Signature Dish of the Day: Classic Kenyan Chapati
Signature Dish of the Day: Today, we'll be proudly showcasing and paying homage to our Kenyan background and heritage through two popular staple dishes from our beloved home country. The first dish, delightfully delicious Classic Kenyan Chapati, is our signature dish of the day today and ranks highly as one of my absolute favorite foods! It is popularly served during special occasions but is now commonly served as a regular staple food as wheat has become more readily available in the market. Another amazing aspect about chapati is that it is an all-day kind of food that can be eaten for any meal of the day - whether breakfast, lunch or dinner. I have to admit - my husband makes the best chapatis in our household and I'm still learning the art of making them from him. All credit goes to him for making these beautiful chapatis pictured above 😁.
Chapati is simply a type of unleavened flatbread made from wheat flour and is somewhat similar to roti, paratha, or naan breads. The flour used can either be all-purpose white flour, whole wheat flour, or a blend of the two. It is of Indian origin, so we definitely owe this lovely dish to Indian immigrants who came to our country many years ago. However, the Kenyan version gradually evolved as it was adapted to the local cuisine over time and thus became unique and distinctly different from the Indian archetype. It is a rather sophisticated bread that requires a certain touch of finesse and technique to successfully make but surprisingly results from very simple ingredients - wheat flour, oil, water, sugar, and a pinch of salt. These ingredients are mixed and kneaded together into a smooth dough which is then sectioned into smaller portions that are rolled into round, flat shapes. It is then pan-fried on both sides with a little oil on a griddle and served hot with some meat or vegetable stew. It is a labor-intensive but highly rewarding process that results in an undeniably delectable dish that can be eaten for dinner or served as a breakfast accompaniment with tea or coffee. Enjoy!
