May 23, 2016, Updated Sep 11, 2024
Homemade Chapathi
In our half-Indian family, these soft flatbreads are called chapati. They are pretty much identical to what you’d call a whole wheat wrap or flour tortilla in north america and I use them as such. This homemade flatbread is so superior to storebought wraps.
Chapathi bread like this is rolled out by millions of Indian mothers and grandmothers on a daily basis.
It’s a super simple dough with just flour, water, salt and oil. Chapathi are cooked on both sides in a frying pan (a tawa, in India). In my home, I use a cast iron pan.
They’re quick, healthy and easy, and just as perfect for wrapping up leftovers into a portable lunch (like my Indian Chickpea Salad recipe) as they are for pinching bites of succulent Vindaloo pork curry.
This makes a big batch (about 2 dozen) and we always stash leftovers in the freezer. To reheat, I just hold them directly over the gas burner for a few seconds on each side using tongs. They’re warm, soft and flame-kissed in an instant.
How to make soft chapathi
There are two keys to making soft chapathi.
Pro tips and tricks
Chapathi is cooked quickly over high heat, so unless you’re well-practiced, it’s best to have all your circles rolled out before you start cooking to avoid accidentally burning some. If you would like the chapathi to puff up, let your dough rest for longer – 4 hours on the counter, or even overnight in the fridge. Cook on the first side, flip them to the second side for just a couple of seconds, then use tongs to place them over a direct flame of the stove. This intense heat turns the moisture to steam quickly and creates puff. It only works if at least one side is still not finished cooking (if the starch is fully set on the outside, it won’t stretch anymore).
Make chapathi ahead of time
This makes a big batch – you can either roll out what you need today and roll out some more fresh tomorrow, or cook them all and freeze what you don’t use.
If freezing, place between sheets of waxed paper or freeze in a single layer on a large baking sheet first (so you can easily separate them) then seal in a large freezer bag.
Here are some other reader favorite Indian recipes you don’t want to miss
Paneer butter masala Saag paneer / spinach curry Butter chicken Chicken 65
Other Delicious Flatbread Recipes You’ll Love
Turkish Bread (pillowy-soft flatbreads) Roti (super soft flatbreads that puff up beautifully as they cook) Paratha (flaky, layered flatbread) Butter naan (this recipe went totally viral on Instagram) Kheema naan (the viral naan stuffed with spiced meat) Aloo Naan (the viral naan stuffed with potato masala) Fresh Flour Tortillas (an easy recipe to make delicious flour tortillas from scratch)
