How to Make Roti or Chapati - A Healthier Alternative to Naan (2024)

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July 15, 2015 0 Comments

How to Make Roti or Chapati - A Healthier Alternative to Naan (1)

How to Make Roti or Chapati - A Healthier Alternative to Naan (2)

If you've ever had Indian food before, then you're probably familiar with naan, the delicious oven or tandoor baked flatbread that's served at most Indian restaurants. What most people don't realize is, most Indians don't eat naan everyday. It's a treat reserved for special occasions. A healthier alternative that is eaten daily in most indian households, is roti (also called chapati or fulka). It's an unleavened flatbread made of just two ingredients - whole wheat flour and water. To make this dish at home you’ll need a rolling pin, a crepe pan and a cooling rack (or any sized rack you have at home) to cook the flatbread on. Sound simple enough? It really is! Here are the steps:

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup of hard whole wheat flour
  • ½ cup of water

Directions:

Pour the flour and water into a bowl, mix with a spoon until it has a chunky consistency.

How to Make Roti or Chapati - A Healthier Alternative to Naan (3)

Knead the dough until it becomes pliable and soft. Add more water as needed, by dipping your hand in a bowl of water.

How to Make Roti or Chapati - A Healthier Alternative to Naan (4)

Place the kneaded dough in a bowl, cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 15 mins.

How to Make Roti or Chapati - A Healthier Alternative to Naan (5)

Remove the dough from the fridge, and dust your working area with flour.

Break off a golf ball sized piece of dough and roll it into a sphere.Then flattenthe ball of dough into a disk with your hands. If the dough becomessticky as you do this then justdust itwith flour. This step is a bit tricky to explain in words so for the step-by-step visuals, watch our YouTube video.

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How to Make Roti or Chapati - A Healthier Alternative to Naan (7)

Preheat your crepe pan on medium-high heat for 5 mins. Also preheat your cooling rack on high over another burner on your stove.

Note: if you have a gas stove then the rack is not needed. See below.*

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Use a rolling pin to roll out the flattened disk of dough into a 6 inch circle. Don’t be afraid to add more flour if the dough gets too sticky.

How to Make Roti or Chapati - A Healthier Alternative to Naan (9)

Flip the dough between your hands to get the excess flour off.If you don’t remove the excess flour in the pan, it canburn and make for a not so greatroti.

How to Make Roti or Chapati - A Healthier Alternative to Naan (10)

Placethe dough on the crepe pan and cook for 30-45 seconds. Flip and cookthe other side for the same amount of time.

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Now transfer the roti to the heated rack and cook until the dough puffs up. Then flip it and cook for another 10 - 15 seconds.

*Note: If you have a gas stove then the rack is not needed and you can perform this step with one of your gas burners on medium low. Be sure to flip the roti a bit more quickly to ensure if does not burn on the fire.

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Serve it warm with a dollop of butter! Getting a roti to be perfectly round takes a bit of practice, but regardless of the shape you make it, it still tastes great!

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If you're making many rotis, it's best to butter them immediatelyand then wrap them in foil to keep them warm before serving.

For a step-by-step video tutorial, watch our Youtube video: How to Make Make Roti

Haven't tried our Jaswant's Kitchen Spice Blendsyet? Go ahead,order ourIndian Cooking Starter Kit. We're so confident you'll love it, we'll give your money back if you're unhappy for any reason.


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How to Make Roti or Chapati - A Healthier Alternative to Naan (2024)

FAQs

Is chapati healthier than naan? ›

Roti is generally considered healthier than naan. Roti is lower in calories and contains zero saturated and trans fats and cholesterol. In contrast, naan tends to be higher in calories and may contain added fats. For a healthier choice, roti is often preferred, especially by those conscious of their dietary intake.

What is a healthy substitute for naan? ›

What most people don't realize is, most Indians don't eat naan everyday. It's a treat reserved for special occasions. A healthier alternative that is eaten daily in most indian households, is roti (also called chapati or fulka). It's an unleavened flatbread made of just two ingredients - whole wheat flour and water.

What is the healthy version of chapati? ›

Bajra, or pearl millet, is another excellent choice for weight loss. It's rich in fibre, protein, and iron, and it also has a low glycemic index. Bajra rotis are known to aid digestion, lower cholesterol, and regulate blood sugar levels. They have a slightly earthy flavour that some people find enjoyable.

