Chapati (East African Bread)

Sep 26, 2025
by Abraham Fisher
- 4.5 / 5 ( 2 Ratings)
1 Likes

PREP TIME

15 mins
COOK TIME

20 mins
TOTAL TIME

1 hrs 5 mins
SERVING

6 People
VIEWS

6

Embark on a culinary journey to East Africa with this delightful flatbread. A staple adopted from Indian traditions, this version offers a unique East African twist, perfect for scooping up flavorful stews and curries. Simple to prepare, it's a rewarding bake for any home cook.

Ingridients

Adjust Servings

2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted

1 teaspoon salt

0.75 cup warm water, or as needed

1 teaspoon vegetable oil

2 teaspoons all-purpose flour, or as needed for kneading

1 tablespoon vegetable oil, for cooking

Nutrition

Carbohydrate

33 g
Fiber

1 g
Protein

4 g
Saturated Fat

1 g
Sodium

389 mg
Sugar

0 g
Fat

3 g
Unsaturated Fat

0 g

Follow The Directions

01

Step

In a large bowl, whisk together the sifted flour and salt until well combined. (2 minutes)

02

Step

Gradually add the warm water, mixing until a thick dough forms. Incorporate 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil into the dough until fully absorbed. (5 minutes)

03

Step

Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, using the additional 2 teaspoons of flour as needed to prevent sticking. The dough should be smooth and elastic.

04

Step

Return the dough to the bowl, cover with a clean, damp cloth, and let it rest for at least 30 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax, resulting in a softer chapati. (30 minutes)

05

Step

Preheat your oven to 200 degrees F (95 degrees C) to keep the cooked chapatis warm.

06

Step

Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. The surface should be hot enough that a drop of water sizzles and evaporates quickly.

07

Step

Divide the dough into equal portions (about the size of a small orange). On a lightly floured surface, roll each portion into a thin circle, approximately 6 inches in diameter. (10 minutes)

08

Step

Carefully place each chapati onto the hot skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown spots appear and the bread begins to puff up. (6-8 minutes per batch)

09

Step

Transfer the cooked chapatis to the preheated oven to keep warm until ready to serve. Repeat with the remaining dough.

For a richer flavor, try using ghee (clarified butter) instead of vegetable oil for cooking.
Don't overcrowd the skillet; cook the chapatis in batches to ensure even browning.
If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, one teaspoon at a time, until it becomes manageable.
Serve warm with your favorite East African stews, curries, or grilled meats.

You need to login to claim your token

🔐 Login to get token

Abraham Fisher

Written by

Our recipe authors are passionate food lovers who share thousands of diverse dishes from around the world. They bring daily cooking inspiration with delicious, easy-to-make recipes for every occasion.