Unleash the flavors of India right in your kitchen with this Crispy Multilayered Garlic Paratha recipe. Known for its irresistible texture and robust flavors, garlic paratha serves as a perfect side dish or a standalone meal, enhanced with herbs and spices. Ideal for breakfast or a hearty snack, this recipe guides you through creating the ultimate crispy, flaky, and garlic-packed paratha.
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons salt, or to taste
- 1 1/2 cups water, or as required
- Ghee, for layering and cooking
- Chopped garlic, to taste
- Chopped green chilies, to taste (optional)
- Chopped coriander, for added flavor
- Red chili flakes, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, mix the all-purpose flour and salt. Gradually add water and stir until a dough forms. Knead on a floured surface until smooth, about 8-10 minutes. Cover with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes.
- Divide and Roll: Divide the dough into small balls. Flatten each ball and roll out into a thin circle.
- Layer: Brush each rolled dough with ghee, then sprinkle evenly with garlic, green chilies, coriander, and chili flakes.
- Create Layers: Fold the dough back and forth like a fan, then roll the pleated dough into a spiral.
- Final Roll: Flatten the spiral and gently roll it into a circular paratha.
- Cook: Cook each paratha on a preheated skillet until golden brown and crispy, brushing with ghee and flipping periodically.
- Serve: Enjoy hot with yogurt, pickle, or curry.
Serving Suggestions
- Yogurt Dip: Serve the garlic paratha with a side of cool, creamy yogurt mixed with herbs for a refreshing counterpoint to the spicy paratha.
- Pickle and Chutney: A variety of pickles or chutney, such as mango or tamarind, can add a burst of flavor.
- Curry Pairing: Pair your garlic paratha with a robust curry such as butter chicken or vegetable korma for a fulfilling meal.
- Salad Side: Serve with a simple onion salad or kachumber to add a crunchy, fresh element to your meal.
Nutrition Information
- Calories: A single garlic paratha can have approximately 200-300 calories, depending on the amount of ghee used.
- Carbohydrates: Primarily from flour, providing a good source of energy.
- Proteins: Limited protein from the wheat in the flour.
- Fats: The use of ghee contributes to the fat content, which can be significant.
- Dietary Fiber: Minimal; however, adding vegetables like spinach or fenugreek leaves can increase the fiber content.
Tips
- Dough Consistency: The dough should be soft but not sticky. Adjust flour and water as needed to achieve the right texture.
- Flavor Variants: Experiment with different fillings such as mint, paneer (Indian cottage cheese), or even minced meat for non-vegetarian versions.
- Cooking Surface: Use a heavy bottomed skillet or tawa for even cooking and to achieve the perfect crispiness.
- Ghee Usage: For a healthier version, minimize the ghee or use olive oil as an alternative for brushing.
FAQs
- Can I prepare the dough ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the dough and keep it refrigerated overnight. Allow it to come to room temperature before rolling out.
- How can I make the parathas more nutritious? Incorporate whole wheat flour or multigrain flour instead of all-purpose flour to increase the nutritional value.
- Are there any alternatives to frying the parathas? Yes, for a healthier option, you can cook them on a dry non-stick pan without oil or ghee until they are golden brown on both sides.
- How do I store leftover parathas? Cool the parathas completely and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to a month. Reheat on a skillet or in a microwave before serving.
For more delicious recipes like this, check out our Potato Cheese Pancakes, Grandma’s Special Potato Bake, and Stir-Fried Noodles recipes.