Paneer paratha

Hello everyone! Today, I would like to share with you a very easy and delicious Indian recipe: parathas. These are Indian flatbreads stuffed with fresh cheese and spices, which can be enjoyed with a yogurt or tamarind sauce. They are flaky flatbreads that can be filled with vegetables, cheese, or meat, or simply enjoyed plain with yogurt or chutney.

Parathas are very popular in India, especially for breakfast or as a snack. They are also very economical and require only a few basic ingredients.

But what exactly is paneer paratha?

Paneer paratha is a type of Indian pancake filled with Indian cheese called paneer. Paneer is a fresh, unripened cheese that resembles ricotta or cottage cheese. It is widely used in Indian cuisine, especially in vegetarian dishes.

On the other hand, paratha is a flatbread made from whole wheat flour, water, and salt. It is cooked on a griddle with a little ghee (clarified butter) or vegetable oil. There are several varieties of paratha, depending on the shape, size, and filling.

In these paragraphs, we will explain how to easily prepare this Indian specialty at home, using simple and flavorful ingredients. Follow the guide and enjoy!

What are the necessary ingredients?

Ingredients (for 6 parathas):

• 150g whole wheat flour
• 50g wheat flour
• 3 pinches of salt
• 150ml lukewarm water
• 50ml sunflower oil
• Ghee or oil for cooking.

How to prepare the paratha dough?

To make paneer paratha, you first need to prepare the paratha dough by combining the flour, water, and salt. Knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic, then let it rest for half an hour.

Preparation:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine both flours and salt. Make a well in the center and gradually pour in lukewarm water while kneading the dough until it is firm and homogeneous. Cover the bowl with a cloth and let the dough rest for an hour.
2. Divide the dough into six equal balls. On a floured surface, roll out each ball into a thin disc using a rolling pin.
3. Brush half of a disc with a little sunflower oil, then fold it in half. Brush the half of the semicircle with oil again, then fold it in half again to form a triangle. Repeat the process with the remaining dough balls.
4. Roll out each triangle again into a larger and thinner shape, without pressing too hard to avoid breaking the layers of dough.
5. Heat a pan over medium heat and cook the parathas on both sides, brushing them with ghee or oil. Cook them until they turn golden and crispy according to your taste.
6. Serve them hot or warm, accompanied by plain yogurt or chutney.

How to prepare the cheese filling?

 The cheese filling is made with paneer, a fresh and mild Indian cheese that you can find in specialty stores or make yourself. Paneer pairs well with spices and herbs that add flavor to the filling. To make the naan dough, you need flour, yeast, yogurt, sugar, salt, and water. You can also add butter or ghee to make the dough softer. Simply mix all the ingredients in a bowl and knead the dough for about ten minutes. Then, cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rise for an hour in a warm place. Next, prepare the paneer filling by crumbling the cheese into a bowl. Add salt, pepper, cumin, garam masala, chopped coriander, and green chili to the bowl. Mix everything well. Divide the dough into equal-sized balls and roll them out into thin discs. Place a spoonful of the filling in the center of each disc, then fold the edges to form a ball. Gently flatten the ball and roll it out again into a thicker disc. Cook the parathas on a hot and oiled pan for a few minutes on each side until they turn golden and puff up. You can brush them with butter or ghee before serving.

How to cook paneer parathas?

Heat a pan over medium heat and cook the parathas on both sides, brushing them with ghee or oil. Serve them hot or warm, accompanied by plain yogurt or chutney. Heat a non-stick pan over medium-high heat and lightly oil it. Cook each paratha for about 2 minutes on each side, pressing lightly with a spatula to make the bread puff up. The parathas should be golden and crispy. Transfer them to a plate and keep them warm.

How to serve paneer parathas?

Here are some tips for serving parathas in a delicious and unique way.

Choose a filling for your parathas. You can stuff them with cheese, vegetables, minced meat, dried fruits, or sugar. You can also leave them plain and brush them with butter or ghee after cooking. Prepare a sauce to accompany your parathas. You can opt for a spicy sauce like chutney, raita, curry, or dal. You can also choose a sweet sauce like honey, jam, maple syrup, or condensed milk. Arrange your parathas on a serving platter and keep them warm. You can stack them or fold them into quarters. You can also cut them into pieces and skewer them with toothpicks to serve them as appetizers.

What are the benefits of paneer paratha?

Paneer paratha offers several health benefits, including:

• It is rich in protein. Paneer is a good source of plant-based protein, which is essential for tissue growth and repair. One serving of paneer paratha can provide about 15 grams of protein, which is approximately 30% of the daily protein needs of an average adult.
• It is rich in calcium. Paneer also contains calcium, an important mineral for bone and dental health. Calcium helps prevent osteoporosis, a condition that makes bones fragile and prone to fractures. One serving of paneer paratha can provide about 300 milligrams of calcium, which is approximately 30% of the daily calcium needs of an average adult.
• It is rich in fiber. The flatbread used to make paneer paratha is usually made from whole wheat flour or whole wheat, which contains dietary fiber. Fiber helps regulate bowel movements, prevent constipation, and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. One serving of paneer paratha can provide about 6 grams of fiber, which is approximately 20% of the daily fiber needs of an average adult.
• It is rich in flavors. Paneer paratha is a flavorful and spicy dish that can stimulate the appetite and enjoyment of eating. The spices used to season the paneer, such as cumin, turmeric, ginger, or chili, also have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and digestive properties. They can help fight infections, relieve pain, and improve liver function. Paneer paratha is a healthy and delicious dish that can be consumed regularly as part of a balanced diet. It can be accompanied by yogurt, chutney, or vegetables to make it a complete and varied meal. Now you know all about paneer paratha! It is a tasty and nourishing dish that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Feel free to try this recipe at home and share your impressions in the comments. Enjoy your meal!