Parathas are a beloved staple in many Indian households, known for their versatility and deliciousness. They can be stuffed with various fillings, making them a perfect dish for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
One innovative way to make parathas is by using leftover dishes as fillings. If you have some leftover palak paneer (spinach with cottage cheese), you can turn it into healthy and flavorful parathas.
This recipe not only helps reduce food waste but also adds a nutritious twist to your meals. Let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making healthy parathas with leftover palak paneer.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon oil
- Water, as needed to knead the dough
For the Filling:
- 1 cup leftover palak paneer
- 1 small onion, finely chopped (optional)
- 2 green chilies, finely chopped (optional)
- Fresh coriander leaves, finely chopped (optional)
- 1 teaspoon garam masala (optional)
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder (optional)
- Salt, if needed
For Cooking:
- Ghee or oil, for cooking the parathas
Preparation
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- Mix the Flour and Salt: In a large mixing bowl, combine the whole wheat flour and salt. Mix well to distribute the salt evenly.
- Add Oil: Add the oil to the flour mixture. Rub the oil into the flour using your fingers until it resembles coarse crumbs. This helps in making the parathas soft.
- Knead the Dough: Gradually add water to the flour mixture, a little at a time, and knead to form a soft and smooth dough. The dough should not be too sticky or too dry. Once done, cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 20-30 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
- Mash the Palak Paneer: If the leftover palak paneer has large chunks of paneer, mash it slightly to make it easier to stuff into the parathas. Ensure the mixture is not too watery; if it is, you can cook it for a few minutes to reduce the moisture content.
- Enhance the Filling: If you want to add extra flavor to your parathas, you can mix in finely chopped onions, green chilies, and fresh coriander leaves. Add garam masala and cumin powder if desired. Taste the mixture and adjust salt if needed.
Assembling the Parathas
- Divide the Dough: Divide the dough into equal-sized balls, about the size of a golf ball.
- Roll Out the Dough: Take one dough ball and flatten it slightly with your hands. Dust it with some dry flour and roll it out into a small circle using a rolling pin, about 4-5 inches in diameter.
- Add the Filling: Place a spoonful of the palak paneer mixture in the center of the rolled-out dough circle. Be careful not to overstuff, as this can make rolling difficult.
- Seal the Paratha: Gather the edges of the dough circle and bring them together to cover the filling. Pinch the edges to seal them, ensuring the filling is completely enclosed.
- Roll Out the Filled Paratha: Gently press the filled dough ball to flatten it slightly. Dust it with some dry flour and roll it out carefully into a circle, about 6-8 inches in diameter. Be gentle to prevent the filling from spilling out.
Cooking the Parathas
- Heat the Tawa: Place a tawa (griddle) on medium heat and allow it to heat up.
- Cook the Paratha: Place the rolled-out paratha on the hot tawa. Cook for a few seconds until small bubbles start to appear on the surface.
- Flip the Paratha: Flip the paratha using a spatula and spread a little ghee or oil on the cooked side. Cook for about a minute until golden brown spots appear on the underside.
- Flip Again and Cook: Flip the paratha again and spread some ghee or oil on the other side. Cook until both sides are golden brown and the paratha is cooked through.
- Repeat: Repeat the process with the remaining dough balls and filling.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these healthy palak paneer parathas hot with a side of yogurt, pickle, or chutney. They can also be enjoyed with a cup of masala chai for a delightful breakfast or snack.
Tips for Perfect Parathas
- Dough Consistency: Ensure the dough is soft and smooth. A well-kneaded dough results in softer parathas.
- Avoid Overstuffing: Overstuffing can cause the filling to spill out while rolling. Use just enough filling to cover the dough evenly.
- Even Rolling: Roll the parathas evenly to ensure they cook uniformly. Dust with dry flour as needed to prevent sticking.
- Medium Heat: Cook the parathas on medium heat to ensure they cook through without burning.
Conclusion
Transforming leftover palak paneer into healthy parathas is a fantastic way to create a nutritious and delicious meal while minimizing food waste. These parathas are not only easy to make but also packed with the goodness of spinach and paneer, making them a wholesome option for any time of the day. Enjoy this creative and tasty recipe with your family and friends!