Palak Paratha – A Green Delight Packed with Flavor and Goodness!

Palak Paratha is a popular Indian flatbread made with a mixture of whole wheat flour (atta) and fresh spinach (palak). The spinach is finely chopped and incorporated into the dough, along with various spices and seasonings. The dough is then rolled out into flat circles and cooked on a griddle or tawa with ghee or oil until golden brown and crispy. Palak Paratha is known for its vibrant green color and delicious taste. It can be enjoyed as a standalone meal or paired with yogurt, pickle, or other accompaniments. Palak Paratha is not only flavorful but also nutritious, as it combines the goodness of spinach with the benefits of whole wheat flour.

Here’s a recipe for making Palak Paratha, a delicious Indian flatbread made with spinach (palak):

Ingredients:

• 2 cups whole wheat flour
• 2 cups fresh spinach leaves, washed and finely chopped
• 1 green chili, finely chopped (optional)
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder (optional)
• Salt to taste
• Water as needed
• Ghee or oil for cooking

Instructions:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, chopped spinach, green chili (if using), cumin seeds, turmeric powder, red chili powder (if using), and salt. Mix well.
2. Gradually add water to the mixture and knead it into a soft and smooth dough. The amount of water needed may vary, so add it gradually until you achieve the desired consistency.
3. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for about 15-20 minutes to allow the gluten to develop.
4. After resting, divide the dough into small equal-sized balls.
5. Take one dough ball and dust it with some flour. Roll it out into a small circle of about 6-7 inches in diameter.
6. Heat a tawa or griddle on medium heat. Place the rolled paratha on the heated tawa.
7. Cook the paratha on one side until small bubbles start to appear on the surface, then flip it over.
8. Spread a teaspoon of ghee or oil on the cooked side of the paratha and cook the other side until it turns golden brown.
9. Flip the paratha again and spread another teaspoon of ghee or oil on this side as well.
10. Press the paratha gently with a spatula to cook it evenly and ensure it is cooked through.
11. Once both sides are golden brown and crispy, remove the paratha from the tawa.
12. Repeat the process with the remaining dough balls to make more parathas.
13. Serve the delicious Palak Parathas hot with yogurt, pickle, or any desired accompaniment.

Note: You can adjust the spice levels by adding more or less green chili and red chili powder according to your preference. Feel free to experiment with other spices or herbs to enhance the flavor. Enjoy the nutritious and flavorful Palak Parathas as a delightful meal or snack!