How to make Chapati | Healthy Dinner| Nestlé Family Club Sri Lanka

Chapati, also known as roti, is a fundamental staple bread that forms the backbone of countless meals across South Asia and beyond.
This unleavened flatbread represents simplicity at its finest, requiring only basic pantry ingredients yet delivering incredible versatility and satisfaction.
Whether served alongside spicy curries, used to scoop up dal, or enjoyed with vegetables, chapati provides the perfect neutral canvas that complements bold flavors while offering substantial nutrition and comfort.
The art of making perfect chapati lies in achieving the ideal dough consistency and mastering the cooking technique that creates those characteristic light brown spots and delightful puffing.
This time-honored recipe has been passed down through generations, with each family adding their own subtle touches to create their signature version.
Serve these fresh, warm chapatis alongside your favorite curries, dal, vegetables, or even simple butter and sugar for a delightful treat.
Store leftover chapatis wrapped in foil and reheat gently on a dry pan when needed.

Ingredients

2 and 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
2 tablespoon oil
Salt as required
Water as required (warm)

Method

Step 1

Take a large mixing bowl and combine two cups of whole wheat flour with approximately one cup of warm water, salt, and oil. Begin mixing these ingredients thoroughly, then start kneading to form a cohesive dough. The consistency is crucial – ensure the dough is neither too thick nor too thin, but achieves a soft, pliable texture that's easy to work with. Gradually add additional warm water if needed to achieve the perfect consistency. Continue kneading for 8-10 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.

Step 2

Divide the prepared dough into equal-sized portions and roll them into smooth balls, approximately golf-ball sized. Place these dough balls on a clean, flat surface and cover with a damp cloth to prevent drying. Using a rolling pin, flatten each ball into thin, circular chapatis, maintaining even thickness throughout. Keep dusting with dry flour regularly to prevent the dough from sticking to the rolling pin or surface.

Step 3

Once your chapatis achieve the perfect round shape with uniform thickness, place a heavy-bottomed pan or cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Allow the pan to heat thoroughly – this ensures even cooking and proper puffing.

Step 4

Carefully place one chapati onto the heated pan and cook for 1-2 minutes until small bubbles begin forming on the surface. Using tongs, flip to the other side and cook until light brown spots appear. Maintain medium heat throughout the process, as excessive heat will burn the chapati before it cooks through properly. Watch for the magical moment when the chapati begins to puff up like a balloon – this indicates perfect cooking. Once golden spots appear on both sides and puffing occurs, remove immediately and wrap in clean kitchen towels to retain warmth and softness.

Chapati