Chapati (Unleavened Wheat Flatbread)

By lorik

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups durum wheat flour, divided*
• 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 3 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for brushing
• 3/4 cup lukewarm water, divided, plus more as needed
• Flaky sea salt, to finish
• 1 cup whole-fat yogurt, to serve
• Equal parts all purpose flour and whole wheat flour can be substituted.

Details

Servings 2
Preparation time 150mins
Cooking time 60mins
Adapted from tastingtable.com

Preparation

Step 1

1. In a large bowl, stir together 2 cups of the flour and the salt until combined. Slowly add the oil and ½ cup of the water, simultaneously stirring with your fingertips in a circular motion. Continue to add enough water until the dough comes together, then transfer to a kitchen surface and knead until soft and supple, 10 minutes. Cover with a damp kitchen towel and let rest 20 minutes.

2. Roll and shape the dough into a 2-inch-thick log. Pinch off 12 golf ball-size pieces and roll each piece in between your palms to form a smooth ball; cover with the kitchen towel.

3. Place the remaining flour in a small bowl. Working with 3 pieces at a time, flatten each ball slightly and dunk in the flour bowl. Using a rolling pin, roll each ball into a 6-inch-wide circle.

4. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Slap the rolled chapati between your hands, then slap it onto the hot skillet and cook until small bubbles form, 20 to 30 seconds. Use a pair of tongs to flip the chapati then brush with a little oil. Let cook until small-to-medium bubbles form and the bottom is golden brown, another 30 to 40 seconds. Flip and brush with a little more oil over the surface, then press down on the puffed chapati edges with a dry kitchen towel, gently pushing the air to puff up the center. Cook until puffed and both sides are oiled and browned, 1 minute more.

5. Transfer the chapati to a towel-lined plate, sprinkle with flaky sea salt and fold the towel over the chapati to keep warm. Repeat with the remaining dough pieces. Serve warm with yogurt and pickles.