Cooking Funda: Chapati

Friday, September 10, 2010

Notes To Remember While Making Chapattis - 1

Dear housewives,

I know all you have read out previous article while making of chapattis which gives you more important information about making chapattis. Now you must keep in mind all the following information before going to make more delicious chapatis.

The process of making chapatti is best done 1-2 hours in advance, both because you don't want the hassle of kneading dough as you are getting the meal on the table, and because the kneaded dough improves further if it is allowed to 'rest' for a bit. If you are really sold on the whole chapatti bit, you can even make double quantities, and keep half in the fridge for the next day. But remember that the surface of resting dough has to be protected from drying out, so you must either cover it with a clean damp cloth, or keep it in a food-grade plastic bag or other airtight container.

When the time comes to make the chapattis, put the Tava on medium heat. Put a couple of tablespoons of dry atta on a small plate beside your work surface. Give the rested dough a couple of kneading, then divide it into 10-12 portions, each about the size of a large lime. Take each portion and roll it into a ball between your palms, then squeeze it between the heels of your hands to flatten it a bit. In summer, cover the flattened balls with a clean barely damp cloth so that the surfaces do not dry out.

Sprinkle some dry atta on your chapatti board or clean smooth working surface. Take on flattened ball and dip it in dry atta to coat it on both sides. Put it on the atta-sprinkled surface, and press it down again with the heel of your hand to flatten it further.

Top 3 Questions and Answers on Special Tips to make delicious "Notes To Remember While Making Chapattis"

1. Question: What is the key to making soft and delicious chapattis?

Answer: The key to making soft and delicious chapattis is to knead the dough with warm water until it's smooth and elastic.

2. Question: How can I prevent my chapattis from turning dry and hard

Answer: To prevent chapattis from turning dry and hard, make sure to cover them with a clean cloth as soon as they come off the griddle and store them in an airtight container.

3. Question: What is the secret to achieving perfectly round chapattis?

Answer: The secret to achieving perfectly round chapattis is to practice your rolling technique and use even pressure while rolling out the dough to create uniform circles.

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33. Making of Chapattis (30th Serv)

Thursday, September 9, 2010

Making of Chapattis (30th Serv)

Chapatti is a favorite bread throughout India. The ingredients for this chapatti recipe are simple: flour, water, salt and oil, but it takes practice to make them just right.

Some people like to smear each chapatti with a thin layer of ghee, immediately after it comes off the fire. Though it tastes lovely with ghee, I prefer not to use any. In the days of my childhood, it was considered mean or bad-mannered to serve ghee-less chapattis to guests, but then people were neither fat/overfed, nor prone to heart problems early in life!

Have a look on below method that I have done in my kitchen.

Ingredients: (for 10-12 Chapattis)

Atta - 2 cups
Water - 1 cup
Salt - 1/2 table spoon

Method to make Chapattis:

To prepare the dough (A flour mixture stiff enough to knead or roll), you need a thali or a large platter with a raised rim. Sieve the atta with the salt into this.

Start adding the water, say 1/4 cup at a time, mixing it in with your fingers till it is absorbed and the atta starts to cohere into a stiffish dough (A flour mixture stiff enough to knead or roll).

As the dough starts to form and only a little of the atta remains dry, add the water with circumspection. The idea is to use only as much as is needed to form the dough, which should not be wet and sticky, but also not so stiff as to make it difficult to work with.

Once you have a nice firm ball of dough, the trick of making soft chapattis is to knead it well. It is quite hard work, but satisfying, once you get the knack. Punch the ball of dough with the heel of your hand, and as it flattens out of all over it with your knuckles.

When it gets thin, pull the far edge of the dough towards you with your fingers, and fold it over. Punch, knuckle and pull; punch, knuckle and pull, turning the platter with your other hand as you do so. And that is it. Keep at it for about 5 minutes, till the dough loses its stickiness, and you have the makings of lovely soft supple chapattis and serve it to your beloved hubby and kids.

Top 3 Questions and Answers on "Making of Chapattis"

1. Question: What is the key ingredient for making perfect chapattis?

Answer: The key ingredient for making perfect chapatti is whole wheat flour, also known as atta.

2. Question: How can you ensure that chapattis turn out soft and fluffy?

Answer: To ensure soft and fluffy chapattis, knead the dough with warm water, rest it for at least 30 minutes, and roll them evenly before cooking on a hot griddle or Tava.

3. Question: What is the traditional method of cooking chapatti, and why is it preferred?

Answer: The traditional method of cooking chapatti is on an open flame, as it allows them to puff up and develop a smoky flavor, making them more flavorful and enjoyable.