How to cook chapati step by step

Soft Chapati the Kenyan Way – Step-by-Step Recipe

Chapati is one of Kenya's favorite flatbreads. Whether it's breakfast with a hot cup of tea or dinner with beef stew, soft, layered chapatis are always a welcome addition to the table. This recipe walks you through how to make soft Kenyan chapati at home using a simple, detailed method.

Why Kenyan Chapati?
Unlike Indian roti or paratha, Kenyan chapati uses oil and is rolled in a specific way to create soft, flaky layers. The result is a richer, more indulgent flatbread.

Ingredients

• 400g all-purpose flour (about 3 cups)
• 1½ teaspoons salt
• 270ml warm water (not hot)
• 1 cup sunflower oil, ghee, or melted margarine (for folding and frying)
• Extra flour for dusting

Before You Start: Key Tips

Use Warm Water: Not cold, not hot. Lukewarm water helps gluten develop and softens the dough.

Rest the Dough: Allow at least 1 hour (2 hours is better) for the dough to relax and absorb moisture.

Do Not Overuse Flour: When rolling, use minimal flour to avoid making the chapati dry and hard.

Use a Heavy Pan: A cast iron pan distributes heat evenly and gives better browning.

Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a large bowl, mix flour and salt. Slowly pour in warm water while stirring with your hand. Knead for 3–5 minutes until smooth and slightly sticky. If too sticky, add just a spoonful of flour. Cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let it rest for 1–2 hours.

Step 2: Divide and Roll
After resting, divide the dough into 6–8 equal balls. Roll each ball into a circle (about 20 cm), apply 1 tablespoon of oil evenly, then lightly dust with flour. Roll it into a log and coil it into a spiral shape. Let these coils rest for 10 minutes covered.

Step 3: Flatten and Fry
Roll each spiral into a flat circle, about 5–6 mm thick. Heat a pan on medium. Place one chapati on the dry pan. After 20–30 seconds, flip it when bubbles form. Spread oil on the top, flip again, and spread oil on the other side. Flip one final time to finish cooking.

Step 4: Keep Warm and Soft
Remove and place in a covered container lined with a kitchen towel. Repeat for all. Stack and cover to keep them soft and warm until serving.

What to Serve With Chapati

• Beef stew or goat curry
• Ndengu (green grams)
• Coconut lentils
• Fried cabbage and sukuma wiki
• Masala chai for breakfast

FAQs

• Why is my chapati hard? You may have used too much flour or overcooked it. Roll evenly and avoid thinness.
• How can I make it soft? Ensure proper resting, use warm water, and oil during cooking. Cover chapatis as soon as they're done.
• How do I reheat? Microwave in a plastic bag for 15 seconds or reheat on a pan under low heat, covered.
• Can I freeze chapati? Yes. Cooked chapatis can be frozen with paper between each and stored in a zip-lock bag for up to a month.

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