Indian bread also known as roti/chapati is a staple food in many Indian households. It is a versatile and nutritious flatbread that complements a wide range of Indian dishes. Here’s an overview of Indian bread
Ingredients
- 2 cups whole wheat flour (atta)
- Water (as needed)
- Pinch of salt (optional)
- Ghee or oil (for brushing)
How to Make Indian Bread
- In a mixing bowl add the whole wheat flour and salt if desired. Mix them well.
- Gradually add water to the flour a little at a time, and start kneading. Continue adding water until the dough comes together and forms a soft smooth ball. The amount of water needed may vary so add it gradually to achieve the right consistency.
- Once the dough is formed cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let it rest for about 15-20 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax and makes the dough easier to work with.
- After resting divide the dough into small equal sized portions. Roll each portion into a smooth ball.
- Take one dough ball and flatten it slightly with your palm. Dust it with a little flour to prevent sticking.
- Using a rolling pin roll the dough ball into a thin circular shape. Start from the center and roll outwards rotating the dough to maintain a circular shape. The thickness can be adjusted to your preference.
- Heat a tawa or a flat griddle over medium high heat. Once hot place the rolled dough on the tawa.
- Cook the bread for about 30-40 seconds or until small bubbles start to appear on the surface. Flip it over using a spatula.
- Cook the other side for another 30-40 seconds until light brown spots appear and the bread puffs up slightly.
- Remove the cooked bread from the tawa and brush it with ghee or oil for added flavor and softness. This step is optional.
- Repeat the process with the remaining dough balls
- rolling and cooking each one.
- Serve the Indian bread hot with your favorite curries dal or vegetable dishes.
- Note: You can keep the cooked bread warm by stacking them on a plate and covering them with a clean kitchen towel.
Enjoy your homemade Indian bread with the delightful flavors and textures it brings to your meal!
Some Tips and Tricks to Make Indian Bread (Roti/Chapati)
Use Good Quality Flour: Choose fresh and good quality whole wheat flour (atta) for better texture and taste. Ensure that the flour is finely ground and free from impurities.
Proper Dough Consistency: Adjust the amount of water gradually while kneading the dough to achieve the right consistency. The dough should be soft, pliable, and not too sticky. Add water as needed, but avoid making the dough too wet.
Resting Time: Allow the dough to rest for at least 15-20 minutes after kneading. This helps the gluten relax and makes the dough easier to roll and results in softer bread.
Rolling Technique: Roll the dough into thin, even circles using a rolling pin. Apply gentle pressure and start from the center, gradually working your way outward. Rotate the dough after every few rolls to maintain a round shape.
Proper Heat: Preheat the tawa or griddle on medium-high heat before cooking the bread. Ensure that the tawa is hot enough to cook the bread quickly and evenly.
Cooking Time: Cook each side of the bread for about 30-40 seconds or until small bubbles start to appear. Flip it over and cook the other side for another 30-40 seconds until light brown spots form. Be mindful not to overcook, as it can make the bread dry and hard.
Puffing: For the bread to puff up, press gently with a clean cloth or spatula on areas where the bubbles form. This encourages the steam to distribute evenly, resulting in a well-puffed bread.
Storage: If you’re making a batch of Indian bread, stack them on a plate and cover with a clean kitchen towel to keep them warm and prevent drying out. They can also be stored in an airtight container for a few hours.
Brushing with Ghee or Butter (optional): For added flavor and softness, brush the cooked bread with melted ghee (clarified butter) or butter before serving. This step is optional but enhances the taste.
Practice and Patience: Making perfect Indian bread takes practice. Don’t be discouraged if your first few attempts aren’t perfect. With time, you’ll develop a knack for getting the right consistency and achieving consistent results.
Remember, making Indian bread is a skill that improves with experience. Experiment with different techniques, adjust the heat if needed, and tailor the process to your preference. Enjoy the process of creating delicious, homemade Indian bread to accompany your favorite dishes!
Nutrition Facts
here are the approximate nutrition facts for one standard-sized Indian chapati (roti), which is typically made from whole wheat flour:
- Serving Size: 1 chapati (approximately 30 grams)
- Calories: 70-80 calories per chapati
Nutritional breakdown per chapati:
- Carbohydrates: 15-20 grams
- Protein: 2-4 grams
- Dietary Fiber: 2-3 grams
- Fat: 0.5-1 gram
- Sodium: 0-5 milligrams
- Potassium: 30-40 milligrams
Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on the size of the chapati and the specific recipe used to make it. Additionally, the nutritional content can change if you add ghee or oil during the cooking process. If you want more precise information, you can check the nutrition label on the packaging of the specific brand of whole wheat flour you’re using.
