What's the the ideal kneading time for chapati using a mixer?

Question

Learn how long to knead chapati dough in a mixer for a soft, pliable finish.

Answer 1

The ideal kneading time for chapati dough in a mixer is typically 2-3 minutes. This ensures the dough is well-combined and develops enough gluten for soft chapatis.

Detailed Explanation:

Kneading is crucial for developing the gluten in the wheat flour, which gives chapatis their soft and pliable texture. When using a mixer, the process is much faster than kneading by hand. Here's a breakdown:

1. Combine Ingredients: Start by adding your flour, water, salt, and any optional ingredients like oil to the mixer bowl.
2. Initial Mix: Use the mixer's dough hook attachment. Begin mixing on low speed for about 30 seconds to combine the ingredients roughly.
3. Kneading: Increase the speed to medium-low and knead for 2-3 minutes. Keep a close eye on the dough's consistency. It should pull away from the sides of the bowl and form a smooth, elastic ball.
4. Check the Dough: After 2 minutes, stop the mixer and check the dough. It should be soft, pliable, and slightly sticky. If it's too dry, add a teaspoon of water at a time and knead for another 30 seconds. If it's too sticky, add a tablespoon of flour and knead for another 30 seconds.
5. Rest: Once the dough reaches the right consistency, remove it from the bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rest for at least 30 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax, resulting in softer chapatis.

Pro Tip:

Avoid over-kneading the dough in the mixer. Over-kneading can lead to tough chapatis. If the dough starts to feel tight or rubbery, stop kneading immediately.