Paneer Pyaz Paratha Recipe
An Ultimate North Indian Delight with Flavorful Stuffing and Crisp Layers
Recipe Overview
The Paneer Pyaz Paratha is a quintessential North Indian dish that effortlessly combines the richness of homemade paneer (cottage cheese) and the sharpness of finely chopped onions, enveloped in a soft, yet crispy, whole wheat paratha. A perfect choice for lunch or dinner, this dish is high in protein and deeply satisfying. Known for its deliciousness and nutritional benefits, it is a staple in North Indian households and is often enjoyed with pickles and yogurt.
Whether you are hosting a gathering or preparing a quick weekday meal, these parathas offer the right blend of taste and health. So, grab your ingredients, and let’s get cooking!
Ingredients
| Ingredients for Dough | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Whole Wheat Flour | 3 cups |
| Water | 2 cups |
| Oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Ingredients for Stuffing & Roasting | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Paneer (Homemade Cottage Cheese), grated | 1 cup |
| Onion, finely chopped | ½ cup |
| Green Chillies, finely chopped | 2 |
| Fresh Coriander (Dhania) Leaves, chopped | A few sprigs |
| Coriander Powder (Dhania) | ½ tablespoon |
| Red Chilli Powder | ½ tablespoon |
| Garam Masala Powder | ¼ tablespoon |
| Chaat Masala Powder | ½ tablespoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Ghee | For roasting |
Preparation Time
20 minutes
Cooking Time
25 minutes
Total Time
45 minutes
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Dough
- Begin by making the dough for the paratha. In a large mixing bowl, combine the whole wheat flour and salt.
- Add oil to the mixture, and gradually pour in water little by little, stirring constantly, until you form a soft dough. The dough should resemble the consistency of chapati dough.
- Grease your hands with a little oil and knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and pliable. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 15 minutes.
Step 2: Making the Stuffing
- In a separate bowl, grate the paneer (homemade cottage cheese) finely.
- Add the finely chopped onions, green chillies, and fresh coriander leaves to the paneer mixture. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients.
- Sprinkle in the coriander powder, red chilli powder, garam masala powder, and chaat masala powder. Add salt to taste. Mix well until the stuffing is well integrated and smooth.
Step 3: Assembling the Parathas
- Divide the dough into small equal-sized balls. Roll each ball between your palms to smoothen it.
- Lightly dust your rolling surface with whole wheat flour, and then roll out each ball into a small, thick circle using a rolling pin.
- Place a spoonful of the paneer-onion stuffing in the center of the rolled dough. Carefully bring the edges together and seal them, ensuring the stuffing is fully enclosed.
- Gently press the stuffed dough ball to flatten it slightly. Dust it with more whole wheat flour and carefully roll it out into a larger, thin circle. Be gentle while rolling to avoid the stuffing from spilling out.
Step 4: Cooking the Parathas
- Heat a tawa (flat griddle) on medium-high heat. Once hot, place the rolled-out paratha on the tawa.
- Cook the paratha on one side for about 1-2 minutes, or until you see small bubbles forming. Flip it over.
- Spread a small amount of ghee on the flipped side and cook for an additional 1 minute.
- Flip the paratha again and spread a little more ghee on the second side. Continue flipping and cooking the paratha on both sides until it becomes golden brown and crispy.
- Repeat this process for all the dough balls.
Step 5: Serving the Paneer Pyaz Paratha
- Once all the parathas are cooked to perfection, remove them from the tawa and serve immediately.
- For extra indulgence, top each paratha with a small dollop of butter.
- Serve the Paneer Pyaz Paratha hot with a side of Aam Ka Achaar (Mango Pickle) and Tomato Onion Tadka Raita for a complete meal experience.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 230 kcal |
| Protein | 8 g |
| Carbohydrates | 30 g |
| Fat | 9 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sodium | 280 mg |
| Sugar | 3 g |
Tips and Variations
- For a healthier version: Replace ghee with olive oil or butter for roasting the parathas.
- To make it spicier: Increase the quantity of green chillies or add finely chopped jalapeños in the stuffing.
- For a richer flavor: Add a tablespoon of fresh cream to the paneer stuffing for a creamy texture.
- Try with different chutneys: If you like variety, serve the parathas with mint chutney, coriander chutney, or tamarind chutney to enhance the flavors.
- Make-ahead tip: You can prepare the dough and stuffing in advance and store them separately in the fridge for up to 1 day. Assemble and cook when ready to serve.
Conclusion
The Paneer Pyaz Paratha is a warm, hearty, and flavorful North Indian delicacy that combines the richness of paneer with the sharp flavors of onion and aromatic spices. This dish brings together the goodness of protein-rich paneer and the healthy benefits of whole wheat flour. Whether served for lunch or dinner, it is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Enjoy the parathas on their own or pair them with your favorite pickles, raita, or side dishes for a complete and fulfilling meal. The combination of crispy texture and savory filling makes these parathas a must-try for all Indian cuisine lovers. Happy cooking!
