Authentic Punjabi Aloo Paratha: A Comforting Indian Flatbread Recipe

Ingredients

2 cups of whole wheat flour
1 cup of water (to knead the dough)
4 medium-sized boiled potatoes
2 finely chopped green chilies
1 finely chopped onion
1 teaspoon of grated ginger
1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder
1/2 teaspoon of red chili powder
1/2 teaspoon of cumin seeds
1/2 teaspoon of garam masala
1/2 teaspoon of amchur (dry mango powder)
2 tablespoons of chopped coriander leaves
Salt to taste
Ghee or butter for cooking the parathas

Steps and instructions

In a large bowl, add the whole wheat flour and water. Knead this mixture well until it forms a soft dough. Cover the dough and keep it aside for about 20-30 minutes.
Peel the boiled potatoes and mash them in a bowl. To this, add the chopped green chilies, chopped onion, grated ginger, turmeric powder, red chili powder, cumin seeds, garam masala, amchur, chopped coriander leaves, and salt. Mix all these ingredients together until well combined.
Divide the dough into equal parts, roughly about the size of a golf ball. Also, divide the potato mixture into the same number of parts.
Take one portion of the dough and roll it out into a small circle. Place a portion of the potato mixture in the center of the rolled dough. Bring the edges of the dough together and seal the potato stuffing inside. Press down to flatten it.
Roll out this stuffed dough ball into a circle of about 6 inches in diameter.
Heat a pan on medium flame. Place the rolled paratha on the pan. Cook for a minute, or until small bubbles start to form on the surface.
Flip the paratha. While the other side is cooking, apply some ghee or butter on the top surface. Flip again and apply ghee or butter on the other side. Cook until both sides are golden brown, pressing gently with a spatula.
Repeat this process with the remaining dough and potato mixture.
Serve the hot Punjabi Aloo Parathas with yogurt, pickle, or a side of your choice.

Tools for making

Rolling pin - Used to roll out the dough and flatten the parathas.
Tawa or griddle - A flat cooking pan used to cook the parathas.
Spatula - Used to flip and press down the parathas while cooking.
Mixing bowl - For kneading the dough and mixing the potato stuffing.
Knife - To chop the green chilies, onion, and coriander leaves.
Potato masher - Used to mash the boiled potatoes.
Measuring spoons - To accurately measure the spices and salt.
Plate or tray - To keep the prepared parathas before serving.
Clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap - Used to cover the dough while resting.

Recipe variations

Use all-purpose flour instead of whole wheat flour to make the dough.
Add finely chopped spinach or fenugreek leaves to the potato mixture for an added twist.
Add grated paneer (Indian cottage cheese) to the potato mixture to make it more creamy.
Include grated carrots or boiled peas in the potato mixture for added texture and flavor.
For a spicier version, add a pinch of red chili flakes or finely chopped green chilies to the dough.
Replace the potatoes with sweet potatoes for a unique and slightly sweet variation.
Make a vegan version by substituting ghee or butter with cooking oil.
Add a pinch of ajwain (carom seeds) or kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves) to the dough for an aromatic twist.
For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free flour blend instead of whole wheat flour.
Make a stuffed paratha with a savory filling of your choice, such as spiced cauliflower, mashed lentils, or even leftover curries.

Recipe overview

Discover the joy of making homemade Punjabi Aloo Parathas with this easy and straightforward recipe! Aloo Paratha is a delicious whole wheat flatbread stuffed with a spicy potato mixture that is a classic breakfast dish in North India, particularly in Punjab. They're not just for breakfast though -- these versatile parathas can be enjoyed for lunch, dinner, or any time you fancy a hearty and satisfying meal. In this recipe, we guide you step-by-step to prepare the dough, make the spicy aloo (potato) filling, and cook the parathas to perfection. The result is beautifully flaky parathas with a savory filling that's full of flavor. Serve them hot with a side of yogurt, pickle or your choice of condiment for a complete and satisfying meal. Whether you're new to Indian cuisine or a seasoned pro, this Punjabi Aloo Paratha recipe is sure to be a hit!

Common questions

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of whole wheat flour?
Yes, you can use all-purpose flour, but the texture and taste of the parathas may differ slightly from the traditional ones made with whole wheat flour.
Can I skip adding green chilies?
Yes, if you prefer a milder taste, you can omit the green chilies or reduce the quantity according to your preference.
How can I make the parathas crispy?
To make the parathas crispier, brush them with ghee or butter while cooking and make sure to cook them on medium-high heat.
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 out the parathas.
Can I use oil instead of ghee or butter?
Yes, you can use oil instead of ghee or butter for cooking the parathas, but using ghee or butter adds a rich flavor to the dish.
Can I freeze the parathas?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked parathas. Once they cool down, stack them with parchment paper in between, place them in a freezer-safe bag, and freeze. To reheat, simply thaw and warm them on a tawa or pan.

Serving dishes and utensils

Rolling pin - Used to roll out the dough for making the parathas.
Tawa or griddle - To cook the parathas on the stovetop.
Spatula - Used to flip and press down the parathas while cooking.
Brush - To apply ghee or butter on the parathas while cooking.
Plate or serving platter - For serving the cooked parathas.
Yogurt or raita bowl - To serve alongside the parathas.
Pickle or chutney container - For serving with the parathas.

Origin stories

Aloo Paratha, a staple in many Punjabi households, is the testament to the undying love that Punjabis have for their food. These stuffed flatbreads have traveled far beyond the boundaries of Punjab and have made their presence felt across the country and abroad. Interestingly, despite its popularity, the dish is relatively new to the annals of Punjabi cuisine. As per culinary historians, Aloo Paratha became popular only in the last century. It is believed that with the introduction of potatoes (a New World crop) in India by the Portuguese, inventive Punjabi cooks started incorporating it into their parathas. It caught on quickly as a hearty, economical, and delicious option that could be served at any time of the day. The art of stuffing parathas without tearing the outer layer and making sure they are evenly cooked is a skill many Punjabi grandmothers have passed down through generations.

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.