Authentic Indian Paratha: A Step-By-Step Recipe Guide

Ingredients

  • 2 cups of whole wheat flour
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 1 teaspoon of sugar
  • 1 tablespoon of oil
  • Water as required to knead the dough
  • Ghee or butter for frying the parathas
  • Additional flour for dusting

Steps and instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, salt, and sugar.
  2. Add oil to the mixture and mix it well with your hands until the mixture has a crumbly texture.
  3. Add water gradually and knead the mixture into a soft and smooth dough.
  4. Cover the dough and let it rest for 15-20 minutes.
  5. After resting the dough, divide it into equal parts, shaping each part into a ball.
  6. Dust a ball of dough with some flour and roll it out into a circle using a rolling pin.
  7. Heat a pan or tawa over medium heat. Once hot, gently place the rolled out dough onto the pan.
  8. Cook the dough on one side until it starts showing tiny bubbles or until it's partially cooked. Flip it over and apply some ghee or butter on the partially cooked side.
  9. Flip the paratha again and apply some ghee or butter on the other side as well. Press the paratha gently using a spatula and cook both sides until they are golden brown and crispy.
  10. Remove the paratha from the pan and place it on a plate. Repeat the process with the remaining dough balls.
  11. Enjoy your freshly made parathas while they are hot. They can be served with yogurt, pickles, or any other side dish of your choice.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Adding finely chopped onions, green chilies, or herbs like cilantro or mint to the dough for added flavor.
  • Using a combination of whole wheat flour and all-purpose flour to make the dough.
  • Replacing the whole wheat flour with other flours like millet flour, barley flour, or chickpea flour for a different taste and texture.
  • Stuffing the parathas with various fillings like mashed potatoes, paneer (Indian cottage cheese), spinach, or grated vegetables.
  • Adding spices like turmeric, cumin powder, or garam masala to the dough for a spicier version.
  • Making a sweet version of paratha by adding sugar, cardamom powder, and nuts to the dough.
  • Adding grated cheese to the dough for a cheesy paratha.
  • Making a gluten-free version by using gluten-free flour like rice flour or almond flour.
  • Adding cooked and seasoned minced meat or chicken to the dough for a non-vegetarian option.
  • Experimenting with different cooking methods such as baking the parathas instead of frying them.

Recipe overview

Indulge in the authentic flavors of Indian cuisine with this simple yet satisfying paratha recipe. Parathas are a type of flaky, pan-fried Indian bread that are a staple in many Indian households and are beloved for their versatility. Made with just a handful of basic ingredients, these delightful flatbreads can be enjoyed on their own, or paired with a variety of accompaniments like pickles, yogurt, or your favorite curries. They are perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner and are sure to bring a touch of warmth and comfort to your mealtime. This recipe will guide you through the process of making perfect parathas – from preparing the dough to cooking them to golden-brown perfection. Whether you're already a fan of Indian cuisine or new to it, this paratha recipe is a must-try. Enjoy!

Common questions

  1. Can I use all-purpose flour instead of whole wheat flour?
  2. Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour with all-purpose flour if desired. However, the texture and taste of the paratha may differ slightly.
  3. Can I make the dough in advance?
  4. Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just make sure to cover it tightly to prevent it from drying out. Allow the dough to come to room temperature before rolling and cooking the parathas.
  5. How do I know when the paratha is fully cooked?
  6. The paratha is fully cooked when both sides are golden brown and crispy. You can also gently press the paratha with a spatula while cooking; if it puffs up, it indicates that it is cooked.
  7. Can I use oil instead of ghee or butter?
  8. Yes, you can use oil instead of ghee or butter for frying the parathas. However, using ghee or butter adds a rich flavor to the paratha.
  9. What can I serve with parathas?
  10. Parathas can be served with a variety of side dishes such as yogurt, pickles, chutney, or curry. They can also be enjoyed on their own as a delicious snack.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Rolling Pin - Used to roll out the paratha dough into a circular shape.
  • Pan or Tawa - A flat cooking surface used for cooking the parathas.
  • Spatula - Helps in flipping the parathas while cooking and pressing them gently.
  • Plate - Used to serve the cooked parathas.
  • Bowl - To mix the flour, salt, sugar, and oil for the dough.
  • Cover or Cloth - Used to cover the dough and let it rest.
  • Knife - Optional, to cut the parathas into smaller pieces if desired.

Origin stories

Paratha, a flaky, decadent flatbread, has its roots firmly planted in the Indian subcontinent. Tracing its origins back to ancient India, it finds mention in the 12th-century Sanskrit encyclopedia, the "Manasollasa", where the preparation of a similar bread is described. The culinary tradition of paratha spread throughout the Indian subcontinent and evolved over centuries, adopting unique regional twists and fillings, transforming this humble bread into a versatile culinary masterpiece. Whether it's the Aloo Paratha generously stuffed with spiced potato, savored in Punjabi households, or the flaky Malabar Paratha relished in the Southern coast, each version tells a story of its own. One could say paratha, in all its splendid variations, is a testament to India's diverse and rich gastronomical heritage.

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.