Paneer Paratha (Stuffed Bread)

There is a saying that one should have a breakfast like a KING and Parathas truly do justice to this saying. Parathas can be plain or stuffed, it is upto each one's liking and preference. Paratha is different from Naan in both preparation and ingredients. Paratha is mainly paired with beaten curd, pickle or tea. There are varieties of stuffed paratha mainly Paneer, Aloo, Onion, Gobi, Muli and so on. The list is endless and mouthwatering. Paratha is mainly a North Indian specialty and is prepared in various parts of the country by adding their own flavor and style. In West of India, "Batata chi chapati" is more famous which is a version of "Aloo Paratha" or Bread stuffed with potato filing. In South India, a version of their own Paratha known as "Parotta" is famous which is paired with curries. In East India, Dhakai Paratha is most famous dish which is paired with Dal.

India being a secular country with different religions and cultures coexisting with each other in peace and harmony, the food too has also been a part of this inclusion. I have tried my cooking skills in preparing "Paneer Paratha" (Cottage Cheese) and added in my own twists.

Let's have a look at the recipe:

Ingredients for Dough:

4 cups Whole Wheat flour

1 tbsp Red Chili Powder (Kashmiri Red Chili Powder preferred)

1 tbsp Coriander Powder

Salt

1 tbsp Oil

Water for Kneading. 

Ingredients for Stuffing:

2 cups Grated Paneer

3-4 chopped Green Chilies

Chopped Coriander

1 inch peeled and chopped finely Ginger

1 small size chopped Onion

1 tbsp Coriander Powder

1 tsp Turmeric Powder

2 tbsp Red Chili Powder

1 tsp Aamchur Powder (Dry Mango Powder)

1 tsp Cumin Powder

Mozzarella Cheese (1 cup- Optional)

Salt to taste

Ghee for cooking Parathas

Method:

In a mixing bowl add all dry ingredients for the dough and mix it well. Later add Oil and mix all ingredients well.

With slowly adding water in intervals, knead the ingredients into a dough. We do not need too soft dough but smooth dough with no cracks will be helpful while rolling Parathas.

Keep the dough aside and in another mixing bowl add all the stuffing ingredients mentioned in the list above.

Mix all ingredients well and keep it aside.

Heat up the tawa and while it is heating start rolling a Paratha.

Take a medium sized ball from the dough and using a rolling pin flatten the ball big enough to hold the stuffing.

With the help of a spoon add the stuffing on the flatten dough and with the help of your fingers start making a pocket. 

Make sure stuffing is tucked well inside the pocket. Add some dry dough and start rolling the pocket into a flat paratha.

Put the paratha on the hot tawa and let one side cook for 5 mins and then flip the paratha.

Add Ghee, Butter on the flipped side and then flip it again. 

Cook both the sides well on medium flame.

Serve hot with Curd or Pickle.