Want to level up your everyday chakki atta rotis with some ancient grains? Emmer wheat, or khapli wheat, is gaining popularity among health-conscious eaters, and it’s time you tried it too. Khapli wheat can be used to make fluffy, tasty rotis, and here we highlight the advantages of choosing premium khapli wheat and give some practical tips for excellent rotis.
For generations, khapli wheat, also known as emmer wheat, has been prized for its health benefits and distinctive flavour. But is khapli wheat suitable for making rotis, and how do you perfect the dough?
The growing demand for khapli wheat is largely due to its impressive nutritional profile. It is especially popular among those who prioritise gut health, as it contains significantly more fibre than regular wheat. However, there is still some doubt about whether it can produce good rotis, given its different gluten structure compared to whole wheat flour. Let’s clear these doubts once and for all and learn how to make khapli rotis to perfection.
A small caution to begin with: if you have been eating whole-wheat flour rotis for years, khapli wheat rotis can be a slight change; nevertheless, they still provide tasty rotis. With the correct method, you can make rotis that are healthier, softer, and more flavourful, despite the khapli dough's unique gluten profile, which makes it seem less elastic and coarser.
Heavier texture, a more rustic appearance, and a deep, nutty flavour.
More protein and fibre to help you feel full for longer.
Earthy brown-coloured rotis that go perfectly with any side dish.
Helpful Hacks for Perfect Khapli Rotis
The most difficult part of making khapli rotis is working with dough that tears easily. To become an expert texture master, use these pro hacks for making khapli rotis:
Pick a high-quality khapli atta, such as Aashirvaad Chakki Khapli Atta. Preserving the grain's nutrients and flavour, stone-ground from 100% Khapli wheat, this atta can outperform mass-produced equivalents.
Do you know khapli atta has a unique way of absorbing water? So, while kneading, slowly add lukewarm water until the dough is smooth and elastic. This way, fibres are hydrated, and the dough is made simpler to roll out.
Cover the dough and set it aside to rest for 20 to 30 minutes. The gluten relaxes, and the bran is given time to soften, resulting in softer rotis.
When you're kneading, add a spoonful of ghee or oil. It ensures the rotis remain soft and do not dry out.
The khapli dough can be delicate. Roll out the rotis with gentle pressure to maintain evenness and prevent cracking.
Khapli rotis may become tough if cooked over very high heat. Cook over medium heat until uniform puffing and a malleable consistency are achieved.
After cooking, place the rotis in a container lined with a cloth and cover them to retain steam and softness.
Khapli rotis are darker in colour and smell somewhat nutty and earthy. They go well with bold Indian tastes, such as the spiciness of chana masala, a swirl of white butter, or even a regular dal tadka. Although they have a somewhat more "bitey" texture than regular roti, many people believe that rotis made with khapli wheat are more filling.
Traditional Khapli Roti: Serve with curd, sabzi, or dal for a healthy dinner.
Khapli Paratha: Stuff the parathas with paneer or spicy potatoes for a filling breakfast.
Khapli Missi Roti: Combine Aashirvaad Chakki Khapli Atta with gram flour and spices for a protein-rich variation.
Khapli Wheat Phulka: These puffed, light rotis are perfect for regular meals.
Khapli Wheat Thepla: Add methi leaves and spices and make theplas for a Gujarati-inspired meal.
Adding Khapli wheat to your diet is an easy way to include tried-and-true nutrients and delicious flavour. You can make fluffy, flavourful rotis that are both easy to make and a tribute to India's rich culinary history with only a few simple tips and the correct khapli wheat. If you're looking for a delicious and healthy way to begin your Khapli adventure, it is highly recommended to start with Aashirvaad Chakki Khapli Atta.
Khapli wheat is not completely gluten-free, though it contains less gluten than regular wheat. Some people can even find it easier to digest than others.