Spiced Potato Flatbreads (Aloo Paratha)
Spiced Potato Flatbreads, commonly known as Aloo Paratha, are a beloved staple of Indian cuisine, particularly enjoyed during breakfast across the northern and western regions. These soft and flaky flatbreads are made from unleavened dough stuffed with a flavorful mixture of spiced mashed potatoes. Each bite delivers a perfect blend of warmth from spices like turmeric and the savory crunch of mustard seeds, all balanced by the richness of ghee or butter that graces their surface upon cooking. Often enjoyed with a side of tangy chutney, refreshing raita, or simply butter, Aloo Parathas make for a hearty and fulfilling meal that will leave your taste buds dancing. Perfect for family gatherings, brunches, or any time you crave comfort food, this dish embodies the essence of home-cooked Indian cuisine.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Flour
2 cups (For dough)
Water
1/2 cup (Adjust as needed to form dough)
Salt
1 pinch (For dough)
Oil
1 tablespoon (For dough)
Potatoes
2 medium (Boiled, peeled, and mashed)
Salt
1/4 teaspoon (For filling)
Mustard seeds (Rai)
1/2 teaspoon (For tempering)
Onion
1, chopped (For filling)
Turmeric powder
1 teaspoon (For filling)
Chopped green chili peppers
2 (For filling)
Chopped cilantro (green coriander)
2 tablespoons (For garnish)
Flour
1/4 cup (For rolling)
Oil
2 tablespoons (For cooking)
Instructions
1
Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, a pinch of salt, oil, and water gradually until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and pliable. Cover with a damp cloth and set aside to rest for at least 1 hour.
2
Make the Filling: Boil 2 medium-sized potatoes in approximately 2 cups of water until they are fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain water and allow the potatoes to cool. Once cooled, peel and mash them smoothly in a bowl.
3
In a skillet, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter. Then, add the chopped onions, followed by turmeric powder, chopped green chilies, and a pinch of salt. Sauté until the onions turn golden brown.
4
Add the mashed potatoes to the skillet and mix well, allowing the flavors to meld together. After 5 minutes of cooking, remove the skillet from the heat and mix in the chopped cilantro. Set aside to cool.
5
Assemble the Parathas: Divide both the dough and potato filling into 6 equal portions. Roll each portion of dough into a 3-inch circle. Place a potato filling ball in the center and seal the edges by bringing them together to form a ball. Repeat for all portions.
6
Rolling the Parathas: Let the filled balls rest for approximately 3-4 minutes. Dust each ball lightly in dry whole-wheat flour, then gently press the sealed side before rolling. Roll out the ball into a 6-inch circle, ensuring it is evenly thick, sprinkling flour as needed to prevent sticking.
7
Cook the Parathas: Heat a skillet (tawa) over medium-high heat. Cook each paratha until it slightly changes color and starts to puff up, about 1-2 minutes. Flip and cook the other side until golden-brown spots appear. For added flavor, spread about 1 teaspoon of oil or ghee on the paratha while cooking, flipping it again to achieve a beautiful golden finish. Press lightly with a spatula to ensure even cooking.
8
Serve hot: Enjoy the Aloo Parathas immediately with your choice of butter, chutney, raita, or yogurt.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Aloo Paratha?
Aloo Paratha is a beloved staple of Indian cuisine consisting of soft and flaky flatbreads made from unleavened dough stuffed with a flavorful mixture of spiced mashed potatoes.
Where is Aloo Paratha typically enjoyed?
It is particularly enjoyed during breakfast across the northern and western regions of India.
What is the texture of these flatbreads?
The flatbreads are described as soft and flaky.
What spices are featured in the potato filling?
The filling features spices such as turmeric, mustard seeds, and chopped green chilies.
What fat is recommended for cooking the parathas?
Ghee or butter is used to grace the surface of the parathas upon cooking to add richness.
What are common side dishes for Aloo Paratha?
They are often enjoyed with tangy chutney, refreshing raita, yogurt, or simply butter.
How do you prepare the dough?
Combine flour, a pinch of salt, oil, and water gradually until a soft dough forms, then knead for 5-7 minutes.
How long should the dough rest before use?
The dough should be covered with a damp cloth and set aside to rest for at least 1 hour.
How long do the potatoes need to boil?
Boil the potatoes for approximately 15-20 minutes until they are fork-tender.
What is the process for tempering the spices?
Heat oil in a skillet, add mustard seeds until they splutter, then add onions, turmeric, and green chilies.
When should the cilantro be added?
Cilantro should be mixed in after the potato mixture has cooked for 5 minutes and the skillet is removed from heat.
How many portions does this recipe yield?
The recipe yields 6 equal portions of parathas.
What size should the dough be rolled to before adding the filling?
Roll each portion of dough into a 3-inch circle before placing the potato filling in the center.
How do you seal the paratha?
Seal the edges by bringing them together to form a ball around the potato filling.
How long do the filled balls rest before final rolling?
The filled balls should rest for approximately 3-4 minutes.
What is the final size of the rolled paratha?
The paratha should be rolled out into a 6-inch circle.
How do you prevent sticking while rolling?
Dust each ball in dry whole-wheat flour and sprinkle flour as needed while rolling.
What heat setting should be used for cooking?
The skillet or tawa should be heated over medium-high heat.
How long does it take to cook each side?
Each paratha cooks for about 1-2 minutes until it changes color and starts to puff.
How do you ensure even cooking of the flatbread?
Press the paratha lightly with a spatula while cooking to ensure it cooks evenly.
What indicates the paratha is done on one side?
The paratha will slightly change color and start to puff up, and eventually golden-brown spots will appear.
How much turmeric is required for the filling?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder.
How many green chilies are used?
The recipe uses 2 chopped green chili peppers.
Is the dough for Aloo Paratha leavened?
No, the recipe uses unleavened dough.
What is the purpose of the mustard seeds?
Mustard seeds are used for tempering and add a savory crunch to the dish.
How much flour is used for the dough?
The dough requires 2 cups of flour plus an additional 1/4 cup for rolling.
Can you use oil for the golden finish?
Yes, you can spread about 1 teaspoon of oil or ghee on the paratha while cooking to achieve a golden finish.
What should the onions look like when sautéing?
The onions should be sautéed until they turn golden brown.
Is this recipe considered vegetarian?
Yes, it is tagged as a vegetarian recipe.
What are the primary tags associated with this dish?
Tags include aloo paratha, indian breakfast, stuffed flatbread, comfort food, and north indian cuisine.