| Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 15 mins – 20 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 150 | 3.2g | 0.4g | 28g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 0g | 4g | 4.2g | 0.2g |
About Bhakri
Meet Bhakri—the bread that brings plenty to the table. Bhakri is a delightful flatbread hailing from the diverse regions of India, specifically from the states of Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Goa. More than just an accompaniment to meals, this Indian bread boasts of simple yet robust flavors derived from staple ingredients in a South Asian pantry. Shaped by hands that have honed their dexterity through generations, Bhakri unearths rustic narratives of Indian heritage and the delightful simplicity of its cuisine, straight onto your dinner plate.
A Closer Look at Bhakri
With its earthy wholesomeness, Bhakri defines minimalistic charm at its heart. Its ingredients are simple, practical, and accessible—traits that resonate with the ideals of homecooked Indian meals. They include whole wheat flour, water, a modest pinch of salt, and a dash of vegetable oil. Made with care and consideration, Bhakri translates these bare essentials into a filling, nutritious, and enjoyable staple food in the Indian diaspora.
Bhakri: The Versatile Companion
Even among the wide landscape of Indian breads, Bhakri stands out for its compatibility with a range of dishes. Its texture and taste harmonize with the complex curries and dals of Indian cuisine, making it an essential component of meals. It shares similarities with roti, another popular Indian bread, yet its grainier texture and rustic appeal make it singular and distinctive.
Much like its cousin, roti, Bhakri can be eaten with a variety of dishes like Dal Tadka, Gobi Mattar or even spread with homemade butter for a simple satisfying snack. Its hearty flavor won’t overshadow a curry’s richness, but rather, it will absorb the juices and spices, enriching the overall food experience.
Aside from Indian dishes, Bhakri also works beautifully with non-traditional pairings. A sure-fire conversation starter at dinners, Bhakri’s nutty rusticity can be a perfect match for even Italian pasta with Aglio E Olio or a hearty lentil soup. As diverse as the Indian subcontinent itself, Bhakri is a testament to the versatility and flexibility of Indian cuisine.
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups of whole wheat flour
- 1 cup of water
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
Method
Step One
Firstly, in a large mixing bowl, combine the 2 cups of whole wheat flour and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Mix the ingredients well.
Step Two
Next, gradually add the water to the flour mixture. Knead the mixture to form a firm yet pliable dough. Add more water if necessary, but be careful not to make the dough too wet.
Step Three
Once the dough is properly kneaded, cover it with a cloth or plastic wrap and let it rest for about 15-20 minutes.
Step Four
After the dough has rested, divide it into equal-sized portions. Each portion will be rolled out to form a bhakri. Roll the portions into balls and then flatten them with your palms.
Step Five
Heat a tawa or skillet over medium to high heat. While the tawa is heating, roll out one of the dough portions into a round disc on a flat floured surface. You’ve to roll the bhakri slightly thicker than the regular roti.
Step Six
Add a little bit of the vegetable oil to the hot tawa. Place the rolled bhakri on the tawa and cook for about 2 minutes on each side or until golden brown spots appear.
Step Seven
Repeat this process with the remaining dough portions. Once all the bhakris are cooked, serve them warm with any Indian curry or dal of your choice.
