Paneer Carrot Stuffed Paratha Recipe
Paneer Carrot Stuffed Paratha is a delicious and nutritious twist on the traditional Indian paratha. This vegan recipe features a flavorful filling of grated carrots, soft paneer (homemade cottage cheese), and aromatic spices, wrapped in soft whole wheat dough. Perfect for a wholesome lunch or dinner, these stuffed parathas are best enjoyed with a side of tangy sweet lime pickle or refreshing tomato onion cucumber raita. Let’s dive into this step-by-step recipe to prepare these mouthwatering parathas.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Whole Wheat Flour | 2 cups |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Sunflower Oil | 1 teaspoon |
| Water (for kneading dough) | As required |
| Paneer (Homemade Cottage Cheese) | 1 cup (grated) |
| Carrot (Gajjar) | 1 cup (grated) |
| Onion | 1 (finely chopped) |
| Green Chillies | 2 (finely chopped) |
| Cumin Powder (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
| Mint Leaves (Pudina) | 1/4 cup (small bunch, chopped) |
| Salt | To taste |
| Ghee or Oil (for cooking) | As needed |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 30 g |
| Protein | 5 g |
| Fat | 6 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sodium | 200 mg |
| Potassium | 250 mg |
Instructions
1. Making the Dough
- Prepare the dough: In a large mixing bowl, add the whole wheat flour and a pinch of salt. Gradually add water, a little at a time, and knead until you achieve a firm yet smooth dough. Continue kneading for about 3 to 4 minutes to ensure the dough is soft and pliable.
- Add oil: Drizzle sunflower oil over the dough and knead it in for an additional couple of minutes. This will make the dough smooth and easy to work with.
- Rest the dough: Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 15 minutes while you prepare the stuffing.
2. Preparing the Paneer-Carrot Filling
- Mix the filling ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the grated paneer, grated carrots, finely chopped onions, green chilies, mint leaves, and cumin powder. Add salt to taste. Stir well to ensure all ingredients are mixed evenly.
- Set aside: This simple and healthy filling will stay fresh while you prepare the dough for stuffing.
3. Assembling the Paneer Carrot Stuffed Paratha
- Divide the dough: Once the dough has rested, divide it into equal-sized portions (approximately the size of a lemon).
- Roll out the dough: Take one portion of dough and roll it into a ball. Dust it with some flour and flatten it gently with your fingers. Using a rolling pin, roll the dough into a small 3-inch diameter circle.
- Add the filling: Place a spoonful of the paneer-carrot filling in the center of the circle. Be careful not to overfill, as it may cause the paratha to tear.
- Seal the paratha: Fold one half of the circle over the filling, forming a semi-circle or oval shape. Press the edges together gently to seal the paratha.
- Flatten the paratha: Carefully flatten the stuffed dough using a rolling pin. Roll it out evenly, ensuring the filling stays inside. Be cautious not to roll it too thin, or the filling may spill out.
4. Cooking the Paratha
- Preheat the skillet: Heat a flat skillet or tawa on medium heat until hot. Lightly dust it with some flour before placing the rolled-out paratha on the skillet.
- Cook the first side: Let the paratha cook on one side for 10 to 15 seconds, or until you start seeing small bubbles forming on the surface.
- Flip and cook: Flip the paratha and smear a little ghee or oil on the cooked side. Flip again, and smear ghee or oil on the other side as well. Cook, flipping a few times, until the paratha turns golden brown on both sides, with crispy spots.
- Repeat with remaining dough: Continue the same process for the remaining dough portions, rolling out each paratha, stuffing it, and cooking until golden.
5. Serving Suggestions
- Serve hot: Serve the Paneer Carrot Stuffed Parathas immediately while they are still warm. Pair them with a tangy sweet lime pickle or a refreshing tomato onion cucumber raita for a delightful meal.
- Enjoy: These stuffed parathas can be enjoyed for lunch, dinner, or as a hearty snack. You can even pack them for lunchboxes or serve them at gatherings.
Tips & Variations:
- For extra flavor: You can add a pinch of garam masala or black pepper to the filling for an additional kick.
- Vegan Option: If you want to keep it fully vegan, replace the paneer with tofu or skip it entirely for a simple vegetable-filled paratha.
- Make it gluten-free: For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free flour in place of whole wheat flour.
- Spicy kick: Adjust the number of green chilies based on your spice tolerance. You can also add finely chopped ginger to the filling for an extra layer of flavor.
Conclusion
Paneer Carrot Stuffed Paratha is a wholesome and satisfying dish that combines the goodness of fresh vegetables and protein-rich paneer in a warm, soft flatbread. It’s perfect for a filling lunch, a cozy dinner, or even for meal prep. The slight crunch of the carrots combined with the creaminess of the paneer and the aromatic spices create a delightful burst of flavors in every bite. Try this recipe today, and enjoy this classic Indian comfort food with your loved ones!
Total Time: 55 minutes
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: Indian
Course: Lunch
Diet: Vegan
