Paneer Paratha Recipe: A Delicious Indian Stuffed Flatbread

 

Paneer Paratha is a popular North Indian stuffed flatbread that is loved for its crispy texture and flavorful filling. This dish combines the goodness of whole wheat flour with delicious, spiced paneer (Indian cottage cheese) stuffing. Whether enjoyed with butter, yogurt, or a side of pickle, paneer paratha is a wholesome and satisfying meal.

This stuffed paratha is a favorite among both kids and adults. It's a great option for breakfast, lunch, or even a quick dinner. The best part? It doesn’t require fancy ingredients—just simple pantry staples and fresh paneer. You can adjust the spice level to suit your taste, making it mild or extra spicy.

The process of making paneer paratha involves kneading a soft dough, preparing a spiced paneer filling, and rolling out the stuffed dough into delicious parathas. With a little practice, you can master this classic dish and impress your family with restaurant-style parathas at home!

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 2 cups whole wheat flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup water (adjust as needed)
• 1 teaspoon oil or ghee

For the Paneer Filling:

• 1 cup grated paneer (cottage cheese)
• 1 green chili, finely chopped (optional)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon red chili powder
• ½ teaspoon cumin powder
• ½ teaspoon garam masala
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped coriander leaves
• ½ teaspoon dried fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi) (optional)

For Cooking:

• 2-3 tablespoons ghee or butter

Directions

1. In a large bowl, mix whole wheat flour and salt. Slowly add water and knead into a soft, smooth dough. Apply oil, cover, and let it rest for 20 minutes.
2. In another bowl, combine grated paneer, green chili, salt, red chili powder, cumin powder, garam masala, coriander leaves, and kasuri methi. Mix well.
3. Divide the dough into equal portions and roll them into small balls.
4. Take one dough ball, flatten it slightly, and roll it into a 4-inch circle.
5. Place 2 tablespoons of the paneer filling in the center. Gather the edges and seal the dough, ensuring no filling spills out.
6. Gently roll the stuffed dough into a 6-inch circle, applying light pressure.
7. Heat a tawa or griddle on medium heat. Place the rolled paratha and cook for 30 seconds until bubbles appear.
8. Flip, apply ghee, and cook for another minute until golden brown. Repeat on the other side. Serve hot with butter, yogurt, or pickles.

How to Prepare

1. Prepare the Dough: Knead a soft dough with wheat flour, salt, water, and a little oil. Let it rest.
2. Make the Filling: Mix grated paneer with spices and herbs for a flavorful stuffing.
3. Stuff & Roll: Flatten the dough, place stuffing in the center, seal, and gently roll into a round shape.
4. Cook to Perfection: Roast on a hot tawa, applying ghee, until crisp and golden brown.

Preparation Time

• Dough Preparation: 10 minutes
• Resting Time: 20 minutes
• Stuffing & Rolling: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes

Servings

This recipe makes 4 paneer parathas.

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought paneer for this recipe?

Yes, store-bought paneer works well, but fresh homemade paneer gives the best taste and texture.

2. How do I prevent the filling from coming out while rolling?

Make sure the filling is not too moist, and seal the dough properly before rolling. Use light pressure while rolling to prevent breakage.

3. Can I make the dough in advance?

Yes, you can knead the dough a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator, covered with a damp cloth.

4. What can I serve with paneer paratha?

Paneer paratha tastes best with butter, curd, pickle, or mint chutney. A hot cup of masala chai pairs beautifully with it too!

5. Can I make paneer paratha without ghee?

Yes, you can use butter, oil, or even dry roast the paratha for a healthier option.

Conclusion

Paneer Paratha is a delicious and nutritious dish that can be enjoyed at any time of the day. Its crispy texture combined with a flavorful paneer stuffing makes it a favorite among Indian households. Whether you're making it for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, this easy-to-follow recipe will help you prepare soft and tasty paneer parathas effortlessly.

This paratha is not only filling but also a great way to incorporate protein into your diet. You can customize the flavors by adding more spices or herbs to suit your taste. Try this recipe today and enjoy homemade paneer parathas with your favorite accompaniments. Happy cooking! 😊