Aloo Paratha is a popular Indian dish that combines the goodness of whole wheat flatbread with a spicy mashed potato filling. It is a versatile and satisfying meal that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. In this blog post, we will guide you through a step-by-step recipe to create the perfect aloo parathas that are crispy on the outside and packed with flavors on the inside. Let’s get started!
Ingredients: For the dough:
- 2 cups whole wheat flour
- Water (as needed)
- 1 tablespoon oil
- Salt (to taste)
For the filling:
- 4 medium-sized potatoes
- 1 medium-sized onion, finely chopped
- 2-3 green chilies, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
- Salt (to taste)
- Oil or ghee (clarified butter) for frying
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a mixing bowl, combine whole wheat flour, salt, and oil. Mix well.
- Gradually add water and knead the mixture until you form a soft and pliable dough.
- Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 15-20 minutes.
- Prepare the Filling:
- Boil the potatoes until they are tender. Once cooked, peel and mash them using a potato masher or fork.
- Heat a tablespoon of oil in a pan over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
- Add chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.
- Add ginger-garlic paste and green chilies. Cook for a minute until the raw smell disappears.
- Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, garam masala, and salt. Mix well.
- Add the mashed potatoes and mix everything thoroughly. Cook for a couple of minutes.
- Finally, add fresh cilantro leaves, give it a final mix, and turn off the heat. Let the filling cool down.
- Assemble and Cook the Parathas:
- Divide the dough into small balls roughly the size of a golf ball.
- Take a dough ball, dust it with flour, and roll it into a small circle of about 4-5 inches in diameter.
- Place a spoonful of the potato filling in the center of the circle.
- Gather the edges of the dough and seal it properly to enclose the filling.
- Flatten the filled dough ball with your hands, dust it with flour, and roll it gently into a round paratha of approximately 7-8 inches in diameter.
- Heat a tawa (flat pan) or griddle over medium heat. Place the rolled paratha on it.
- Cook one side until you see small bubbles forming, then flip it and drizzle some oil or ghee on top.
- Cook until both sides are golden brown, pressing gently with a spatula to ensure even cooking.
- Repeat the process for the remaining dough balls and filling.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Transfer the cooked parathas to a serving plate.
- Serve hot with your favorite accompaniments such as yogurt, pickle, or mint chutney.
- Aloo parathas can also be enjoyed with a side of raita (yogurt dip) or a dollop of butter.
Conclusion: Congratulations! You have successfully prepared delicious and flavorful aloo parathas. This traditional Indian dish is sure to delight your taste buds and leave you craving for more. Enjoy them as a fulfilling breakfast, lunch, or dinner option, and don’t forget to experiment with different accompaniments to enhance the experience.