Ajwain Besan Ka Paratha Recipe (Masala Paratha)
This delightful Ajwain Besan Ka Paratha, also known as Masala Paratha, is a savory, aromatic flatbread that’s perfect for breakfast or as a side dish to any meal. The combination of whole wheat flour, aromatic spices, and gram flour (besan) creates a rich, flavorful paratha that’s crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. The addition of ajwain (carom seeds), cumin seeds, and turmeric gives it an authentic Indian touch that will tantalize your taste buds.
This recipe is simple to prepare, with just a handful of ingredients, and provides a wholesome vegetarian meal. Serve it with pickles and raita for a truly satisfying breakfast experience.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Whole Wheat Flour | 2 cups |
| Salt | To taste |
| Water | As required |
| Sunflower Oil | As required |
| Ajwain (Carom seeds) | 2 tablespoons |
| Gram Flour (Besan) | 3 tablespoons |
| Red Chilli Powder | 1 tablespoon |
| Turmeric Powder (Haldi) | 1 tablespoon |
| Coriander (Dhania) Leaves | A few |
| Cumin Seeds (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
Instructions
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Prepare the Dough
Begin by making the dough for the paratha. In a large mixing bowl, combine the whole wheat flour and a pinch of salt. Gradually add water, a little at a time, and knead to form a smooth, firm dough. Knead for about 3–4 minutes to make sure the dough is soft and pliable. After kneading, drizzle a teaspoon of oil over the dough and knead it for another 2 minutes. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and set it aside to rest for at least 10–15 minutes. -
Prepare the Filling
While the dough rests, prepare the flavorful filling. In a small bowl, combine the gram flour (besan), ajwain (carom seeds), red chilli powder, turmeric powder, cumin seeds, and chopped coriander leaves. Add a pinch of salt to taste and mix everything well. Drizzle a little oil over the mixture to combine the spices and bind the filling together. -
Roll the Paratha
After the dough has rested, divide it into small lemon-sized balls. Dust each ball with some flour to prevent sticking, then roll each ball into a 3-inch diameter circle.Once you have your rolled-out dough, take half of the circle and spread a generous amount of the besan-spice mixture over it. Be sure to distribute the filling evenly.
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Seal the Paratha
Fold the paratha in half to cover the filling, creating a semi-circle or oval shape. Press the edges gently to seal the paratha and prevent the filling from spilling out. Carefully roll the paratha again using the rolling pin, making sure not to press too hard, or the filling may ooze out. -
Cook the Paratha
Heat a skillet (tawa) over medium heat. Once hot, place the rolled paratha onto the skillet. Cook for about 10–15 seconds until you start seeing small bubbles on the surface. Flip the paratha and smear a little oil or ghee on the cooked side. Flip it again, and smear oil or ghee on the other side. Cook for 2–3 minutes on each side, flipping occasionally, until the paratha is golden brown and crisp. -
Serve
Once all the parathas are cooked, serve them hot with mango pickle and mooli raita (radish yogurt dip) for a delicious Indian breakfast experience. The crispy texture and spicy flavor of the paratha will complement the tanginess of the pickle and the coolness of the raita.
Tips for Perfect Ajwain Besan Ka Paratha
- Dough Consistency: Make sure the dough is not too soft or sticky. If it’s sticky, add a little more flour; if it’s too dry, add more water gradually.
- Rolling Tips: When rolling the paratha, be gentle and don’t press too hard with the rolling pin to avoid the filling from spilling out.
- Cooking: Ensure your tawa or skillet is hot before placing the paratha on it. Cooking on medium heat ensures that the paratha gets evenly cooked and crispy without burning.
- Customize the Filling: If you want to add more flavor, feel free to add finely chopped green chilies or ginger to the filling mixture.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve these flavorful Ajwain Besan Ka Parathas as a part of a traditional Indian breakfast alongside fresh mango pickle and mooli raita.
- Pair them with a glass of buttermilk or chai to complement the spicy flavors.
- You can also enjoy these parathas with any curry or yogurt-based dish for a hearty meal at lunch or dinner.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 30 g |
| Protein | 5 g |
| Fat | 4 g |
| Fiber | 5 g |
| Sodium | 200 mg |
| Potassium | 200 mg |
| Vitamin A | 10% of daily value |
| Vitamin C | 2% of daily value |
| Iron | 10% of daily value |
Conclusion
Ajwain Besan Ka Paratha is not just a delicious flatbread but also a great way to start your day with a burst of flavor. The combination of ajwain, besan, and other spices makes it a wonderful dish that will fill your home with an aromatic fragrance while satisfying your appetite. Easy to make and full of traditional Indian flavors, this recipe is sure to be a hit at your breakfast table. Try it out today and enjoy the warmth of Indian cuisine right at home!
