Phulka Recipe /Chapati/Roti (Puffed Indian Bread)

Phulka is a type of Indian flat bread.  It is usually served with curries or vegetables. It is are called phulka because as you fry them, they puff up into a spherical shape. (Phulka means blooming or puffed up in Hindi). Ideally cooked on a gas range, you cook the phulkas on a girdle on one side, flip it and then cook the other side directly on the gas stove. These are a staple in most Indian homes.
Servings: 12 yield(s)
Ingredients
  • 2 cups wheat flour
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 2 tbsp. oil
  • some water to knead the dough (about 1 cup)
  • a little ghee (clarified butter) (optional)
Instructions
  1. In a wide vessel, take the flour, salt and half the oil and mix well. Add about ¾ cups of warm water, a little at a time and knead this into a soft pliable dough. Rub the remaining oil on all sides and knead it well again. Leave the dough aside, covered for at least 30 minutes.
  2. After about 30 minutes, make small golf ball sized rounds from the prepared dough.
  3. Heat a non stick griddle/frying pan on the stove. Taking one piece, flatten it with your palm and dip it into some whole wheat flour.
  4. This will prevent the dough from sticking. With the help of a thin rolling pin, roll out the dough into a small thin circle.
  5. While rolling, put little pressure on the edges and don’t worry if it does not come out into perfect circles. It comes eventually with a little practice. Put the phulka onto the griddle and let it be about 15 to 20 seconds until the top looks a little dry & you see small bubbles. Flip it immediately.
  6. Fry the second side for a longer period till you see small bubbles appearing underneath, about 30 seconds. Now with the help of a tong, remove the phulka from the frying pan and put the undercooked side directly on top of a gas stove. The bread will immediately puff up. (TIP: If you don't have a gas cooking range but an electric range, then flip the phulka again and press it with a clean kitchen towel. The bread should puff up when you press it).
  7. Take it out and serve either plain or with a little melted ghee on top. Make the remaining phulkas in the same manner. Serve them warm & fresh with any vegetable or curry of your choice.