Parathas
are whole-wheat Pakistani and Indian flatbread. Parathas can be made plain or
stuffed with many different fillings. This recipe uses the most popular filling
– Potatoes. Aloo Parathas are perfect for a weekend breakfast or brunch.
Ingredients:
Dough:
1
cup whole-wheat flour
½
cup white flour (maida)
2
cup water (Use more as needed)
Salt:
to taste
Potato
Filling
3
medium potatoes
Salt
to taste
1/2
teaspoon cumin seeds
2
chopped green chili
2
tablespoons chopped green coriander
2
tablespoons chopped mint
1/2
teaspoon garam masala (optional)
1/2
teaspoon amchoor powder (optional)
Also
needed
1/4
cup whole-wheat flour for rolling
Oil
to cook
Method:
Dough
Mix
flour, salt and water together to make soft dough (if the dough is hard adding
a little more water).Knead the dough for a few minutes on a lightly greased
surface to make smooth and pliable dough. Set the dough aside and cover it with
a damp cloth. Let the dough rest for at least ten minutes.
Filling
Boil
3 medium potatoes with 2 cups of water. After the water comes to a boil, reduce
the heat to medium. Let the potatoes cook until they are tender.
Once
tender, remove them from the water and let them cool down. Note: Do not cool
the potatoes under running water because the potatoes will become too soft.
After
the potatoes are cold enough to handle, peel the skin off and mash the potatoes.
Mix green chilies, cilantro, cumin seeds and salt to the mashed potatoes.
Making
paratha
Divide
the dough and potato mixture into 6 equal parts. The potato balls should be
about 1 1/2 times larger than the dough balls.
Roll
the dough into 3 inch diameter circles. Place the potato balls in the center.
Seal by pulling the edges of the rolled dough together to make a ball. Proceed
to make all six balls.
Let
them settle for 3 to 4 minutes before rolling them.
Heat
the skillet on medium high. To check if the skillet is hot enough, sprinkle a
couple of drops of water on it. If the water sizzles right away, the skillet is
ready. To make it easier to roll the balls, first roll them in dry whole-wheat
flour.
Lightly
press the ball on the sealed side and keep it on the topside when rolling. Roll
the ball light handed in to 6-inch circles. Whenever the dough sticks to the
rolling pin or rolling surface, lightly sprinkle dry whole-wheat flour on both
sides of the semi-rolled paratha.
Place
the paratha over the skillet. After a few seconds you will see the paratha
change color and puff in different places.
Then
flip the paratha over. You should see some golden-brown spots on the topside.
After a few seconds, spread 1 teaspoon of oil on the paratha. Again, flip the
paratha and lightly press the puffed areas with a spatula. Flip again and press
with the spatula making sure the paratha is golden-brown on both sides. Cool
the parathas on a wire rack so they don’t get soggy.
Parathas
can be served with Tomato Chutney, Plain Yogurt or Green Chilli pickle.