Quick Indian Flatbreads You Can Make in Under 20 Minutes

When time is short and hunger strikes, nothing satisfies quite like a freshly made Indian flatbread. From soft phulkas to flaky parathas, these versatile breads complement everything from dals and curries to pickles and yogurt. The best part? Many of them can be prepared in under 20 minutes — even by beginners.

In this blog, we’ll cover the best quick Indian flatbreads, how to make them fast, ingredient tips, and pro hacks to nail the perfect texture without kneading for ages.

🌾 Why Flatbreads Are a Staple in Indian Homes

Flatbreads (called roti, chapati, paratha, bhakri, etc.) are a key part of Indian meals. They're budget-friendly, filling, and pair well with any sabzi, dal, or even chutney. Traditionally made fresh every day, they’re:

• Highly customizable (plain or stuffed)

• Vegan/vegetarian friendly

• Nutritious if made with whole wheat or millet

• Perfect for tiffin boxes or travel

Let’s dive into the quick ones you can cook without a rolling pin marathon.

🫓 1. Phulka (Soft Roti) – 3-Ingredient Wonder

Time Required: 15 mins
Ingredients: Whole wheat flour, water, salt (optional)

Phulka or roti is the most basic and quickest Indian flatbread. Soft, round, and puffed up when done right, phulkas are usually made on a tava (flat pan) and finished directly on flame to puff up.

Quick Steps:

1. Mix atta (whole wheat flour) with water and knead a soft dough (5 mins).

2. Let it rest while you heat your pan.

3. Roll into thin discs.

4. Cook both sides lightly, then puff over open flame.

Tips for Speed:

• Pre-make the dough and refrigerate for up to 2 days.

• Use warm water for easier kneading.

🫓 2. Plain Paratha – Flaky & Rich

Time Required: 18 mins
Ingredients: Atta, oil/ghee, salt, water

Plain paratha is similar to roti but cooked with ghee or oil, making it crispier and more indulgent. You can roll it round, triangle, or square.

Quick Steps:

1. Knead dough same as roti but with a touch of oil.

2. Roll, fold, and re-roll to get layers.

3. Shallow fry on hot tawa until golden brown.

Quick Hack:
Make extra dough and freeze. Defrost overnight in the fridge.

🫓 3. Ajwain Roti (Carom Seed Roti)

Time Required: 15 mins
Flavor Profile: Earthy, slightly bitter, digestive aid

Carom seeds (ajwain) add aroma and health benefits to your basic roti. Great for indigestion and sore throat days.

Quick Steps:

1. Add ajwain + pinch of salt to your atta.

2. Prepare like phulka.

3. Optional: drizzle ghee post-cooking for added flavor.

🫓 4. Masala Paratha (Spiced Roti)

Time Required: 20 mins
Best For: Breakfasts, spicy cravings, lunch wraps

If you’re in the mood for something flavourful but still quick, masala paratha is your saviour. You can use spices like turmeric, cumin, chili powder, and chopped coriander.

Quick Steps:

1. Mix all spices and herbs into your dry flour.

2. Add water and knead.

3. Roll and cook with oil till golden brown.

Great to eat standalone with curd or pickle.

🫓 5. Rice Flour Bhakri (Gluten-Free)

Time Required: 15–18 mins
Ingredients: Rice flour, salt, hot water

Bhakri is a Maharashtrian-style flatbread perfect for gluten-free diets.

Quick Steps:

1. Mix rice flour and salt with hot water to form a soft dough.

2. Pat flat using hands (skip rolling pin).

3. Cook on a pan till puffed.

Tip: Keep water hot during mixing to avoid cracks.

🫓 6. Instant Ragi Roti (Millet Flatbread)

Time Required: 15 mins
Ingredients: Ragi flour, chopped onions, coriander, chili, salt

Ragi or finger millet is a calcium-rich grain and makes a hearty breakfast or lunch bread.

Quick Steps:

1. Mix ragi flour with salt, onions, chilies, and water.

2. Make a loose dough.

3. Pat directly onto a greased pan (no rolling needed).

4. Cook with oil/ghee till crispy.

Highly filling and diabetic-friendly.

🫓 7. Besan Chilla (Gram Flour Flatbread)

Time Required: 15–17 mins
Ingredients: Besan, turmeric, chili, coriander, onion

Technically a crepe, besan chilla doubles as a protein-rich flatbread alternative.

Quick Steps:

1. Whisk besan with water, spices, and chopped veggies.

2. Pour on hot pan like a pancake.

3. Cook until crisp on both sides.

Why It’s Great:
Gluten-free, vegan, and protein-rich.

🫓 8. Methi Thepla – The Gujarati Twist

Time Required: 20 mins
Ingredients: Wheat flour, chopped fenugreek (methi), turmeric, curd, chili powder

Thepla is excellent for travel and doesn't spoil quickly. You can even make a batch ahead.

Quick Steps:

1. Mix all ingredients into a soft dough.

2. Roll into thin rounds.

3. Fry lightly with oil.

Storage Tip:
Lasts 2–3 days without refrigeration.

🫓 9. Instant Oats Roti

Time Required: 18 mins
Ingredients: Oats flour, atta, cumin, salt, water

This is perfect for fitness-conscious eaters or weight-loss meals.

Quick Steps:

1. Blend oats into flour if needed.

2. Mix with atta and spices.

3. Knead, roll, and cook like roti.

Tip:
Can be eaten with dal or made into wraps with hummus or salad.

🫓 10. Moong Dal Chilla – The Protein-Rich Flatbread

Time Required: 20 mins
Ingredients: Moong dal (soaked and ground), spices, ginger, onion

Another crepe-style flatbread, this one’s higher in protein and great for breakfast or light dinner.

Quick Steps:

1. Blend soaked moong dal with spices and water.

2. Pour onto a greased hot pan.

3. Cook both sides till brown spots appear.

👩‍🍳 Pro Tips to Save Time in Indian Flatbread Cooking

• Use a cast-iron tava: For even cooking and authentic flavor.

• Prep dough in batches: Store in fridge up to 3 days.

• Use hot water for kneading: Speeds up the dough formation.

• Try silicone rolling mats: Prevent sticking without excess flour.

• Invest in a roti press: Useful for beginners or elderly.

🛒 Pantry Checklist for Quick Flatbreads

Keep these on hand:

• Whole wheat flour (atta)

• Gram flour (besan)

• Rice flour

• Ragi or jowar flour

• Salt, ajwain, cumin, turmeric, chili powder

• Fresh herbs like coriander or fenugreek (methi)

• Curd (for thepla or masala paratha)

• Onions, green chilies (optional)

🍽 Pairing Ideas for Quick Flatbreads

👪 Kid-Friendly & Elderly Friendly Options

For kids:

• Add a pinch of grated cheese to plain paratha or thepla.

• Skip chilies in besan chilla.

For elderly:

• Choose soft phulkas or ragi roti (easy to chew, healthy).

• Avoid excess oil in paratha.

🌿 Diet & Health Adaptations

🕔 Final Word – Flatbreads in a Flash!

Making Indian flatbreads doesn’t have to be a long process. With smart prep and a few core ingredients, you can whip up a nourishing, satisfying meal in under 20 minutes. Whether you’re feeding your family, cooking solo, or meal prepping for the week, these quick recipes will keep your table full of flavor and tradition — without the time crunch.

Try rotating between the different types each week to keep your meals exciting and wholesome.