Different Varieties of Indian Bread
One of the most famous varieties of Indian bread, naan, often overshadows the other delicious options like aloo paratha, puri, and thepla. Chapati, also known as roti, is a common flatbread found in the cuisines of North India, Southeast Asia, East Africa, and the Caribbean. Similar to tortillas, chapatis are incredibly versatile.
Simple and Versatile Chapati Recipe
While some chapati recipes only require water and atta (finely milled wheat flour), others incorporate oil or ghee and salt for added flavor. A unique recipe from the late chef Rebecca Collerton, who offered chapatis at her renowned Brooklyn pop-up, Mr. Curry, uses a blend of flours and substitutes oil with yogurt to create a softer dough. For those aiming for the authentic taste of homemade chapatis, sourcing high-gluten sharbati atta is key.
Tips for Making Chapatis
Collerton emphasizes the importance of letting the dough rest as it allows the glutens to relax, resulting in better texture. Although chapatis are traditionally cooked on a tawa, a cast-iron skillet can also do the trick. For efficiency, a stovetop griddle allows you to make multiple chapatis simultaneously. When cooking, wait for brown spots to appear on one side before flipping, and consider adding ghee for extra richness.
Perfect Pairings
Chapatis pair well with various dishes like Sweet-and-Sour Tomato Chutney, Curried Meatballs, Beet and Carrot Salad with Curry Dressing and Pistachios, Spiced Rice, and Scallion-Herb Yogurt Sauce.
For more details and the full recipe, you can visit the Bon Appetit website.