Phulka
Phulka is an Indian flatbread that puffs up as you make it on a heated tava (cast-iron or nonstick flat griddle). Phulka is made with wheat flour and is thin and flat and similar in appearance to the Mexican tortilla, but tastes very different.
Roti is the generic name for different types of Indian flatbread. Chapathis are the non-puffy type of roti. Phulka, chapathi, and paratha are the staple of a North Indian meal, and are served with vegetable curries, dals, and raitas.
Servings: 12 (makes 12)
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 cups wheat flour
- (or whole wheat flour/atta, chapathi flour)
- 1 cup water (may vary depending on the type of flour you use)
- 1/2 cup wheat flour for rolling
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- Salt to taste
Preparation
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt and make a soft, smooth dough, adding a little water at a time. Knead the dough thoroughly until smooth and elastic. Coat with a little oil, cover and set aside for 5-10 minutes.
- Heat a tava, iron or nonstick griddle on medium heat.
- While the griddle is heating up, divide the dough into 12 portions and roll each portion between your palms to form a smooth ball.
- Roll each ball with a little oil on a flat surface until smooth. Roll the ball in flour, flatten, and using a rolling pin, roll into a thin (approximately) 6-inch round flatbread, using a little flour if needed.
- Place the phulka on the heated tava. Turn up the heat to high, and cook for 10-20 seconds it forms up a bit; turn it over and cook on the other side, pressing with a spatula gently along the edges as it puffs up, and cook until the underside is lightly browned. Flip over and cook until brown spots appear. Brush with a little butter, oil, or ghee (clarified butter), and serve immediately, or place on a serving platter and cover to keep it soft until ready to serve. Repeat with the remaining dough balls.
Cooking Tip
If using a gas burner, place a phulka grill (available in Indian grocery stores) on the burner on high heat, and after cooking the phulka on the griddle for about 10-20 seconds on both sides, place on the grill and cook until it puffs up; turn it over and cook for a few seconds.
Category: Indian Breads, Indian Breads - No-Onion No-Garlic, Vegan Indian Breads
