Indian Style Making Aloo Paratha
Aloo Paratha is one of the most popular stuffed flatbreads in Indian
cuisine. It is a wholesome and delicious dish filled with a spiced potato
mixture and cooked to golden perfection. Whether enjoyed for breakfast, lunch,
or dinner, Aloo Paratha pairs beautifully with yogurt, pickles, and butter.
Making Aloo Paratha at home is easier than you think! In this guide, we’ll walk
you through the step-by-step process of preparing this comforting dish from
scratch.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Dough:
- 2
cups whole wheat flour
- 1/2
teaspoon salt
- 3/4
cup water (adjust as needed)
- 1
teaspoon oil (optional)
For the Potato Filling:
- 2
large potatoes, boiled and mashed
- 1
teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1
teaspoon red chili powder
- 1
teaspoon cumin powder
- 1
teaspoon coriander powder
- 1/2
teaspoon garam masala
- 1/2
teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1
green chili, finely chopped (optional)
- 1
tablespoon fresh coriander, chopped
- 1
teaspoon ginger, grated
- 1/2
teaspoon dry mango powder (amchur) or lemon juice
For Cooking:
- 2
tablespoons butter or ghee
- Extra
flour for rolling
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Dough
1.
In a large mixing
bowl, combine whole wheat flour and salt.
2.
Gradually add water
while kneading to form a soft, pliable dough.
3.
Add a teaspoon of
oil to make the dough smooth and elastic.
4.
Cover and let the
dough rest for at least 20 minutes.
Step 2: Making the Potato Filling
1.
In a bowl, mix
mashed potatoes with salt, chili powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, garam
masala, turmeric, chopped green chili, fresh coriander, grated ginger, and dry
mango powder.
2.
Combine everything
thoroughly to form a uniform mixture.
3.
Divide the filling
into equal portions for stuffing.
Step 3: Rolling the Paratha
1.
Divide the dough
into equal portions and roll each into small discs.
2.
Place a portion of
the potato filling in the center of a disc.
3.
Gather the edges of
the dough and seal the filling inside.
4.
Gently roll out the
stuffed dough into a circle, being careful not to let the filling spill out.
Step 4: Cooking the Aloo Paratha
1.
Heat a tawa or
griddle over medium heat.
2.
Place the rolled-out
paratha on the hot pan.
3.
Cook for a minute
until small bubbles appear, then flip.
4.
Apply ghee or butter
on the top side and cook until golden brown spots form.
5.
Flip again, applying
more ghee, and cook until both sides are crisp and golden.
6.
Remove from heat and
place on a serving plate.
Step 5: Serving the Aloo Paratha
Enjoy your homemade Aloo Paratha with fresh yogurt, pickle, or a dollop
of butter. You can also pair it with chutney or a cup of masala chai for a
complete meal.
Tips for the Perfect Aloo Paratha
- Use
fresh ingredients: Freshly boiled and mashed
potatoes create the best texture.
- Adjust
spices: Customize the spice level based on your preference.
- Seal
properly: Ensuring the filling is sealed prevents it from leaking while
rolling.
- Cook
on medium heat: This ensures even cooking without burning.
Variations to Try
- Cheese
Aloo Paratha: Add grated cheese to the filling for a cheesy delight.
- Paneer
Aloo Paratha: Mix mashed paneer with potatoes for a protein-rich option.
- Spicy
Aloo Paratha: Increase the chili powder and add extra green chilies for a fiery
version.
Making Aloo Paratha at home is a rewarding experience. With this
detailed guide, you’ll be able to create a delicious and authentic dish that
rivals restaurant-quality parathas. Try different fillings and serve with your
favorite condiments for the ultimate meal. Happy cooking!