Onion Paratha is a delightful Indian flatbread infused with the earthy sweetness of onions and a hint of spice, perfect for a quick lunch or a satisfying snack. With just a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can whip up a batch of these flavorful parathas in no time.
To begin crafting this culinary masterpiece, gather your ingredients: 3 1/2 to 4 cups of whole wheat flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 cup of yogurt, 2 tablespoons of ghee (clarified butter), 1 large onion, 1 teaspoon of red chili powder, 1/2 green chili pepper, 1 teaspoon of cumin powder, and about 1/2 cup of water.
Start by sieving the whole wheat flour into a large mixing bowl and adding the salt. This step ensures that the flour is light and airy, resulting in a softer, more pliable dough. Next, peel and finely chop the onion, and wash and finely chop the green chili.
In another bowl, combine the chopped onion and green chili with the yogurt, ghee, red chili powder, cumin powder, and half a cup of water. Mix these ingredients well to form a flavorful onion-yogurt mixture.
Now, gradually add the flour to the onion-yogurt mixture and knead it into a soft dough. The yogurt helps tenderize the dough, while the onions impart their sweet, savory flavor. Once the dough comes together, cover it with a moist cloth and set it aside for half an hour to allow the flavors to meld and the dough to rest.
After the dough has rested, knead it again to ensure it’s smooth and pliable. Then, divide the dough into four equal parts and shape each portion into a ball. Flatten each ball slightly and press it between the palms of your hands to form a small disk.
Now comes the fun part – rolling out the parathas! On a clean, floured surface, roll each dough ball into a small puri (circle). Brush the surface with a little oil and fold it into a triangle shape. Roll it out again gently, taking care to maintain the triangular shape.
Heat a flat-bottomed pan (tawa) over medium heat and place the rolled-out paratha onto the hot surface. Cook the paratha, applying a little oil or ghee, until both sides are golden brown and crispy. The aroma of the onions and spices mingling with the heat of the tawa is simply irresistible!
Once cooked, transfer the onion parathas to a serving plate and serve them hot, accompanied by your favorite chutney, yogurt, or pickles. These flavorful parathas are best enjoyed fresh off the pan, their crispy exterior giving way to a soft, onion-studded interior.
With their simple yet satisfying flavors and easy preparation, Onion Parathas are sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire. Whether you’re a beginner cook or a seasoned chef, this recipe is a testament to the joy of homemade Indian comfort food. So why wait? Gather your ingredients and embark on a culinary adventure that’s as delicious as it is rewarding!