Is roti better than chapati? ›

Even though chapati contains carbs and should be consumed in moderation, it has some nutritional value. It also contains dietary fibre, protein and fat. So, it will also keep you satiated for long. The expert recommends eating rotis made of whole wheat and with very little or no oil/ghee while on a weight loss diet.

Is chapati good or bad for weight loss? ›

Chapati can be included in a weight loss diet if consumed in moderation, paired with a balanced diet and regular exercise. Its high fiber content can aid in feeling full and managing calorie intake.

Which Indian bread is healthiest? ›

From health perspective, flat breads made of whole wheat flour (roti/paratha/chapati/phulka) are better than the ones made with all-purpose flour (naan & kulcha). If you're new to this kind of food, I insist you to try all varieties of Indian breads.

What is a healthy alternative to bread in India? ›

Indian flatbread aka roti: Diet culture has given roti a bad rep, but it is one of the easiest and most underrated ways of consuming whole grains, fibre, antioxidants, and protein. You can even mix different grains into the whole wheat base to make your roti flour even more nutritive.

What is the Indian bread that is not naan? ›

So, while naan is a treat that one can indulge in occasionally, here are some Indian breads that can be made in your home every day.
  • Roti or chapati.
  • Paratha.
  • Akki roti.
  • Puri.
  • Bakarkhani.
  • Czot.
  • Pao.
  • Sheermal.
Nov 15, 2021

Is there a healthy naan? ›

Naan bread can be part of a healthy diet, especially if you choose whole grain varieties. Naan bread contains vitamins and minerals like niacin, fiber, and iron, as well as fiber. It also is a good source of carbohydrates, which provide energy.

Which is the best nutritional roti? ›

Ragi Roti

Ragi roti is made from ragi flour and is one of the best roti for weight loss. These rotis are rich in calcium, iron, and fiber, which can help you stay full for longer and avoid overeating. They also contain tryptophan, an amino acid that aids in weight loss by curbing cravings.

How many chapatis should I eat in a day to lose belly fat? ›

Remember that not only chapatis, but even the vegetables and fruits you consume also contain some amount of carbs. In short, how many wheat rotis can you consume in a day actually depends on your calorie intake. Having 4 chapatis in a day is considered optimal for weight loss.

Can I eat roti everyday? ›

It's completely fine to eat rotis daily. My recommendations are to just make sure you're getting enough physical activity to burn the calories you eat daily and to try to use whole wheat flour when making your rotis.

What is more unhealthy rice or roti? ›

Roti is a healthier option compared to rice as it is made from wheat, which is high in fibre, protein, and minerals. It is also low in calories, making it a good option for weight loss. Roti is also a good source of energy, and it can keep you full for longer periods.

Which roti has the lowest calories? ›

How Many Calories Does a Roti Have?
Roti Variety and Portion SizeCalories
1 wheat roti calories (100 grams serving)264
1 jowar roti calories (1 piece, 43 grams)49
1 bajra roti calories (1 piece, 39 grams)119
1 akki roti calories ( 1 piece, 50 grams)150
6 more rows

Is naan healthy or unhealthy? ›

While it may contain more carbs and sugars, it earns its reputation as a healthy alternative with its relatively generous amounts of protein and fiber. Despite its high carb content, naan can be considered a more nutrient-dense alternative to white bread and pita.

Is chapati healthier than white bread? ›

So you might fancy a bread, but find it difficult to digest. Roti, on the other hand, is prepared without any yeast. That's why it's a flatbread, and you're more likely to stay healthier while indulging in it. Given these considerations, roti is definitely a better, healthier option.

Which is more fattening bread or roti? ›

Talking about weight loss, roti is rich in fibre and other healthy nutrients, which makes it a healthier option to lose weight. If you want to eat bread while on a weight loss plan, do not eat them regularly and choose the ones that are uncoloured and made with whole grains.

Which is healthier, naan or paratha? ›

Paratha vs Naan: Nutritional Showdown

Paratha tends to be higher in calories and fat, especially if it's stuffed or layered with additional ingredients. However, it is often made with whole wheat flour and if so, can offer more fiber.

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