Indian Flatbread
Soft, flaky Indian flatbreads with a slightly chewy texture and rich buttery flavor, perfect for pairing with curries or enjoying on their own for a quick bread.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine unbleached flour and whole wheat flour with salt in a large bowl.
- In a separate bowl, mix milk with 3/4 cup of warm water.
- Add 1 tablespoon of melted butter to the milk mixture.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the milk and water mixture, blending well to form a soft dough.
- Adjust with more flour or water as necessary to achieve a slightly less firm than loaf-bread dough consistency.
- Cover the bowl with a lint-free cloth and let the dough rest for about an hour.
- Turn the rested dough out onto a floured surface and divide into 4 equal parts.
Tips & Substitutions
For a softer flatbread, use yogurt instead of milk and adjust the liquid accordingly. If you don't have unbleached flour, all-purpose flour can be a great substitute. Keep an eye on the dough; over-kneading can make it tough. For added flavor, incorporate herbs or spices into the dough, making the flatbread a delightful accompaniment to dishes like Vegetable Pilav.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Indian flatbreads warm with curry, lentils, or as a base for wraps. They pair beautifully with Little Indian Pudding for a unique dessert experience. For a complete meal, consider serving alongside a fresh salad or raita to balance the flavors. They can also be enjoyed with dips or spreads as part of a mezze platter.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover flatbread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, wrap them in plastic wrap and freeze for up to a month. To reheat, place them in a skillet over medium heat for a couple of minutes on each side, or wrap in a damp paper towel and microwave for about 20 seconds.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Indian Flatbread contains roughly 940 calories, with 8g protein, 57g carbohydrates, and 76g fat. It is a good source of iron (19% of the Daily Value) and protein (16% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 487mg per serving (21% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the dough in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time. Just cover it well and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Bring it back to room temperature before rolling out and cooking to ensure even cooking.
What if my flatbread is too thick?
If your flatbread turns out too thick, make sure to roll it out evenly and thinly before cooking. For future batches, try to divide the dough into smaller pieces for more manageable sizes, ensuring even thickness during cooking.
Can I add flavors to the flatbread?
Absolutely! You can mix in herbs like cilantro or spices such as cumin or garlic powder into the dough for added flavor. This customization can make your flatbread a standout side for any Indian meal.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).