Soft Layered Chapati 

There’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly made chapati wafting through the kitchen. Soft, flaky, and full of flavor, these chapatis are a staple in many East African and South Asian homes and once you’ve mastered them, you’ll never look at store-bought flatbread the same way again.

This version is simple and beginner-friendly, using just a few pantry ingredients. With a bit of love and patience, you’ll be pulling soft, golden layers off the pan in no time.

Pair this with >>>> Lentil Curry Recipe

🛒 Ingredients

• 250 grams all-purpose wheat flour
• 150 ml olive oil (or any neutral cooking oil)
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 150 ml warm water

👩‍🍳 Method

1. Mix the Dough
Start by sieving the flour and salt together into a large bowl. Gradually add the warm water, a little at a time, while mixing with your hand or a spoon. Keep going until the dough comes together and stops sticking to your fingers. It should feel soft but not sticky.

2. Knead with Oil
Once you’ve got a smooth dough, add a bit of olive oil and knead it in. This helps give chapati its signature softness and layers. Cover the bowl with a damp kitchen towel and let the dough rest for about 1 hour this is what helps the chapatis turn out tender.

3. Roll & Shape
After resting, divide the dough into small balls. Roll each ball into a circle, then brush the surface lightly with oil. Roll it up into a strip (like a Swiss roll), then coil the strip into a ring. This step helps create those beautiful flaky layers. Cover the rings and let them rest for another 15 minutes.

4. Cook the Chapatis
Heat a heavy pan or skillet over medium heat. Roll each ring into a flat circle and place it on the hot pan. As it cooks, it will start to puff up flip it over, brush lightly with oil, then flip again and cook both sides until golden brown spots appear.

5. Serve Hot
Once done, keep the chapatis warm in a container lined with a clean towel. Serve with your favorite stew like beans, beef, or lentils or enjoy with a hot cup of tea for a cozy, comforting snack.

✨ Pro Tips

• Use warm water not hot for softer dough.
• Letting the dough rest is key to getting soft, easy-to-roll chapatis.
• Olive oil adds flavor, but feel free to use regular cooking oil if preferred.
• To make them extra flaky, you can sprinkle a little flour when layering before coiling.