Paratha

Flaky Indian-Style Flatbread, also known as paratha, is a delicious and versatile bread that is popular in Indian cuisine. Unlike chapati, which is a plain unleavened bread, paratha is enriched with butter or oil, giving it a lovely flaky texture. This recipe combines whole wheat flour and all-purpose flour, resulting in a flavorful and slightly chewy bread that pairs well with a variety of dishes. The dough is easy to make and can be prepared in advance, making it a convenient option for meals or snacks.

MAKES: 4 servings (8 to 12 paratha)

TIME: At least an hour

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• About 4 tablespoons butter (melted) or neutral oil, like grapeseed or corn

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Combine the flours and salt in a food processor.
2. Turn the machine on and add 3/4 cup water through the feed tube. Process for about 30 seconds, until the mixture forms a ball and is slightly sticky to the touch. If it is dry, add another tablespoon or two of water and process for another 10 seconds. If the mixture is too sticky, add flour a tablespoon at a time.
3. Remove the dough and shape it into a ball using flour as necessary. Wrap the dough in plastic and let it rest for at least 20 minutes at room temperature. You can also refrigerate the dough for up to a day or freeze it for up to a week if desired.
4. Divide the dough into 8 to 12 pieces. Pat or roll each piece into a 4-inch disk and brush the top with melted butter or oil. Roll up the disk like a cigar, then coil it into a shape similar to a cinnamon bun. Set it aside and repeat with the remaining dough pieces.
5. Place a griddle or cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Once it’s hot, press one of the dough coils flat and roll it out into as thin a disk as possible.
6. Put the rolled-out dough on the griddle or skillet and cook until lightly browned on one side, which should take about a minute. Brush the top with butter, then flip the bread and brown the second side for another minute or two. Repeat this process until all the breads are cooked.
7. Serve the flaky Indian-style flatbread hot and enjoy its delicious texture and flavor.

VARIATION:

Spinach Paratha For a twist on the traditional recipe, you can make Spinach Paratha by incorporating fresh spinach. Here’s how:

• Cook 1 pound of fresh spinach and squeeze it well to remove excess moisture.
• In Step 1 of the main recipe, add the cooked spinach and a squeeze of lemon juice along with the water. Process the mixture as directed, adding more water or flour as needed to achieve the right consistency.
• Follow the remaining steps of the main recipe to shape, cook, and serve the spinach paratha.

Enjoy this delightful Flaky Indian-Style Flatbread as a side dish with curries, chutneys, or your favorite Indian dishes. Its flaky texture and rich flavors are sure to impress your family and friends.