Paneer Paratha Recipe

Paneer paratha is a popular Indian flatbread stuffed with a flavorful paneer (cottage cheese) filling. It's a beloved dish often enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Here's a bit more about paneer paratha:

Origin and Popularity

• Regional Cuisine: Paneer paratha originates from North India, particularly Punjab. It's a staple in Punjabi households and has become popular throughout India.

• Versatility: Paneer paratha is versatile and can be enjoyed as a standalone meal or with various accompaniments such as yogurt, pickles, raita, or chutney.

Key Ingredients

• Paneer: The primary ingredient, paneer, is a fresh, non-aged cheese made by curdling milk with an acidic agent like lemon juice or vinegar. It's high in protein and has a mild flavor that pairs well with various spices.

• Whole Wheat Flour: The dough for the paratha is made from whole wheat flour, making it a wholesome and nutritious option.

• Spices and Herbs: Common spices used in the filling include cumin powder, coriander powder, garam masala, and fresh herbs like coriander leaves. These add a burst of flavor to the paratha.

Preparation

1. Dough Preparation: The dough is kneaded to a soft consistency and allowed to rest, making it easier to roll out.

2. Filling Preparation: Paneer is grated and mixed with finely chopped onions, green chilies, ginger, and spices to create a savory filling.

3. Stuffing and Rolling: The dough is rolled into small circles, filled with the paneer mixture, sealed, and then gently rolled out again to form a flatbread.

4. Cooking: The parathas are cooked on a hot tawa or skillet with a little ghee or oil until golden brown and crispy on both sides.

Table of Contents

• Paneer Paratha Recipe

• Image

• About Paneer Paratha

• Ingredients

• Instructions

• Serving Suggestions

• Variations

• Tips

• Nutritional Value

• Video

Here's a simple and delicious recipe for paneer paratha:

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 2 cups whole wheat flour

• Water (as needed)

• Salt (to taste)

• 1 tablespoon oil or ghee

For the Filling:

• 1 cup grated paneer (cottage cheese)

• 1-2 green chilies, finely chopped (optional)

• 1 small onion, finely chopped (optional)

• 1 teaspoon grated ginger

• 1 teaspoon cumin powder

• 1 teaspoon coriander powder

• 1 teaspoon garam masala

• 1 tablespoon chopped coriander leaves

• Salt (to taste)

For Cooking:

• Ghee or oil (for frying)

Instructions:

Prepare the Dough:

1. In a large mixing bowl, add the whole wheat flour and salt. Mix well.

2. Gradually add water and knead into a smooth, soft dough.

3. Add the oil or ghee and knead again for a couple of minutes.

4. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for about 20-30 minutes.

Prepare the Filling:

1. In a bowl, mix the grated paneer, green chilies, onion, ginger, cumin powder, coriander powder, garam masala, chopped coriander leaves, and salt.

2. Mix well to combine all the ingredients evenly.

Assemble the Parathas:

1. Divide the dough into equal-sized balls.

2. Take one dough ball and roll it out into a small circle on a floured surface.

3. Place a spoonful of the paneer filling in the center of the rolled-out dough.

4. Bring the edges of the dough together to cover the filling and seal it well.

5. Gently flatten the stuffed dough ball and roll it out again into a circle (about 6-8 inches in diameter). Be careful not to let the filling come out.

Cook the Parathas:

1. Heat a tawa or skillet over medium heat.

2. Place the rolled-out paratha on the hot tawa.

3. Cook for about 1-2 minutes until you see bubbles forming on the surface.

4. Flip the paratha and apply a little ghee or oil on the cooked side.

5. Flip again and apply ghee or oil on the other side.

6. Cook until both sides are golden brown and crispy.

7. Repeat the process with the remaining dough and filling.

Serve:

1. Serve hot with yogurt, pickle, or any chutney of your choice.

Enjoy your delicious homemade paneer parathas!

Serving Suggestions:

• Accompaniments: Paneer paratha can be served with a variety of side dishes such as yogurt, raita, pickles, or chutneys. It pairs well with Indian curries and dal (lentil soup).

• Beverages: A hot cup of chai (tea) or a glass of lassi (yogurt drink) complements the flavors of paneer paratha, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Variations:

• Spicy Paneer Paratha: Add more green chilies or red chili powder for an extra kick.

• Herb Paneer Paratha: Incorporate fresh herbs like mint or fenugreek leaves into the filling for a unique flavor.

• Cheese Paneer Paratha: Mix grated cheese with paneer for a richer, creamier filling.

Paneer paratha is a delicious and satisfying dish that offers a delightful combination of textures and flavours, making it a favourite among many.

Tips

Here are some tips to help you make perfect paneer parathas:

Soft Dough: Ensure the dough is soft and pliable. Resting the dough for about 20-30 minutes helps in making it more elastic and easier to roll out.

Even Filling: Spread the filling evenly to avoid lumps. An even distribution ensures the paratha doesn't break while rolling or cooking.

Grate Paneer Finely: Use finely grated paneer for the filling. This helps in achieving a smoother texture and prevents the filling from tearing the dough.

Remove Excess Moisture: If the paneer is too moist, it might make the dough soggy. Squeeze out any excess water from the paneer before mixing the filling ingredients.

Seal Properly: Make sure to seal the edges of the dough properly after stuffing. Press the edges well to prevent the filling from leaking out.

Gentle Rolling: Roll the stuffed dough gently. Apply even pressure to avoid tearing. Use a light hand while rolling to keep the filling intact.

Moderate Heat: Cook the parathas on medium heat. High heat can burn the outside while leaving the inside uncooked. Medium heat ensures even cooking and a crispy texture.

Use Ghee or Oil: Applying ghee or oil while cooking adds flavor and helps in achieving a nice golden-brown color. Brush lightly on both sides.

Adjust Spices: Adjust the amount of green chilies and garam masala according to your taste preference. You can also add other spices like chaat masala or amchur (dry mango powder) for extra flavor.

Serve Hot: Paneer parathas taste best when served hot. They can be paired with yogurt, raita, pickles, or any chutney of your choice for a delicious meal.

Following these tips can help you make delicious and perfectly cooked paneer parathas every time!

Nutritional Value

Protein-Rich: Paneer is an excellent source of protein, making paneer paratha a nutritious meal option.

Carbohydrates and Fiber: Whole wheat flour provides complex carbohydrates and dietary fiber.

Vitamins and Minerals: The addition of spices and herbs adds vitamins and minerals, contributing to the overall nutritional value of the dish.

Video