Sweet Corn Paratha Recipe: A Delicious Twist on Traditional Paratha

Sweet Corn Paratha is a delightful and nutritious twist on the classic Indian paratha. Bursting with the natural sweetness of corn and the richness of whole wheat, this paratha is not only delicious but also packed with essential nutrients. Whether you enjoy it as a breakfast, lunch, or dinner, this vibrant paratha is sure to satisfy your taste buds and provide a wholesome meal for your family. Here’s how you can make it at home.

Ingredients:

• For the dough:
  • 1 cup whole wheat flour (atta)
  • 1/4 cup cornmeal (optional, for added crunch)
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • Water (as needed for kneading)
  • 1 tbsp oil (optional, for a softer dough)
• For the filling:
  • 1 cup sweet corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
  • 1/2 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 green chili, finely chopped (optional)
  • 1/4 tsp cumin seeds
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1/2 tsp red chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp garam masala or chaat masala
  • Salt to taste
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper powder
  • 1 tbsp fresh cilantro (coriander leaves), finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
• For cooking:
  • Ghee or oil for frying

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, add the whole wheat flour and cornmeal (if using). Add salt and mix.
2. Gradually add water and knead the mixture into a soft, smooth dough. You can add a tablespoon of oil for a softer dough, but it’s optional.
3. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 20-30 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Sweet Corn Filling

1. If using fresh sweet corn, steam or boil the kernels until they are soft. If using frozen corn, thaw them and cook briefly.
2. Mash the cooked corn lightly with a fork or a potato masher, leaving some kernels intact for texture.
3. Heat a small pan over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and sauté them until they splutter.
4. Add finely chopped onions and green chili to the pan. Sauté until the onions turn translucent.
5. Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, garam masala (or chaat masala), and salt. Mix well.
6. Stir in the mashed corn, black pepper, cilantro, and lemon juice. Cook for a couple of minutes to combine all the flavors.
7. Remove from heat and allow the filling to cool down before stuffing it into the paratha.

Step 3: Stuff the Paratha

1. Divide the dough into equal-sized balls (about the size of a golf ball).
2. Roll each dough ball into a small disc, approximately 4-5 inches in diameter.
3. Place a spoonful of the sweet corn filling in the center of the dough disc.
4. Gently fold the edges of the dough over the filling and seal it to form a ball again.
5. Roll out the stuffed dough ball into a flat paratha, being careful not to let the filling spill out.

Step 4: Cook the Sweet Corn Paratha

1. Heat a tava or a flat griddle on medium heat.
2. Place the rolled paratha on the hot griddle and cook for about 1-2 minutes on each side until light brown spots begin to appear.
3. Flip the paratha and brush with ghee or oil. Cook until both sides are golden brown and crisp.
4. Remove from the griddle and set aside. Repeat with the remaining dough balls.

Step 5: Serve

Serve these delicious Sweet Corn Parathas hot with a side of yogurt, pickle, or your favorite curry. You can also pair them with a cup of hot masala chai for a satisfying meal.

Tips and Variations:

• Add extra veggies: You can add finely chopped spinach, grated carrots, or bell peppers to the corn filling for added nutrition.
• Spice it up: If you like your parathas spicier, you can increase the amount of green chili or add a pinch of red chili flakes to the filling.
• Use butter: For a richer flavor, you can use butter instead of ghee or oil while cooking the parathas.
• Make it vegan: To make this recipe vegan, skip the ghee or butter and use oil for cooking and in the dough.

Health Benefits:

Sweet corn is an excellent source of fiber, antioxidants, and essential vitamins like vitamin C and B-complex vitamins. Whole wheat flour adds its own set of nutrients, including fiber, protein, and minerals. This combination makes Sweet Corn Paratha not only a flavorful dish but also a nutritious one, perfect for people of all ages.

Conclusion:

Sweet Corn Paratha is a fun, flavorful, and healthy variation of traditional paratha. The sweetness of corn pairs beautifully with the spices, creating a unique and satisfying taste. Whether you’re looking for a new recipe to try for breakfast or want to serve a nutritious meal for your family, this Sweet Corn Paratha is the perfect choice. Enjoy the taste and nutrition in every bite!