Madakku Chapathi Recipe | Folded Flat Bread Recipe from Malabar Cuisine

Hi Supermoms,

'Madakku Chapathi' is a traditional flat bread recipe from the cuisine of Malabar. ' Madakku' literally means ' Fold'.  As this flatbread is folded and shaped like a square, it is aptly called 'Madakku Chapathi'. Though the Malabar Parotta is a very popular layered flat bread,  especially in restaurants ,  this chapathi recipe is a classic home  style one. 

The dough for this chapathi is the same as the regular chapathi. The main difference is in the folding and rolling out the dough. I have used ghee to spread and fold the chapathi . But if you are vegan, you can use oil .

Recipe adapted from Indian Breads by G. Padma Vijay 

Madakku Chapathi Recipe :

Preparation time : 20 minutes

Cooking time : 20 minutes

Serves : 4

1 cup = 250 ml cup 

Ingredients :

3 cups whole wheat flour /atta 

Salt to taste
Water (adjust)
2 tablespoons Ghee/clarified butter 

Note : The chapathi dough has to be soft yet firm. If the dough is too loose, then it will be difficult to roll out the chapathi and you will require more flour to roll . This will alter the texture of chapathi. 

Method:

1. In a bowl, mix flour and salt well.
2. Add water little by little and mix to bring all the flour together.
Chef tip: The dough has to be soft and not dry. It should not be too loose also. 

3. Knead the dough for 5 to 7 minutes.
4. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth.
5. Let the dough rest for 30-40 minutes.
6. Divide the dough into equal portions and shape them into balls .

Chef tip : You can take 1/2 cup of flour in a plate, for dusting the dough balls as well as the working space.

7. Roll out each portion on a lightly floured working space into 6" circle .

Chef tip : As you are going to fold it , you need not make a perfect circle . 

8. Spread half a teaspoon of ghee on the rolled out chapathi using a brush or hand. 

9. Sprinkle some flour on top. 

10. Fold the circle into three folds forming a rectangle.

Chef tip : You can see the pictures for guidance.

11. Now fold the rectangle into half .

12. Dust this with flour and roll it out into a square shape. 

13. Heat a tava/skillet and cook the shaped chapathi on both sides till they puff up and browns on the surface. 

Chef tip : You can drizzle few drops of ghee or oil when the chapathi is cooking.

14. Once both sides are cooked, remove from the pan and repeat the same procedure for the remaining dough. 

This chapathi remains soft for a longer time. You can serve it with dal or your choice of sabzi and curries. 

Happy Cooking !

With love,

Masterchefmom