Masala Paratha

Indian whole wheat flatbread flavored with various spice powders, perfect during less pantry ingredients.

We all know breakfast is the most important meal of the day. But just because we are aware that this meal is crucial doesn’t mean we always have time to whip up something delicious, isn’t it!

From school drop-offs to busy commutes to squeezing in a sweat session, weekday mornings can often be our busiest time of the day. Or sometimes we run out of pantry ingredients, don’t have the interest to go outside to buy any vegetables, and need to make some new, easy breakfast ideas. So here is a solution I have come up with as Masala Paratha.

Masala Paratha!

Paratha is a flat unleavened bread from Indian cuisine, usually fried on a griddle. Whole wheat flour is used to make paratha, still one can make paratha with a 1:1 ratio of wheat flour and all-purpose flour. Also, there are so many variations of paratha instead of plain paratha we can make to enjoy like stuffed paratha, flavored paratha, etc.

This masala paratha is quite a simple paratha. As the name said, the paratha is flavored with some masala or spice powders. The paratha here has a flaky texture all over.

How can be this paratha prepared ?

The ingredients of the masala paratha are nothing fancy. Those are definitely available in our kitchen.

Just with some whole wheat flour, one needs a few spice powders like garam masala powder, red chili powder, chaat masala powder, turmeric powder, and coriander powder.

To the dough, I have added few chopped fresh coriander leaves. This is optional though, I like the color added to the paratha by this.

To keep the paratha completely vegan, I have used oil. Still one can use ghee which gives an even more delicious taste to the masala paratha.

So first in a mixing bowl take flour, salt, oil and start mixing using fingers. Add chopped coriander leaves and give a quick mix again. After that, start kneading the dough by adding water little by little and make a smooth yet soft dough. Cover the bowl and keep it aside for 10-15 minutes.

Meanwhile in a small bowl mix all the spice powders using a spoon. Keep aside.

After 10-15 minutes, divide the dough into 6 no. of equal balls. On a dusted rolling board, roll one dough ball into as thin as possible (approximately 7-8 inches diameter disc). Apply some oil and spread evenly over the entire surface using a brush or by hand and then sprinkle spice mixture over it evenly.

Now one can proceed in two ways :

1. Gather all the sides in the center, make a ball. This is the type of STUFFED PARATHA.
2. From one edge of the rolled dough, start making pleats (1/2 inch width) till the opposite edge reaches. Stretch the pleated dough gently and then twist the whole pleated dough a bit. Roll the twisted dough like a swiss roll and secure the end and the result is a spiral flat ball. This is the type of LACHHA PARATHA.

Pick any one process from the above and repeat for the rest of the dough balls. Again cover all balls with a moist cloth and keep aside for 5 minutes.

Now take one ball on the dusted rolling board and roll carefully into a circle (5-6 inches diameter approximately) without applying too much pressure. Heat a tawa / flat pan over medium heat, place the paratha on the hot tawa and cook from both sides. When the golden brown spots start appearing, then apply some oil on both sides.

TIPS : Use a spatula and gently press all over while cooking the paratha to ensure even and quick the cooking process.

Transfer the paratha to a plate and make some more paratha from rest of the balls.

Dietary Notes :

• Vegan
• Quick Breakfast recipe
• Perfect for hurry mood
• Tiffin box, travel time snack idea

Serving suggestion!

This masala paratha is so flavorful that it can be served simply with curd or with some pickle. We also like it to pair with a hot cup of tea.

Sometimes with curries like aloo curry, chole curry etc. this paratha tastes great too as a breakfast spread.

For tiffin box or even for travel time snack this is a perfect option to make quickly and pack.

And, yes !!!

If you like the recipe shared here and give it a try at your place then do share in INSTAGRAM by tagging #firsttimercook. I would be so happy to see and surely share in my INSTA stories 😊😊

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