Discover the delightful combination of Palak Paneer and Paratha, a popular Indian flatbread, served with a refreshing mint-coriander chutney. This nutritious and flavorful dish makes for a perfect meal that is both satisfying and healthy. Here’s how you can prepare this delicious recipe.
Ingredients:
For the Paratha:
- 2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1 cup spinach puree (Palak)
- 1/2 cup grated paneer (Indian cheese)
- 1 onion finely chopped
- 1 green chili finely chopped
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- 1 tsp cumin powder
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- Salt to taste
- Water (if needed to knead the dough)
- Ghee or oil for cooking
For the Chatni:
- 1 cup mint leaves
- 1 cup coriander leaves
- 1 small onion
- 2-3 green chilies
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt to taste
- A little water for blending
Instructions:
Preparing the Chatni:
1. Blend the Ingredients:
- In a blender, add the mint leaves, coriander leaves, onion, green chilies, lemon juice, salt, and a little water.
- Blend until smooth. The consistency should be thick but pourable. Add water gradually to achieve the desired consistency.
2. Chill the Chatni:
- Transfer the chatni to a bowl and keep it refrigerated until ready to serve. This chutney adds a refreshing and tangy flavor that complements the paratha perfectly.
Preparing the Paratha:
1. Make the Dough:
- In a large bowl, mix the whole wheat flour, spinach puree, salt, and a little water to form a soft dough. Knead well until the dough is smooth and pliable.
- Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 15-20 minutes. Resting the dough makes it easier to roll out the parathas.
2. Prepare the Filling:
- In another bowl, mix the grated paneer, chopped onion, green chili, cumin seeds, coriander powder, cumin powder, and turmeric powder. This filling adds a rich, savory flavor to the parathas.
3. Divide the Dough:
- Divide the dough into small equal-sized balls. Each ball will form one paratha.
4. Roll and Stuff the Parathas:
- On a lightly floured surface, roll each ball into a small disc.
- Place a spoonful of the filling in the center of each disc and close it by pinching the edges together to form a ball. Ensure the filling is well enclosed within the dough.
- Gently flatten each stuffed ball with a rolling pin to form a paratha. Be careful not to let the filling spill out.
5. Cook the Parathas:
- Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat.
- Cook each paratha with a little ghee or oil until golden brown on both sides. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Repeat the process for all the parathas.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Hot:
- Serve the palak paneer parathas hot with the prepared mint-coriander chatni. The warm, savory parathas paired with the cool, tangy chutney make a perfect combination.
Accompaniments:
- These parathas can also be served with a side of plain yogurt or a dollop of butter for an extra rich flavor.
As a Complete Meal:
- Enjoy these parathas as a wholesome meal on their own or pair them with a light salad for a complete and nutritious meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Nutritious and Delicious:
- Packed with spinach and paneer, this recipe is rich in vitamins, minerals, and protein, making it a healthy choice for any meal.
Flavorful:
- The combination of spices in the filling adds a burst of flavor to every bite, while the spinach-infused dough adds an earthy richness.
Versatile:
- These parathas are perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner and can be enjoyed on their own or with a variety of sides.
Tips for the Best Palak Paneer Paratha
Use Fresh Ingredients:
- Fresh spinach, paneer, and herbs will enhance the flavor and nutritional value of the dish.
Even Stuffing:
- Ensure the filling is evenly distributed to prevent the parathas from breaking while rolling.
Cook Evenly:
- Cook on medium heat to ensure the parathas are cooked through without burning.
Health Benefits of Key Ingredients
Spinach:
- Rich in iron, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants, spinach supports overall health and boosts immunity.
Paneer:
- A good source of protein and calcium, paneer helps in muscle growth and bone health.
Mint and Coriander:
- These herbs are not only flavorful but also have digestive benefits and are rich in vitamins and minerals.
This Palak Paneer Paratha with Chatni is a nutritious and delicious meal that is perfect for any time of the day. The flavorful filling, combined with the healthy spinach dough and refreshing chutney, makes this dish a must-try. Follow this recipe to enjoy a wholesome and tasty meal with your family and friends.
Related Recipes
If you enjoyed this Palak Paneer Paratha recipe, you might also like these delicious and nutritious recipes:
- Protein-Packed Salad Recipe: A healthy and satisfying salad rich in protein and flavor.
- Mapo Cabbage Noodles Recipe: A spicy and savory noodle dish with cabbage and a rich sauce.
- Delicious Doner Bread Recipe: A flavorful bread perfect for sandwiches or as a side to your favorite dishes.