Fusion Spinach Parathas with Onion Tomato Salsa
A Flavorful Twist on Traditional Parathas with a Fresh and Zesty Salsa
Recipe Overview:
This Fusion Spinach Paratha combines the goodness of spinach with the traditional comfort of whole wheat parathas, making it a wholesome dish for lunch or dinner. Paired with a refreshing Onion Tomato Salsa, it’s a delightful meal that is as nourishing as it is flavorful. A perfect blend of spices, herbs, and cheese makes this paratha a unique twist on a classic. Enjoy it with a cooling raita or chutney for a complete experience!
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: North Indian
Course: Dinner
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients:
For the Spinach Paratha:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Whole Wheat Flour | 1-1/2 cups |
| Spinach Leaves (Palak) – Pureed | 2 cups |
| Salt | 1-1/2 teaspoons |
| Ginger Garlic Paste | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Green Chili Paste | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Mixed Dried Herbs | 2 teaspoons |
| Dried Oregano | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Cumin Powder (Jeera) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Milk | 1/2 cup |
| Fresh Parsley Leaves (chopped) | 2 tablespoons |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 1/2 cup (more if needed) |
| Shredded Cheddar Cheese | 1/2 cup |
For the Onion Tomato Salsa:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Onion | 1 large, finely chopped |
| Tomato | 1 large, finely chopped |
| Green Chilies | 2, finely chopped |
| Fresh Coriander (Dhania) Leaves | Few sprigs, chopped |
| Lemon Juice | 1 teaspoon |
| Cumin Powder (Jeera) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
Instructions:
Preparing the Spinach Parathas:
-
Mixing the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, pureed spinach leaves, ginger garlic paste, green chili paste, salt, mixed dried herbs, oregano, cumin powder, and chopped parsley.
- Gradually add the milk and knead the mixture into a soft, smooth dough. The milk should be added gradually to achieve the right consistency. If the dough feels dry, add a little extra milk.
- Smear the dough with a bit of olive oil, cover with cling wrap, and let it rest for 20 minutes. This resting period helps in softening the dough and makes rolling out easier.
-
Shaping the Parathas:
- After resting, divide the dough into 10 equal portions.
- Roll each portion into a ball and flatten it with your hands to form a round shape.
- Roll out each portion into a circular paratha, similar to how you would roll a chapati. If needed, dust lightly with flour to prevent sticking.
-
Cooking the Parathas:
- Heat a griddle or tava and lightly grease it with a little olive oil.
- Place the rolled paratha on the hot griddle and cook on medium heat for about 1-2 minutes on each side, until golden brown spots begin to appear.
- Once both sides are cooked, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top. Press lightly with a spatula to ensure the cheese melts into the paratha.
-
Finishing Touches:
- Repeat the process for all the dough portions.
- Set the cooked parathas aside, keeping them warm by wrapping them in a clean kitchen towel.
Preparing the Onion Tomato Salsa:
- Chopping the Vegetables:
- Finely chop the onion, tomato, green chilies, and coriander leaves. You can also adjust the quantity of green chilies depending on your spice tolerance.
- Mixing the Salsa:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped onion, tomato, green chilies, and coriander leaves.
- Add salt, lemon juice, and cumin powder. Toss everything together until well combined.
- Serving the Salsa:
- Your fresh Onion Tomato Salsa is ready! The tanginess from the lemon juice and the heat from the green chilies perfectly complement the flavors of the parathas.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve these Fusion Spinach Parathas with the Onion Tomato Salsa on the side. If you prefer, you can also pair it with a cooling Lauki Raita (bottle gourd raita) or any other raita of your choice. Alternatively, you can enjoy these parathas with a Dhaniya Pudina Chutney (coriander and mint chutney) for an extra burst of flavor.
Tips:
- Spinach Puree: Ensure the spinach is finely pureed to avoid chunks in the dough.
- Cheese: The cheddar cheese can be substituted with any other type of cheese that melts well, such as mozzarella or a cheese blend.
- Salsa Variations: Feel free to adjust the salsa by adding diced cucumber, grated carrots, or even a hint of black salt for a unique twist.
- Make Ahead: The dough for the parathas can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 24 hours, making this a convenient dish for meal prep.
Conclusion:
These Fusion Spinach Parathas with Onion Tomato Salsa are an excellent example of how traditional flavors can be elevated with a few simple twists. The parathas are soft and flavorful, thanks to the spinach and cheese, while the salsa adds a fresh, tangy contrast that enhances every bite. Perfect for a quick dinner or as a part of a larger meal, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table!
