Gobi Paratha Recipe (Cauliflower Paratha)

Gobi Paratha is a flavorful and wholesome Indian flatbread stuffed with a spiced cauliflower filling. A popular dish in North India, it’s typically enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner with a side of yogurt, pickle, or curry. It’s an excellent way to add more vegetables to your diet while savoring the rich spices and flavors of Indian cuisine. Let’s dive into how to make this simple and delicious Gobi Paratha.

Ingredients:

For the dough:

• 2 cups whole wheat flour (atta)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Water (as needed to knead the dough)
• 1 tablespoon oil or ghee (optional)

For the filling:

• 2 cups cauliflower (grated or finely chopped)
• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 small onion (finely chopped)
• 2 green chilies (finely chopped, optional)
• 1-inch ginger (grated)
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• Salt to taste
• 2 tablespoons chopped coriander leaves
• 1/4 teaspoon asafoetida (hing, optional)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the whole wheat flour and salt.
2. Gradually add water and knead the mixture into a smooth, soft dough. It should be pliable but not too sticky.
3. Once the dough is well kneaded, cover it with a damp cloth and set it aside for 20-30 minutes to rest. This will help make the parathas soft.

Step 2: Prepare the cauliflower filling

1. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
2. Add the chopped onion, green chilies, and grated ginger. Sauté until the onions turn soft and golden brown.
3. Add the grated cauliflower to the pan. Cook for about 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cauliflower softens and releases any excess moisture.
4. Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, garam masala, and salt. Stir well to combine and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
5. If the mixture seems too wet, cook for a little longer until the moisture evaporates.
6. Once the filling is dry and well-cooked, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly. Add fresh coriander leaves and mix everything together.

Step 3: Stuff the paratha

1. Divide the dough into small equal-sized balls (about the size of a golf ball).
2. Roll out one ball of dough into a small circle (about 3-4 inches in diameter).
3. Place a spoonful of the cooled cauliflower filling in the center of the rolled dough.
4. Carefully bring the edges of the dough together, pinching them to seal the filling inside. You can fold the edges over the filling to form a pouch.
5. Gently roll out the stuffed dough ball into a flat circle, about 6-8 inches in diameter. Be careful not to press too hard to avoid the filling spilling out.

Step 4: Cook the Gobi Paratha

1. Heat a tawa (griddle) or non-stick pan over medium heat.
2. Place the rolled-out paratha on the hot tawa. Cook for about 1-2 minutes, or until you see bubbles forming on the surface.
3. Flip the paratha and cook the other side for another 1-2 minutes.
4. Drizzle some ghee or oil on both sides and cook until the paratha is golden brown and crisp.
5. Repeat the process for the remaining dough balls and filling.

Step 5: Serve

• Serve the hot Gobi Paratha with a side of plain yogurt, pickle, or a cup of masala chai. You can also pair it with a refreshing salad or a dollop of butter on top for extra indulgence.

Tips for Perfect Gobi Paratha:

• Grating the cauliflower: Make sure to grate the cauliflower finely to ensure it cooks evenly and blends well with the spices.
• Avoid moisture: After grating the cauliflower, you can lightly squeeze out excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel or paper towel to avoid soggy filling.
• Rolling technique: If the paratha is tearing while rolling, dust the surface with some dry flour to prevent sticking. Be gentle while rolling out to avoid the filling from spilling out.
• Customize the filling: Feel free to add other spices like ajwain (carom seeds) or garam masala, or even finely chopped spinach or peas for variation.

Health Benefits:

Gobi Paratha is not only a treat to your taste buds but also packed with nutrients:

• Cauliflower is rich in fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins like C and K.
• Whole wheat flour adds fiber and is a good source of complex carbohydrates.
• The combination of spices in the filling aids digestion and provides anti-inflammatory benefits.

This recipe brings together the comforting flavors of soft parathas with a tasty cauliflower filling, making it a nutritious and satisfying dish for any time of day. Enjoy your Gobi Paratha with your loved ones!