Paneer Paratha is a delightful and nutritious stuffed flatbread from North Indian cuisine. Known for its rich, creamy taste, this dish is a favorite for breakfast or as a light meal. This guide will walk you through an easy Paneer Paratha Recipe to make these delicious stuffed flatbreads at home.
Ingredients for Paneer Paratha
- 2 cups of whole wheat flour (for dough)
- Water, as needed (for kneading dough)
- Salt, a pinch (for dough)
- 200 grams of fresh paneer (cottage cheese)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1-2 green chilies, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon of cumin seeds
- 1/4 teaspoon of garam masala
- 1/2 teaspoon of red chili powder (optional)
- 2 tablespoons of fresh coriander leaves, chopped
- Salt to taste
- Oil or ghee for cooking
Steps to Make Dough
Start by preparing the dough, which is the base for our paneer paratha:
- In a large mixing bowl, add the whole wheat flour.
- Add a pinch of salt and start mixing water gradually to form a soft yet firm dough.
- Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until it's smooth. Cover with a damp cloth and let it rest for at least 15-20 minutes.
🧑🍳 Note: The dough should be well-kneaded as this results in a soft paratha.
Preparing the Paneer Stuffing
While the dough rests, let's move on to the paneer stuffing:
- Crumble the paneer into a bowl using your hands or a fork.
- Add finely chopped onions, green chilies, cumin seeds, garam masala, red chili powder (if using), fresh coriander leaves, and salt to the paneer.
- Mix everything well, ensuring the spices and salt are evenly distributed.
🧐 Note: Adjust the spice level according to your preference by reducing or omitting the green chilies or red chili powder.
Assembling and Cooking Paneer Paratha
Now comes the fun part, assembling and cooking your parathas:
- Divide the dough into equal portions and roll each into a smooth ball.
- Roll out one dough ball into a small circle (about 4 inches in diameter).
- Place a generous amount of the paneer mixture in the center of the circle.
- Bring the edges of the dough together to cover the stuffing and pinch to seal, making sure no filling escapes.
- Flatten the stuffed dough ball slightly and then roll it out gently into a larger circle (about 6-8 inches) using some dry flour to prevent sticking. Roll with care to avoid tearing the dough.
- Heat a tawa or skillet over medium heat. Place the rolled paratha on the tawa.
- Cook for about a minute or until you see small bubbles forming. Flip and cook for another minute.
- Now apply a little oil or ghee on the top side, flip again, and press gently. Apply oil/ghee on the other side as well, and cook until both sides are golden brown with slight crispiness.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve your Paneer Parathas hot with yogurt, mint chutney, or pickle for an authentic taste.
- A dollop of butter on top of the hot paratha can add a rich flavor.
Can I make paneer paratha dough in advance?
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Yes, you can prepare the dough a few hours in advance and keep it covered. It will actually improve the texture of the parathas.
What can I use if I don’t have paneer?
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If paneer is not available, you can substitute with crumbled tofu or cheese like ricotta or cottage cheese. Remember to adjust the salt since these cheeses might already be salty.
Can I freeze paneer parathas?
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Yes, you can prepare and partially cook the parathas, then freeze them. Simply reheat on the tawa when you want to eat them. They should not stick together if properly layered.
What other fillings can I use in parathas?
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Apart from paneer, you can stuff parathas with mashed potatoes, spinach, mixed vegetables, or even leftover cooked vegetables.
How can I make my parathas softer?
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To make softer parathas, knead the dough well, ensure it’s well rested, and cook them on a medium to low heat for longer rather than quickly on high heat.
