Paneer Paratha Recipe: A Delicious and Nutritious Indian Flatbread

Paneer Paratha is a popular North Indian dish that is not only delicious but also packed with protein and nutrients. It’s a stuffed flatbread made with whole wheat flour and filled with a spiced mixture of paneer (Indian cottage cheese). This dish is perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner and can be served with yogurt, pickles, or a hot cup of chai. The crispy and soft texture of the paratha combined with the savory paneer filling makes it a favorite among all age groups.

Here’s how you can make a mouthwatering Paneer Paratha at home.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 2 cups whole wheat flour
• 1 tbsp oil or ghee
• 1/2 tsp salt
• Water (as required to knead the dough)

For the Paneer Filling:

• 1 cup paneer (grated or crumbled)
• 1 small onion (finely chopped, optional)
• 1-2 green chilies (finely chopped, adjust to taste)
• 1/4 tsp turmeric powder
• 1/2 tsp red chili powder
• 1/2 tsp garam masala
• 1/2 tsp cumin powder
• 2 tbsp coriander leaves (finely chopped)
• Salt to taste

For Cooking:

• Ghee or oil (for frying the paratha)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Mix the Flour: In a large mixing bowl, add the whole wheat flour and salt. Mix well.
2. Add Oil/Ghee: Add the oil or ghee to the flour and rub it in with your fingers until the mixture becomes crumbly.
3. Knead the Dough: Gradually add water in small portions and knead the dough into a soft, smooth ball. It should be soft but not sticky.
4. Rest the Dough: Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 20-30 minutes to make it more pliable.

Step 2: Prepare the Paneer Filling

1. Crumbled Paneer: In a separate bowl, crumble the paneer using your hands or a grater.
2. Mix the Spices: Add the chopped onions, green chilies, turmeric powder, red chili powder, garam masala, cumin powder, and salt to the crumbled paneer. Mix everything thoroughly.
3. Add Fresh Herbs: Stir in the chopped coriander leaves for a burst of freshness and flavor.

Step 3: Shape and Stuff the Parathas

1. Divide the Dough: After the dough has rested, divide it into equal-sized balls (about the size of a golf ball).
2. Roll the Dough: Take one ball of dough and flatten it with your fingers or a rolling pin to form a small disc (about 3-4 inches in diameter).
3. Add the Filling: Place a generous amount of the paneer filling in the center of the dough disc.
4. Seal the Paratha: Carefully fold the edges of the dough over the filling and pinch them together to seal the stuffing inside.
5. Roll Out the Paratha: Gently roll the stuffed dough ball into a flat disc (about 6-7 inches in diameter), making sure not to let the filling spill out.

Step 4: Cook the Paneer Paratha

1. Heat the Pan: Heat a tawa (griddle) or non-stick pan over medium heat. Once hot, place the rolled-out paratha on the pan.
2. Cook the Paratha: Cook the paratha for about 1-2 minutes on one side until small bubbles form. Flip it over and cook the other side for a minute.
3. Add Ghee or Oil: Brush some ghee or oil on both sides of the paratha and cook until golden brown and crispy. Press gently with a spatula to ensure it cooks evenly.
4. Repeat the Process: Repeat the process with the remaining dough balls and paneer filling.

Step 5: Serve

Serve the hot and crispy Paneer Paratha with a side of yogurt, pickle, or a drizzle of ghee. A cup of hot masala chai also pairs beautifully with this dish.

Tips for Perfect Paneer Paratha:

• Use Fresh Paneer: Fresh, soft paneer will give the paratha a creamier texture. You can use homemade paneer for the best results.
• Adjust Spices: Customize the spice levels according to your preference. You can also add a pinch of chat masala or amchur (dry mango powder) for extra flavor.
• Rolling Technique: Roll the paratha gently to avoid the stuffing from spilling out. If needed, dust with flour to prevent sticking, but use it sparingly.
• For Extra Crispiness: If you prefer an extra crispy paratha, add a little more ghee while cooking.

Nutritional Benefits:

• High in Protein: Paneer is a great source of protein, making this paratha a nutritious option for growing children and adults alike.
• Rich in Fiber: Whole wheat flour used for the dough adds fiber to the meal, helping with digestion.
• Vitamins and Minerals: The spices and herbs used in the filling, like coriander and cumin, offer antioxidant properties and aid in digestion.

Conclusion:

Paneer Paratha is a versatile and wholesome dish that can be enjoyed at any time of the day. Whether you are looking for a filling breakfast or a satisfying lunch, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, you can bring the taste of North India to your kitchen in no time.