at least ten minutes..
• Divide the dough into four equal parts. Make smooth balls and press flat. Before rolling the roti press both sides of the ball on a dry floured surface to make them easy to roll.
• Roll to form a six-inch-diameter circle. Use just enough dry flour to roll the roti, as too much flour will make them dry. If the dough sticks to the rolling pin or rolling surface, lightly dust the rotis with dry flour.
• Heat an iron or heavy skillet on medium high heat. To test, sprinkle a few drops of water on the skillet. If the water sizzles right away, the skillet is ready. Place the one roti into the skillet. When the roti start to change color and start puffing flip it over. There will be some golden brown spots.
• Flip again after a few seconds. Using a flat spatula, press lightly on the puffed parts of the roti. This will help the roti puff up. Flip the roti again, until it has light golden-brown spots on both sides.
• Repeat the same process for remaining roties. Butter the roti, the side that is facing the skillet.
• Place the rotis in a container lined with a paper towel. Cover the container after each roti.

CHAPATI

Steps:

• In the bowl of a stand mixer combine the 2 cups (250 g) of flour, salt and 1 tablespoon of ghee.
• Using the dough hook, while kneading at medium speed, gradually incorporate the water until obtaining a soft and elastic dough. It is also possible to use a bread maker or knead by hand. The amount of water to incorporate varies depending on the quality of the whole wheat flour.
• Place the dough on a floured work surface and mill it.
• If necessary, if the dough is not flexible and elastic enough, add a few drops of water to it and knead it for a few minutes on the work surface.
• Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes. This will help the gluten to be released and the dough will become more elastic.
• At the end of 30 minutes, uncover the dough and knead it again, milling it with lightly oiled hands.
• Pour the remaining ghee in one bowl and the remaining flour in another bowl.
• Lightly flour a chakla or a work surface.
• Divide the dough into 12 pieces of equal weight.
• Pass each ball in the flour and place it on the chakla or the work surface.
• Using a belan or a thin rolling pin, roll each ball into a patty about ⅛ inch (2-3 mm) thick and 3 to 4 inches (12 to 15 cm) in diameter.
• Preheat a tawa, skillet or griddle over medium-high heat.
• Take the roti and turn it between the two palms to remove all traces of flour. Transfer the roti to the tawa.
• Flip the roti when the color begins to change and small air pockets form in about 5 to 10 seconds.
• For the other side, bake it directly over the flame using a pair of chimta or metal tongs, until there are brown spots on the roti.
• Place the roti on a baking sheet, brush it with a little melted ghee and, using metal tongs, grill them for a few seconds over a flame on both sides. If there is no direct flame, cook on the tawa for both sides.
• Repeat the process until all the balls of dough are used up.
• Enjoy the hot roti with any curry, dal, or vegetables.

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.

CHAPATI (INDIAN FLAT BREAD)

Steps:

• In a large mixing bowl stir together the whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, and the salt. Add 3/4 cup of the warm water while mixing constantly with your hands till the dough is moist. Add the remaining water, 1 tbsp at a time, mixing constantly with your hands. Keep working the dough till the dough forms a ball and holds its shape. (The dough will be stiff).
• Dampen your hands. Keep the dough in the mixing bowl to knead. Knead in an additional 2 tbsp all-purpose flour, if necessary, to make a moderately stiff dough. Knead dough till smooth and elastic (8 to 10 minutes). Continue dampening hands, as needed, during kneading. The dough is ready for shaping when you can lightly and quickly press two fingertips 1/4 inch into the dough and the dough springs back.
• Shape the dough into a ball. Cover the bowl with a damp towel. Let the dough stand in a warm place for 30 to 60 minutes.
• Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead dough 1 to 2 minutes more. Divide the dough in half. Form each half into a 12 inch long roll. Cut each roll into 12 one-inch pieces. Flatten each piece of dough with the palm of the hand.
• Sprinkle some flour over the flattened balls. Cover with plastic wrap. Let rest for 30 minutes.
• On a well floured surface roll the flattened ball into a circle 7 to 8 inches in diameter, turning the dough over once and firmly pressing and stretching the dough with the rolling pin.
• Roll around the rolling pin, and transfer to a hot, greased griddle or heavy skillet. Cook over medium heat about 1/2 to 1 minute or until tiny brown spots appear. Using tongs, turn and cook 30 seconds more. Remove from heat; Brush with Usli Ghee or melted shortening. Repeat with the remaining balls.
• Stack the hot Chapati in a napkin-lined breadbasket to keep warm. Serve immediately.

INDIAN-SPICED CHAPATI FLAT BREAD

Steps:

• Mix flour, salt, cumin, and garlic together in a bowl.
• Stir in water and oil.
• Knead for 2-3 minutes, till dough is somewhat soft.
• Let sit for 25-30 minutes in a warm draft-free place.
• Divide dough into 4 balls and flatten each until 4-5 inches in diameter by hand or with a well-oiled rolling pin.
• Heat a frying pan on high heat and place one flattened ball in the pan. Do NOT use oil in the pan.
• When the dough becomes mostly translucent, flip it and cook the other side.
• When both sides are slightly browned, remove from pan and immediately spread one side of the bread with margarine. Repeat with the other 3.
• Serve hot.

INDIAN FLAT BREAD - CHAPATI

Steps:

• Mix the flour with room temperature water and stir to combine.
• Knead for about 5 minutes. The dough should be slightly sticky.
• Let it rest for 10 minutes.
• Divide into small balls about half the size of a golf ball and dip into extra flour.
• Roll with a rolling pin into thin ½ cm round pancakes.
• Heat a heavy cast iron pan.
• Put the chapati onto the pan and cook for about 30 seconds than turn over and cook on the other side. When it starts to get golden on the bottom side turn it over again and cook for another minute. A sign of well done chapati is if it puffs up.
• Remove from the heat and spread ½ tsp ghee on the top side of the chapati.
• Wrap in a clean tea towel until ready to serve.