Authentic Indian Flatbread: Homemade Paratha Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 cups of whole wheat flour
  • 1 cup of water (for dough)
  • 1/2 cup of ghee or butter, divided
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 1/2 cup of finely chopped onion
  • 1/2 cup of finely chopped green chili
  • 1/2 cup of finely chopped cilantro
  • 1 teaspoon of garam masala
  • 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric

Steps and instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the whole wheat flour and salt. Gradually add water while kneading until the dough is soft and pliable. Cover the dough and let it rest for 20 minutes.
  2. While the dough is resting, heat 1 tablespoon of ghee or butter in a pan. Add the chopped onion and green chili, and sauté until the onion is translucent. Add the cilantro, garam masala, and turmeric, and stir until well combined. Set this mixture aside to cool.
  3. Divide the rested dough into equal portions, about the size of a golf ball. Roll each portion into a ball and then flatten it into a disc. Place a spoonful of the cooled onion mixture in the center of the disc, then bring the edges together to seal the filling inside. Flatten the filled dough ball and roll it out into a thin pancake.
  4. Heat a griddle or skillet over medium heat. Place a filled pancake on the heated surface and cook until the bottom is golden brown. Flip the pancake, spread a bit of ghee or butter on the cooked side, and cook the other side until golden brown. Repeat this process with the remaining filled pancakes.
  5. Serve the parathas hot, ideally with a side of yogurt or pickle.

Tools for making

  • Large bowl - For mixing the dough
  • Pan - For sautéing the onion and chili mixture
  • Griddle or skillet - For cooking the parathas
  • Rolling pin - For rolling out the dough
  • Spoon - For measuring and mixing ingredients
  • Spatula - For flipping and removing the cooked parathas from the griddle
  • Cover - For resting the dough

Recipe variations

  • Use all-purpose flour instead of whole wheat flour for a lighter texture.
  • Add finely chopped vegetables like spinach, grated carrots, or mashed potatoes to the filling mixture.
  • For a spicier version, add red chili powder or finely chopped green chilies to the dough.
  • Include grated cheese, such as paneer or mozzarella, in the filling for a cheesy paratha.
  • Make a sweet paratha by adding sugar, cardamom powder, and crushed nuts to the dough.
  • For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free flour blends like rice flour or chickpea flour.
  • Replace the ghee or butter with vegetable oil for a vegan version.
  • Experiment with different spices like cumin seeds, coriander powder, or fennel seeds to enhance the flavor.
  • Create a stuffed meat paratha by adding cooked and spiced ground meat to the filling mixture.

Recipe overview

This is your go-to recipe for delicious, flaky, spiced Parathas. A traditional Indian flatbread, Parathas are a staple in many households and are loved for their crispy texture and flavorful fillings. This recipe guides you through making Parathas from scratch, including preparing a simple yet tasty onion, cilantro, and spice filling. The end result is a stack of hot, buttery Parathas that are perfect as a breakfast treat or a dinner side. Expect to get your hands a little dusty from the flour and don't worry if your Parathas aren't perfectly round - they'll still taste amazing. This recipe makes enough for 4 servings, so it's perfect for a family meal or if you want some leftovers. Serve the Parathas with a side of yogurt or pickle for an authentic Indian meal. Enjoy the process and the delicious results.

Common questions

  1. Can I use all-purpose flour instead of whole wheat flour? No, whole wheat flour is traditionally used for making parathas as it provides a nutty flavor and a hearty texture. However, you can experiment with a combination of whole wheat flour and all-purpose flour if desired.
  2. Can I make the dough in advance? Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just make sure to bring it back to room temperature before rolling and cooking the parathas.
  3. Can I use oil instead of ghee or butter? Yes, you can substitute ghee or butter with oil if you prefer a healthier option. However, ghee or butter adds a rich flavor to the parathas.
  4. Can I add additional fillings to the parathas? Absolutely! Parathas are versatile, and you can experiment with various fillings such as grated cheese, mashed potatoes, spinach, or even minced meat.
  5. How do I store leftover parathas? Allow the parathas to cool completely, then stack them with a sheet of parchment paper between each paratha to prevent sticking. Store them in an airtight container or ziplock bag in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on a griddle or in a microwave before serving.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Rolling Pin - Used to roll out the dough into thin pancakes
  • Griddle or Skillet - Used to cook the parathas
  • Spatula - Used for flipping the parathas while cooking
  • Bowl - Used for kneading the dough and preparing the filling
  • Pan - Used for sautéing the onion and green chili for the filling
  • Cover or Towel - Used to cover the dough and let it rest

Origin stories

Paratha, the flaky, flavorful flatbread, traces its roots back to the Indian subcontinent, specifically the region of Punjab. It’s a beloved staple in many Indian homes and is often served as part of a hearty breakfast or a satisfying dinner. The word "Paratha" is a combination of two words: "Parat" meaning layers, and "Atta" meaning dough. The beauty of a Paratha lies in these layers, achieved through a unique folding technique during the rolling process. The bread's versatility is truly remarkable. The dough can be stuffed with a plethora of fillings ranging from spiced potatoes to grated paneer cheese, and even sweet fillings like jaggery or coconut. The humble Paratha, with its golden-brown layers glistening with ghee, encapsulates the essence of Indian comfort food. It’s a testament to the Indian tradition of transforming simple ingredients into culinary masterpieces.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.