Eat more chapatis

The first time I ate a chapati was in Mysore, India and it felt very familiar.  I grew up in New Mexico on my grandma's flour tortillas which we used instead of a spoon to eat pinto beans and chile.  I was really struggling on my first trip to India and those chapatis helped me feel at home.  I later took a cooking class with Tina in Mysore and I remember being very impressed at how simple they were to make and delicious!  I attempted my own chapatis, only to yield crackers that were nothing like the fluffy pillows Tina had taught us to make.  I gave up for some time, focusing instead on homemade dosas.  I was also gluten-free for a few years, so chapatis weren't on my mind...until recently.

I decided to give chapati making another go.  The first time, the dough was too dry, but the chapatis came out alright.  After that, they keep getting better and better!

You'll need:
2 cups Wheat flour
1 cup water
salt to taste
rolling pin
pan
oil

Make the dough:
Combine ingredients
Knead dough
Set aside

Time to make the chapatis:
Dust a little flour on your rolling surface.  Heat oil in pan.  You know it is hot enough when you sprinkle water on the pan and it pops.

 

Pinch off a golfball size amount of dough and roll into a ball.  Place on dusted surface.  Be careful not to burn the oil.

Gently press ball into disc shape.

Roll out dough.

For some reason, it seems to be helpful to turn the dough between rolls.

Place chapati in pan and repeat rolling process.

 

Allow air bubbles to form.

When the bubbles get more prominent, flip the chapati.

The chapati will inflate like a hot-air balloon.  If it is not inflating, you can press down the edges with a towel.  This seals any cracks and will allow the chapati to inflate.

Time for an oil bath?

Directions and videos http://aylibrary.blogspot.com/2012/01/castor-oil-baths.html

Boonchu Tanti http://alliscoming.com/
Jessica Walden
Elise Espat
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Led Class Etiquette

How to be the most polite of Ashtangis:

ARRIVING

Read our etiquette

1.  Know your practice space.  Go the yoga shale's website and find out how much class will cost and if you can pay by cash, card, or either.  Are there yoga mats available to borrow or should you bring your own?  Read any recommendations or etiquette notes and follow them.

2.  Leave refreshments at home or work, etc.  Asana is practiced on an empty stomach. There are some exceptions (such as pregnancy).  If you aren't sure, contact the shala and ask.

3.  Wear clean, comfortable clothing.

4.  Arrive early.  If class starts at 6:30am, be there at 6:15am.  This allows plenty of time to sign-in, pay, fill out forms, put away your belongings, use the restroom, set up your mat, etc.

IN THE ROOM

1. Introduce yourself to the teacher if you are new.

2. Always alert the teacher to any conditions.

3. Ask the teacher where to place your mat.

4. Be aware of where water is for Garba pindasana

5. Maintain silence.

DURING CLASS

1. Wait for the count.

2. If you are a Mysore student, stop at your last asana and wait for further instruction.

Visual Traveling: India

http://www.bbc.com/travel/video/one-day-in/20121102-mumbai

Surya Namaskar A Demonstration

No Fearing! A practical guide to starting a Mysore practice

Anyone can practice.

Don't be intimidated about starting your practice.

You don't need to know anything.  Your teacher will show you.

Everyone starts this way.

I was very afraid before I started.  I get it.  Now I know better.

In India you can't be afraid.

Read up.  KPJAYI on the practice and where to find a teacher nearby.

Contact the teacher and set a time to observe a Mysore class.

Start by observing.  The whole point is to get settled into the vibe of the space including the people.  TO feel relaxed and comfortable.  You are investing in your education and a community, not a massage or gymnastics.  Email to request a time to observe.  You'll get a tour.  Find out how the classroom works, etc.  Be ready to remove your shoes and turn off electronics!  Read the etiquette.  Ask about the schedule (below) and tuition.  You'll figure out where it is and how long it will take you to get there.  Essentially we are trying to set a strong and fertile foundation for a lifelong sustainable practice.  Slow and steady.  Tell them about injuries, concerns, etc.  Here is our etiquette at the shala.

You've decided the practice is for you.  Read the schedule.  When does the door open?  When does the teacher arrive?  What time is the opening mantra?  When should you pay?  What will you need?  Budget an hour although it will probably be less.

You've figured out a start date and time.  What to wear and where to find it.  Towel.  Yoga mat and rug maybe.  You'll need fresh ones each day.  Be barefoot.  Pay your tuition.

The day before.  Eat light, sleep well, and hydrate.  Set out your clothes.  Establish good habits from day one.  Review etiquette.  Pay tuition.

That day.  Bathe.  Don't eat or drink.  Arrive in advance.  Fill out forms if you haven't already and pay tuition.  The teacher will show you what to do.

Return the next day and the next.

Part II The first month of practice.