What is Paratha?
Paratha is a flatbread that originated in the Indian subcontinent. It's made by baking or frying unleavened dough, typically made from whole wheat flour
(atta). Parathas are versatile and can be eaten plain or stuffed with various fillings. The most basic paratha is simply a plain one, often served with butter, ghee, or yogurt. Other popular variations include those filled with vegetables, such as potatoes (aloo paratha), cauliflower (gobi paratha), or radish (mooli paratha). Parathas are a common breakfast item, but can also be enjoyed for lunch or dinner. They are usually served with various accompaniments, like chutneys, pickles, curries, and raita.
The Basic Recipe
The fundamental paratha recipe starts with whole wheat flour. Begin by kneading the flour with a little salt and water to create a soft, pliable dough. It's important to let the dough rest for about 20-30 minutes after kneading; this allows the gluten to relax, which results in a softer paratha. Next, divide the dough into equal-sized portions and roll each portion into a circle. The paratha can be cooked either on a flat griddle (tawa) or in a pan with a little oil or ghee. Cook on medium heat until both sides are golden brown and slightly puffed up. The cooking time varies, but generally takes a few minutes per side. Serve the plain paratha hot, with a dollop of butter or ghee, and your favorite sides.
Matar Paratha Delights
Matar paratha, or green pea paratha, offers a burst of flavor. To create this paratha, boiled and mashed green peas are mixed with spices like ginger, green chilies, coriander, and garam masala. This mixture serves as the filling for the paratha. The dough is rolled out, the pea mixture is placed in the center, and the edges are sealed. The paratha is then gently rolled out again to ensure that the filling is evenly distributed. Cook the stuffed paratha on a hot griddle with a little oil or ghee until both sides are golden brown. Matar paratha is often served with yogurt or a mint chutney, providing a complete meal. It is considered a wholesome choice because of the nutrients provided by the green peas, often being regarded as a healthy option.
Mooli Paratha Flavor
Mooli paratha, or radish paratha, is a flavorful variation. The filling for this paratha is made from grated radish, mixed with spices such as ginger, green chilies, and coriander leaves. The grated radish must be squeezed to remove excess water to prevent the paratha from becoming soggy. The dough is prepared, and a portion of the radish filling is placed in the center. Then, the dough is folded and sealed properly, preventing the filling from escaping during cooking. Roll out the stuffed paratha gently to make sure it does not tear. Cook the paratha on a hot griddle with oil or ghee until it is cooked and golden brown on both sides. Serve mooli paratha hot with butter, yogurt, or a pickle.
