How to make masala chapati

What is Masala Chapati?

The term “masala” refers to a mixture of spices used in Indian cooking. So, masala chapati is a type of chapati that is cooked with the addition of spices. Chapati is a popular Indian flatbread made from whole wheat flour, water, and salt. It is usually cooked on a skillet or griddle and does not contain any fat like oil or butter. Masala chapati can be made by adding any spice mix of your choice to the chapati dough. You can use ready-made spice mixes or prepare your own blend of spices at home.

Ingredients needed for Masala Chapati

You will need some basic ingredients to make masala chapati. The most important one is wheat flour, which forms the base of the dough. You can use whole wheat flour or a mix of refined and whole wheat flour for making the chapati dough. Apart from that, you will need water to knead the dough and salt to season it. You will also need some spices of your choice to make the masala for the chapati. The most commonly used spices are cumin seeds, red chili powder, turmeric powder, garam masala, and coriander powder.

Choosing the right whole wheat flour for Chapati and Masala Chapati

Whole wheat flour is made from the entire wheat kernel, including the bran, germ, and endosperm. It is high in fiber, protein, and other nutrients. Wheat flour used for making chapatis and masala chapatis is usually ground coarsely so that it has a coarse texture. This helps in absorbing more moisture and gives the chapatis a soft texture. There are different types of wheat flour available in the market, such as whole wheat flour, refined wheat flour, and atta (whole wheat flour).

Preparing the masala spice mix for Masala Chapati

The spice mix or masala for masala chapati can be made at home easily. You can use any combination of spices that you like or use a readymade masala mix available in the market. To prepare the masala at home, you will need cumin seeds, red chili powder, turmeric powder, coriander powder, garam masala powder, salt, and oil or ghee. Heat a pan on medium heat and add the cumin seeds. Roast them for a minute or two until they turn golden brown. Add the red chili powder, turmeric powder, and coriander powder and mix well. Fry for another minute and then add the garam masala powder. Mix well and fry for a few seconds. Turn off the heat and let the masala cool down completely. Grind it into a fine powder using a spice grinder or mortar and pestle. Store the masala in an airtight container and use as required.

Making the dough for Masala Chapati

In a large mixing bowl, add wheat flour, salt, and the prepared masala spice mix. Mix well. Add water little by little and knead into a soft dough. Knead the dough well for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes soft and pliable. Apply some oil or ghee on the dough and cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap. Let it rest for at least 30 minutes.

Rolling the dough for Masala Chapati

After the dough has rested, divide it into equal-sized balls. Take one ball and roll it into a circle using a rolling pin. Make sure that the circle is not too thick or too thin. Repeat the same with the remaining dough balls. Once all the dough balls are rolled into circles, heat a tawa or skillet on medium heat. Place one rolled circle on the hot tawa and cook it until it changes color and small bubbles appear on its surface. Flip it over and cook for another minute. Remove from the tawa and apply some ghee or butter on it. Repeat the same with the remaining rolled circles. Serve hot with your favorite curry or dal.

Cooking Masala Chapati on a Tawa or Griddle

Heat a tawa or griddle on medium heat. Once hot, place a rolled chapati on the tawa and cook for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until it turns light brown spots. Flip the chapati over and cook for another 30 seconds to 1 minute. Remove from the tawa and brush with ghee or butter. Serve hot with your favorite side dish or use as needed.

Brushing the cooked Masala Chapati with Ghee or Butter

Once the chapati is cooked, brush it with ghee or butter. This will make the chapati soft and flavorful. It is important to brush the chapati while it is still hot. You can use ghee or butter as per your preference. If you do not have ghee or butter at home, you can use oil as well.

Variations of Masala Chapati

Masala Chapati can be made in different ways. You can add any spice or herb of your choice to the dough or mix it in the dough itself. Some common variations are garam masala chapati, jeera masala chapati, methi masala chapati, and pudina masala chapati.

Sides or dishes to serve with Masala Chapati

Masala chapati is a versatile dish and can be paired with any side dish or curry. Some of our favorites are aloo gobi, dal makhani, chole, and palak paneer.

Tips to avoid common problems when making Masala Chapati

If you have been looking for ways to spice up your Indian meals, then making masala chapati is an easy and delicious option to try. The key to making perfect chapatis is to use a dough that is neither too sticky nor too dry. Add water little by little until you get a soft dough that can be rolled out easily. Also, make sure the dough is not overworked, or the chapatis will turn out hard and chewy. Finally, let the rolled-out chapatis rest for a few minutes before cooking to allow the gluten to relax and make rolling them out even easier.

Health benefits of eating Masala Chapati

Masala chapati is not only delicious but also healthy. It is a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. The spices used in the chapati also have various health benefits. For example, turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties, while cumin helps improve digestion. So, next time you feel like making a quick and healthy snack, why not try making masala chapati?

Conclusion

Making masala chapati is not difficult, and it is a great way to add flavor to your chapatis. Here is a simple recipe to follow:1. To make the dough, mix together wheat flour, salt, and water in a bowl.2. Knead the dough for a few minutes until it is smooth and pliable.3. Divide the dough into small balls and roll them into circles.4. Heat a tawa or griddle over medium heat and cook the chapatis for a few minutes on each side, until they are golden brown and cooked through.5. Serve hot with your favorite chutney or curry.