Pumpkin Chapatis (Soft, Golden & Slightly Sweet)

Chapati is a beloved Kenyan staple, present at breakfast tables, wedding feasts and evening chai gatherings. Adding pumpkin to the dough is more than a creative twist; it’s a way of weaving nutrition, color and gentle sweetness into a familiar favorite. The result is chapatis that are soft, golden and deeply comforting, perfect for children, festive occasions or everyday meals.

Pumpkin chapatis reflects the quiet brilliance of home cooking: using what’s in season to elevate what we already love.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup cooked pumpkin, mashed until smooth
  • 1 tbsp oil (plus extra for brushing)
  • ½ tsp salt
  • Warm water, as needed

Method

Prepare the base In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt.
Incorporate the pumpkin Boil and mash the pumpkin, allowing it to cool, then add the mashed pumpkin and oil into your bowl. Begin kneading, gradually adding warm water until a soft, pliable dough forms.
Rest the dough Cover and let the dough rest for 45-60 minutes. This step allows the gluten to relax, making the chapatis easier to roll and softer once cooked.
Shape and layer Divide the dough into equal balls. Roll each one out, brush lightly with oil, fold to create layers, then re-roll.
Cook Place each chapati on a hot pan or skillet. Cook until golden brown spots appear, flipping to ensure even cooking on both sides.
Keep warm Stack the cooked chapatis in a clean cloth to retain heat and softness. Keep them covered.

Serving Suggestions

  • Classic pairings: Njahi (black bean) stew, lentil or spiced green grams
  • Breakfast favorite: Served warm with masala chai or sweet milky tea
  • Festive table: A colorful addition alongside goat stew, mukimo or sautéed greens at communal meals or celebrations

Tips & Variations

  • Color & sweetness: Orange-fleshed pumpkin gives the chapatis a vibrant hue and subtle natural sweetness
  • Extra softness: Knead slightly longer and always rest the dough covered
  • Aromatic touch: Add a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom for a gentle flavor lift
  • Wholegrain option: Replace part of the flour with whole wheat for added fiber

Seasonal Food, Lasting Traditions

Pumpkin chapatis are more than a kitchen experiment they represent how Kenyan cuisine continues to evolve while remaining rooted in tradition. By blending everyday staples with seasonal produce, we create food that feels both familiar and fresh.

This is chapati at its best: grounded in memory, golden with pumpkin and perfectly suited for today’s table.

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