Delicious Homemade Paneer Paratha Recipe

Paneer Paratha is an absolute Indian delight. The crispy, golden brown exterior encases a flavorful filling of spiced paneer creating a burst of flavor with every bite. Pair it with yogurt or your favorite chutney for an incredibly satisfying meal. A definite must try Indian food for anyone looking to indulge in delicious Indian cuisine! Paneer Paratha is a flatbread made with whole wheat flour and a stuffing of spiced cottage cheese (paneer).  Here’s a simple recipe to make Paneer Paratha easily at home. Indian flatbread filled with a delectable paneer stuffing.

Gallery Of Paneer Paratha

Ingredients

For the dough

• 2 cups whole wheat flour
• Water (as needed for kneading)
• Salt to taste
• Oil or ghee for cooking

For the stuffing

• 1 cup crumbled paneer (cottage cheese)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 green chili, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh coriander leaves
• Salt to taste

Instructions

Making the dough

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the whole wheat flour and salt.
2. Slowly add water little by little and knead the flour into a soft and smooth dough.
3. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for about 15-20 minutes.

Making the stuffing

1. In another bowl, mix together the crumbled paneer, chopped onion, green chili, grated ginger, red chili powder, garam masala, cumin powder, chopped coriander leaves, and salt. Mix everything well to form the stuffing.

Making Paneer Paratha

1. Divide the dough into equal-sized balls. Take one dough ball and roll it out into a small circle using a rolling pin.
2. Place a spoonful of the prepared paneer stuffing in the center of the rolled-out dough circle.
3. Bring the edges of the dough together and pinch to seal, enclosing the stuffing completely.
4. Flatten the stuffed ball and gently roll it out into a paratha, dusting with flour as needed to prevent sticking.
5. Heat a griddle or a non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the rolled-out paratha on it.
6. Cook for a minute or until you see bubbles forming on the surface, then flip the paratha.
7. Spread some oil or ghee on the cooked side and flip it again. Apply oil or ghee on the other side as well.
8. Press the edges with a spatula, allowing the paratha to cook evenly and turn crispy and golden brown.
9. Cook both sides until they are cooked well and have golden spots.
10. Remove from the pan and serve hot with yogurt, pickle, or any chutney of your choice.

Enjoy your homemade Paneer Paratha! Adjust the spice levels and stuffing quantity according to your taste preferences.

Here are some tips and tricks to make delicious Paneer Parathas

Dough Preparation

1. Consistency Matters: Ensure the dough is soft yet firm. Too soft a dough might make it difficult to roll out the parathas, and a stiff dough may result in hard parathas.
2. Resting Time: Let the dough rest for at least 15-20 minutes.

Paneer Stuffing

1. Moisture Control: Ensure the paneer isn’t too wet. Squeeze out excess moisture from the paneer to prevent the stuffing from becoming soggy, affecting the texture of the paratha.
2. Balanced Spices: Adjust spices according to taste. Balance the spice levels with the heat tolerance of those who will be eating them.

Rolling and Stuffing

1. Even Distribution: Roll out the dough evenly to avoid thicker or thinner parts in the paratha. This ensures even cooking.
2. Sealing Properly: Seal the stuffing well within the dough to prevent it from oozing out while rolling or cooking.
3. Use Flour for Rolling: Dust the rolling surface and rolling pin with flour to prevent sticking.

Cooking

1. Preheating the Griddle or Pan: Ensure the pan is hot enough before placing the paratha on it.
2. Medium Heat: Cooking on medium heat helps in evenly cooking the paratha without burning it.
3. Buttering or Oiling: Apply ghee or oil generously while cooking for a crispy and flavorful paratha.
4. Pressing Gently: Use a spatula to gently press down on the paratha while cooking to help it cook evenly and get those golden-brown spots.

Serving

1. Serve Hot: Paneer Parathas taste best when served hot off the griddle.
2. Accompaniments: Pair with yogurt, pickles, chutneys, or a side of raita for a delightful meal.

Variations

1. Add Vegetables: Enhance the stuffing by adding finely chopped veggies like capsicum, spinach, or grated carrots.
2. Experiment with Herbs: Incorporate fresh herbs like mint or cilantro for added freshness and flavor.

Nutrition Facts

The nutritional information for Paneer Paratha can vary based on the exact ingredients used and portion sizes. However, here’s an approximate breakdown per serving (one paneer paratha):

• Calories: Around 250-300 calories
• Carbohydrates: Approximately 30-35 grams
• Protein: Around 8-12 grams
• Fat: About 10-15 grams
• Fiber: Roughly 3-5 grams
• Sodium: Varies based on salt content and additional seasonings

Please note that these values are estimates and can differ based on the specific recipe, portion size, and variations in ingredients used.

FAQs About Paneer Paratha

1. What is Paneer Paratha?

Paneer Paratha is a popular Indian flatbread made with whole wheat flour and stuffed with a delicious mixture of spiced paneer (cottage cheese), onions, spices, and herbs.

2. How is Paneer Paratha different from regular Paratha?

Paneer Paratha stands out due to its filling, which consists of crumbled paneer mixed with spices, whereas regular Paratha might have different types of fillings or no stuffing at all.

3. Is Paneer Paratha healthy?

Paneer Paratha can be a nutritious choice especially when prepared with whole wheat flour and paneer which are good sources of fiber and protein. However, the amount of oil or ghee used for cooking affects its overall calorie content.

4. Can I make Paneer Paratha without paneer?

Traditionally, Paneer Paratha contains paneer as its main ingredient. However, you can explore variations by substituting paneer with other fillings such as mashed potatoes, mixed vegetables, tofu, or even minced meat for a non-vegetarian version.

5. How do I store and reheat Paneer Paratha?

After cooking, let the Paneer Parathas cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, you can either microwave them for a short time or warm them on a skillet or tawa until heated through.

6. Can I freeze Paneer Paratha?

Yes, you can freeze Paneer Paratha. After cooking, let them cool completely, then stack them with parchment paper in between each paratha to prevent sticking. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to a month. Thaw and reheat as needed.

7. What are the best accompaniments for Paneer Paratha?

Paneer Paratha pairs well with plain yogurt, raita (yogurt-based condiment), pickle, various chutneys, or a side salad.

8. Can I make Paneer Paratha gluten-free?

You can explore making a gluten-free version by using alternative flour like chickpea flour (besan), millet flour, or a gluten-free flour blend. However, the texture and taste might differ from traditional Paneer Paratha.

Experiment with these suggestions to enjoy the deliciousness of Paneer Paratha in various ways!

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