Khapli wheat, also known as emmer wheat, is one of the oldest wheat varieties cultivated in India and was widely consumed before modern hybrid wheat became mainstream. Today, it is seeing renewed interest because of its nutritional profile and lower glycaemic index compared to regular wheat. Grown in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Gujarat, and Andhra Pradesh, khapli wheat is naturally higher in fibre and protein, making it nutritionally superior for bread loaves.
For folks looking for alternatives to refined flour in baking, khapli wheat offers a more nutrient-dense option. Its high fibre content supports digestion and helps keep you fuller for longer, while its lower glycaemic response has made it increasingly popular among health-conscious households. Because khapli wheat has a weaker gluten structure, breads and baked goods made with it often have a denser texture and a more pronounced bite than those made with wheat flour.
Pick quality khapli atta like Aashirvaad Chakki Khapli Atta to begin your baking journey with bread. Coming to the recipe, zucchini loaf tends to be moister than your typical bread, and given khapli atta’s weak gluten structure and high hydration, zucchini bread is the perfect recipe for baking. You get a softer loaf than usual because zucchini releases moisture during baking, and you also reap the benefits of khapli wheat.
Ingredients
UNITSIngredients
1 1/2 cupsShredded zucchini
1 2/3 cupsWheat flour
3/4 cupsAashirvaad Chakki Khapli Atta
1 tspSalt
1 1/2 tspBaking powder
1 tspBaking soda
1/2 cupMelted butter or oil
2Eggs
1 cupSugar (or honey, 3/4 cup as a substitute)
2/3 cupYoghurt or buttermilk
1 tspVanilla extract
1 tspGround cinnamon
1 cupOptional add-ins (nuts and seeds or chocolate chips)
Follow
Directions
Description - Step 1
Step 1: Preparing the flour and dry ingredients
Add the wheat flour, Aashirvaad Chakki Khapli Atta, salt, baking powder, baking soda, and ground cinnamon into a large bowl. Whisk everything until no lumps remain.
Description - Step 2
Step 2: Preparing the zucchini mixture
Grate the zucchini into another bowl. Add the yoghurt or buttermilk, eggs, melted butter or oil, sugar, and vanilla extract into the zucchini bowl and mix well.
Description - Step 3
Step 3: Mixing the batter
Pour the mixed zucchini concoction into the flour mixture and mix until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as it can result in a denser-than-usual khapli wheat loaf. At this stage, fold in the nuts, seeds, or chocolate chips.
Description - Step 4
Step 4: Resting the batter and preheating
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Let the batter rest while the oven preheats. Meanwhile, line a 4.5 × 8.5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper. You could use butter to grease it, too.
Description - Step 5
Step 5: Filling the loaf pan
Pour the zucchini loaf batter into the prepared loaf pan, then spread it with a spatula.
Description - Step 6
Step 6: Baking the zucchini loaf
Bake the loaf for about 1 hour. The bread should be golden brown. Insert a toothpick into the centre, and if it comes out clean or with only a few crumbs attached, it is done.
Description - Step 7
Step 7: Cooling the loaf
Let the loaf cool in the pan for around 15 minutes before removing it. Put the loaf on a wire rack to cool completely.
Yes, khapli (emmer) wheat flour can be used for bread, but its weaker gluten creates denser loaves. It works best mixed with bread flour.
Yes, whole wheat flour works well in zucchini bread and adds fibre and nutrients. Many recipes recommend combining it with regular flour to achieve a softer, lighter texture.
Zucchini bread made with whole wheat flour contains dietary fibre from both zucchini and whole grains. Using nuts, seeds, or whole-grain flour can significantly increase fibre content.
Common mistakes include overmixing batter, adding excess zucchini moisture, overbaking, using expired or old ingredients, and not accounting for the zucchini's moisture and compensating for it.