Crafted with whole wheat flour and a touch of ghee or oil, Classic Indian Parathas are a staple of traditional Indian cooking, prized for their flaky layers and versatile flavor. These golden-brown flatbreads are tender, buttery, and delightfully crisp, offering endless possibilities for customization with optional add-ins like cilantro, garlic, or aromatic spices. Easy to prepare, the dough requires just 20 minutes of prep and rests until perfectly pliable, allowing cooks to create beautiful triangular shapes before searing them to perfection on a hot skillet or tava. Perfect as a side or standalone snack, these homemade parathas pair wonderfully with yogurt, tangy pickles, or rich curries, making them a crowd-pleaser for any meal. Try this authentic recipe for soft, mouthwatering parathas that elevate your everyday dining experience!
In a large mixing bowl, combine the whole wheat flour and salt. Slowly add the 2 tablespoons of ghee or oil.
Gradually add water, a little at a time, mixing with your hand or a spoon, until the dough starts coming together.
Knead the dough thoroughly for about 8-10 minutes until it's smooth and pliable. If the dough becomes too sticky, add a little more flour; if it is too dry, add a little more water.
Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for at least 15 minutes.
After resting, divide the dough into 8 equal portions and roll each portion into a ball.
On a lightly floured surface, take one dough ball and roll it into a disk about 4 inches in diameter using a rolling pin.
Brush the surface lightly with ghee or oil and sprinkle any optional flavor enhancers such as chopped cilantro or minced garlic over it, if using.
Fold the disk in half to form a semi-circle, brush with ghee or oil again, and fold once more to form a triangle.
Roll out the triangle again into a flat triangular shape, about 6 inches on each side.
Heat a non-stick skillet or a tava over medium heat. Place the rolled paratha onto the hot skillet.
Cook until you see bubbles forming on the surface, then flip it over. Spread a little ghee or oil around the edges as it cooks.
Continue cooking, flipping occasionally, until both sides are golden brown and cooked through. Press the edges lightly with a spatula to ensure even cooking.
Repeat the rolling and cooking process for each dough ball.
Serve the parathas hot with your choice of accompaniments, such as yogurt, pickles, or curry.
Calories |
1578 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 89.2 g | 114% | |
| Saturated Fat | 51.7 g | 258% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 254 mg | 85% | |
| Sodium | 2378 mg | 103% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 174.1 g | 63% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 29.3 g | 105% | |
| Total Sugars | 1.2 g | ||
| Protein | 32.1 g | 64% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 96 mg | 7% | |
| Iron | 9.3 mg | 52% | |
| Potassium | 993 mg | 21% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.