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Vegan roti chapati

Vegan Masala Recipe

Vegan roti chapati

These everyday vegan rotis are soft, supple and made with whole-wheat flour, water and a little practice. Cooked on a hot tawa, they are the natural companion to dal, sabzi and curry.

Recipe by How our recipes are created

30 minPrep: 15 minCook: 15 minServes 8IndianVegan
chapatiwhole wheatflatbread

From the kitchen

What to expect

Roti is simple food that teaches you by touch. The dough should feel soft without sticking, and each round needs only enough time on the pan to spot, puff and stay pliable.

Serving idea

Best served simply

Serve with dal, sabzi or a simple pickle, and keep the chapatis wrapped in a towel until the meal is ready.

Useful equipment

Tools that make this recipe easier

These are optional paid links to relevant Amazon UK product examples. If you make a qualifying purchase, Vegan Masala may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Flat tawa used for Indian breads

Vegan Masala recommends

La Cuisine Pre-Seasoned Cast-Iron Tawa, 28cm

A broad, flat surface helps breads and dosas cook evenly and develop their characteristic spots.

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Cook the recipe

Method

  1. 1

    In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups atta flour and 1 teaspoon salt.

  2. 2

    Gradually add 3/4 cup water, mixing with a spatula or your hands until a dough starts to come together. Add a little more water only if the flour still looks dry.

  3. 3

    Knead the dough for a few minutes until smooth and elastic. If it feels sticky, dust with a little more atta flour as you work.

  4. 4

    Cover the dough with a damp cloth and rest for 25 to 30 minutes.

  5. 5

    Knead the rested dough briefly, then divide it into 8 equal portions.

  6. 6

    Shape one portion into a smooth ball and flatten it lightly with your palm.

  7. 7

    Dust the work surface and rolling pin with atta flour, then roll the dough into an oval. Turn it 90 degrees and roll again into a circle about 5 to 6 inches across.

  8. 8

    Repeat with the remaining portions, dusting lightly as needed so the dough does not stick.

  9. 9

    Heat a cast-iron or non-stick pan over medium-high heat until hot.

  10. 10

    Place one chapati in the pan and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, until small bubbles appear and the surface starts to lift. Flip and cook the second side for about 1 minute, until light golden spots appear.

  11. 11

    Cook the remaining chapatis the same way and serve them hot. If you like, finish each one over an open flame for a few seconds to encourage puffing.

Gather everything first

Ingredients

  • 2 cups atta flour (or whole wheat flour), plus extra for dusting
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4-1 cup water

A few useful notes

Notes

  • Use atta flour if you can; it gives chapati a softer, more flexible texture than standard whole wheat flour.
  • The dough should feel soft, not stiff. If it is too firm, the chapatis will crack at the edges when rolled.
  • A well-heated pan matters. If the pan is too cool, the chapati dries out before it cooks through.
  • Keep cooked chapatis wrapped in a clean kitchen towel so they stay supple while you finish the batch.
  • Leftovers keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on a hot pan for a few seconds on each side, or wrap briefly in foil to warm through.

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Learn the technique