East African Chapati
Chapati is a beloved unleavened flatbread from East Africa, particularly popular in the Congo region. This versatile bread is characterized by its soft and flaky texture, making it the perfect accompaniment to a variety of dishes, such as spicy curries, hearty stews, and comforting soups. The simplicity of the ingredients and the ease of preparation make it an ideal choice for home cooks looking to add an authentic touch to their meals. Served warm, this chapati can be enjoyed by tearing pieces off and using them to scoop up flavorful dishes, enhancing the dining experience.
6-10 servings
Servings
80
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
all-purpose flour
2 cups (sifted)
salt
1 teaspoon (none)
cooking oil
1 teaspoon (none)
warm water
as needed (none)
Instructions
1
Allow all ingredients to come to room temperature if they have been refrigerated.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sifted flour and salt, stirring to ensure an even distribution.
3
Gradually add warm water, a little at a time, mixing with your hands or a spoon until a thick and cohesive dough forms.
4
Incorporate 1 teaspoon of cooking oil into the dough, kneading until smooth and elastic, about 5-7 minutes. If needed, sprinkle a small amount of flour on your work surface to prevent sticking.
5
Shape the kneaded dough into a ball, place it back into the bowl, and cover with a clean cloth. Allow it to rest for at least 30 minutes to develop texture.
6
Preheat a skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease it with cooking oil.
7
Divide the rested dough into equal portions, forming orange-sized balls. Roll each ball out on a floured surface into six-inch circles, ensuring even thickness.
8
Cook each chapati in the preheated skillet for about 1-2 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and slightly puffed. Adjust heat as necessary to prevent burning.
9
Keep the cooked chapati warm in a low oven while you finish cooking the remaining pieces.
10
Serve warm with butter and your choice of curry, stew, or soup for a delightful meal.
Nutrition Information
14g
Carbs
2g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is East African Chapati?
East African Chapati is a beloved unleavened flatbread characterized by its soft and flaky texture, popular in East Africa and the Congo region.
Is East African Chapati leavened?
No, it is an unleavened bread, meaning it does not use rising agents like yeast or baking powder.
What is the typical texture of this chapati?
This chapati is known for being soft and flaky.
What dishes pair well with East African Chapati?
It is the perfect accompaniment to spicy curries, hearty stews, and comforting soups.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
There are 4 main ingredients: all-purpose flour, salt, cooking oil, and warm water.
What type of flour should be used?
The recipe calls for sifted all-purpose flour.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, East African Chapati is a vegetarian-friendly side dish.
How long should the dough be kneaded?
The dough should be kneaded for about 5-7 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.
How long does the dough need to rest?
The dough should rest for at least 30 minutes to develop its texture.
What temperature should the ingredients be?
All ingredients should be allowed to come to room temperature if they have been refrigerated.
How much water is needed?
Warm water should be added gradually as needed until a thick and cohesive dough forms.
How much oil is mixed into the dough?
One teaspoon of cooking oil is incorporated into the dough during the kneading process.
What size should the dough portions be?
The dough should be divided into equal portions shaped like orange-sized balls.
How large should each chapati be rolled out?
Each dough ball should be rolled out into a six-inch circle.
What is the best way to cook the chapati?
Cook each piece in a preheated skillet or griddle over medium heat for 1-2 minutes per side.
How do I know when the chapati is finished cooking?
It is done when it is golden brown and slightly puffed on both sides.
What should I do if the dough sticks to the work surface?
You can sprinkle a small amount of flour on your work surface to prevent sticking.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 6 to 10 servings.
How many calories are in a serving of chapati?
There are approximately 80 calories per serving.
What is the carbohydrate content?
Each serving contains 14g of carbohydrates.
How much protein is in one serving?
There are 2g of protein per serving.
How can I keep the chapati warm while cooking the rest?
Keep the cooked chapatis warm in a low oven until the entire batch is finished.
What is the recommended serving suggestion?
Serve warm with butter and your choice of curry, stew, or soup.
Is this recipe considered a quick bread?
Yes, it is categorized as a quick bread and a flatbread.
What is the cultural origin of this recipe?
It is an East African dish and an adaptation of Indian cuisine.
How is the dough shaped before rolling?
The kneaded dough is shaped into a ball and allowed to rest before being divided.
Does the flour need special preparation?
Yes, the all-purpose flour should be sifted before mixing.
What heat setting should be used for the skillet?
Use medium heat, adjusting as necessary to prevent burning.
How do you eat East African Chapati?
It is traditionally enjoyed by tearing pieces off and using them to scoop up flavorful dishes.
What is the primary seasoning used?
One teaspoon of salt is used to season the dough.