Best Simple Roti Recipe Chapati Video

Why We Love This Simple Roti Recipe

If you are a fan of Indian food, you’ve surely had thick and fluffy naan bread. But have you ever enjoyed the magic that is a thin, light Chapati? Chapatis are a type of Indian flatbread, and are a tortilla-like griddle bread made to help scoop up curries. The dough for chapatis is super simple to make with only 4 ingredients, and start to finish these roti are ready in less than an hour. Like naan, they can be quickly cooked in a skillet. But rather than becoming puffy, roti are firmly pressed and stays flat. You can even prep the dough beforehand, and keep it stored tightly wrapped in plastic for up to 36 hours in the fridge! I learned to make them in a small village in India, over 20 years ago, sitting in the dirt with a round wooden board and rolling pin between my legs. This recipe for the Best Simple Roti (Chapati) is inspired by my village cooking lesson all those years ago, and has been my go-to ever since!

What is the Difference Between Roti, Chapati, Naan, and Paratha?

Roti is a type of tortilla-style flat bread, and sometimes includes all-purpose flour and whole wheat flour for a slightly lighter texture. Chapatis are type of roti usually made with just whole wheat flour and are slightly more rustic. Both roti and chapatis are cooked without oil. Paratha are a type of whole wheat roti cooked with oil, so they have a softer interior texture with crispy edges. Naan is made with white flour, and like paratha is a softer and chewier bread. They are traditionally cooked on the side of a tandoori oven, but can be cooked in a dry skillet like roti bread or chapatis, on a grill, or baked in an oven to achieve that signature puff.

We are big fans of all these variations – heck, let’s be honest – we’re big fans of any bread, regardless of the different names. Yet because I’ve spent the most time in southern India where chapatis are very popular, these are personally my favorite. I hope you try this traditional recipe and love this easy chapati recipe as much as we do!

4 Ingredients You Need

Whole wheat flour – or traditional atta flour, often used in western Asia recipes Ghee – AKA clarified butter, or use standard butter softened to room temperature Water – must be hot for sturdy and tender roti bread Salt – just a bit for seasoning

Pro Tip: Chapatis do have a sturdy, rustic texture. This makes them great for eating with rich and thick curry dishes. If you want a softer and lighter texture, use a combination of 1 cup all-purpose flour and 1 cup whole wheat flour to make Indian roti.

How to Make Easy Chapatis (Roti)

Pro Tip: There should be some brown color in spots, but you don’t want to burn the chapati bread. Turn the heat down if the first couple chapatis start to turn too dark!

Serving Suggestions

To put it lightly, we LOVE curries! These soft yet sturdy chapatis are perfect for scooping up your favorite saucy, rich and delicious curry dishes. Below we share a few of our top fan-favorites.

Chicken and Goat Curry Recipes –

Madras Chicken Curry Instant Pot Butter Chicken Curry Jamaican Goat Curry Recipe Instant Pot Green Chicken Curry Recipe The Best Tahi Panang Chicken Curry Recipe Khao Soi Coconut Curry Soup Recipe

Vegetarian and Vegan Curry Recipes –

Irresistible Mung Daal (Moong Dal) Crockpot Chickpea Curry Recipe Panang Curry Recipe with Crispy Tofu Irresistible Red Lentil Curry Recipe Slow Cooker Potato Curry Recipe

More Classic Saucy Indian Cuisine Recipes –

Lamb Tikka Masala Paneer Tikka Masala Saag with Paneer Chai Pani’s Malabar Chicken Instant Pot Butter Chicken

I also highly recommend serving Indian roti and saucy dishes with creamy and cool homemade raita, crisp and crunchy kachumber salad, plus fluffy basmati rice or fragrant Indian rice.