Wholemeal flour and atta are both types of flour commonly used to make chapatis, but there are some differences in terms of health benefits, cost, and softness:
- Health Benefits: Wholemeal flour is made from whole wheat grains, including the bran, germ, and endosperm. It retains more nutrients and dietary fiber compared to refined flour. It is higher in fiber, vitamins (B vitamins, vitamin E), minerals (iron, magnesium), and phytochemicals. Choosing wholemeal flour for chapatis can contribute to better digestion, improved blood sugar control, and a higher intake of essential nutrients.
Atta, on the other hand, is a type of wholemeal flour commonly used in Indian cuisine. It is typically stone-ground and made from durum wheat, which is a harder variety of wheat. Atta also retains some of the bran and germ, making it a healthier choice compared to refined flour.
Both wholemeal flour and atta offer health benefits over refined flour, but the specific nutrient composition may vary based on the type of wheat and milling process used.
Cost: In terms of cost, atta is generally more expensive than regular wholemeal flour. This difference in price is due to factors such as the type of wheat used, processing techniques, and regional availability. Depending on your location and budget, one option may be more cost-effective than the other.
Softness of Chapatis: The choice of flour can affect the softness and texture of chapatis. Wholemeal flour contains more bran, which can make the dough slightly coarser and denser. However, atta, being made from durum wheat, has a higher gluten content and tends to produce softer and more elastic chapatis. The gluten provides elasticity and helps the dough to rise, resulting in lighter, softer chapatis.
If you prefer softer chapatis, atta might be a better choice. However, with proper kneading and technique, you can still achieve reasonably soft chapatis using wholemeal flour.
Ultimately, the choice between wholemeal flour and atta for making chapatis depends on personal preference, dietary considerations, availability, and budget. Both options offer health benefits compared to refined flour, but atta may provide slightly softer chapatis due to its higher gluten content.