Introduction

 

Growing up, one of my fondest memories was waking up to the aroma of my grandmother's matar paneer parathas sizzling on the griddle. These delectable stuffed parathas, filled with a savory mixture of spiced peas and paneer, never failed to make my mornings special. As a child, I would eagerly watch my grandmother expertly roll out the dough, stuff it with the flavorful filling, and cook it to perfection. The first bite into the crispy, golden crust, followed by the burst of flavors from the soft, aromatic filling, was pure bliss. Matar paneer parathas became a cherished part of our family breakfast tradition, bringing us together over a meal filled with love and warmth.

 

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Recipe of Matar Paneer Paratha

 

Servings: 5-6 People

Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Calories: Approximately 197 calories per portion

 

Ingredients:

 

For Stuffing:

• 1 tbsp Oil
• 1 tsp Jeera (Cumin Seeds)
• ½ tsp Ajwain (Carom Seeds)
• ½ tsp Hing (Asafoetida)
• ½ tbsp Chopped Ginger
• 1 tsp Chopped Green Chilli
• 1 cup Matar (Green Peas)
• 1 tsp Salt
• Water as required
• ½ tbsp Chaat Masala
• 100 gms Paneer (Grated)

For Dough:

• 1 ½ cups Wheat Flour
• 1 tsp Salt
• Water as required
• 1 tbsp Oil

For Cooking:

• Oil as needed
• Butter as needed

 

 

Instructions:

 

For Stuffing:

1. Prepare the Pan:

• Heat a pan and add oil, cumin seeds, carom seeds, and asafoetida. Allow them to splutter, releasing their aromatic flavors.

2. Sauté Aromatics:

• Add finely chopped ginger and chopped green chilies to the pan. Sauté until the ingredients release their fragrances.

3. Add Matar:

• Introduce green peas and salt to the pan. Continue sautéing until the mixture becomes dry.

4. Cook Matar:

• Pour water into the pan and cook the peas thoroughly. Ensure the mixture becomes dry before proceeding.

5. Cool and Grind:

• Once cooked, transfer the mixture to a plate and let it cool. Grind it in a mixer jar until you achieve a smooth consistency.

6. Final Mixing:

• Move the ground mixture to a bowl. Add chaat masala and grated paneer, ensuring a thorough mix. Set aside this tantalizing stuffing.

 

For Dough:

1. Prepare Dough:

• On a plate, combine wheat flour and salt. Gradually add water and knead it into a soft dough.

2. Add Oil:

• Incorporate oil into the dough and knead again. Allow the dough to rest, covered, for 5-10 minutes.

 

For Matar Paneer Paratha:

1. Preparation:

• Take a portion of the dough, shaping it into a bowl-like form. Fill the center with the prepared matar mixture and seal the dough from all sides.

2. Rolling:

• Dust some flour on a working surface. Place the stuffed dough and roll it out into a thick, flat circle.

3. Cooking:

• Heat a pan and cook the rolled paratha on medium heat from both sides. Apply oil during the cooking process to achieve a golden-brown texture.

4. Final Touch:

• Once fully cooked, transfer the paratha to a serving plate. Add a dollop of butter on top for an irresistible finishing touch.

5. Serving:

• Your meticulously crafted Matar Paneer Paratha is now ready to be served. Revel in the delightful blend of flavors, from the spiced matar filling to the soft, layered wheat paratha. Enjoy this satisfying and flavorful dish as a perfect addition to your mealtime repertoire.

 

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About the Recipe

 

Matar paneer paratha is a wholesome Indian flatbread stuffed with a delicious filling of spiced green peas (matar) and paneer (Indian cottage cheese). This dish combines the goodness of protein-rich paneer and fiber-packed peas with a blend of aromatic spices, making it both nutritious and flavorful. Originating from North India, matar paneer paratha is a popular breakfast or brunch option, perfect for satisfying hunger and tantalizing taste buds. It can be enjoyed on its own or paired with yogurt, pickle, or chutney for added flavor.

 

 

Cooking Tips

 

1. Pre-cook the Filling: Ensure that the matar (peas) and paneer (cottage cheese) filling is cooked before stuffing it into the paratha dough to prevent sogginess.
2. Adjust Spices: Customize the spice level of the filling according to your preference by adjusting the quantity of spices like red chili powder and garam masala.
3. Seal the Edges: Seal the edges of the paratha dough properly to prevent the filling from leaking out during the cooking process.
4. Cook on Medium Heat: Cook the parathas on a medium flame to ensure even cooking and to achieve a crispy exterior without burning.
5. Serve Hot: Serve matar paneer parathas hot off the griddle with a dollop of butter or ghee for a delightful indulgence.

 

 

Pairing Guide

 

• Yogurt: Pair matar paneer parathas with a side of creamy yogurt or raita to balance out the flavors and textures.
• Pickle or Chutney: Accompany the parathas with tangy pickle or flavorful chutney for an added punch of taste.
• Masala Chai: Enjoy the parathas with a steaming cup of masala chai (spiced Indian tea) for a complete breakfast experience.

 

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Frequently Asked Questions about Matar Paneer Paratha

 

1. What is matar paneer paratha?
   • Matar paneer paratha is a North Indian flatbread stuffed with a filling made from spiced green peas (matar) and paneer (cottage cheese).
2. How is matar paneer paratha made?
   • Matar paneer paratha is made by stuffing a mixture of cooked peas and crumbled paneer into rolled-out dough, then cooking it on a griddle until golden brown and crispy.
3. What spices are used in matar paneer paratha?
   • Common spices used in the filling of matar paneer paratha include cumin powder, coriander powder, red chili powder, garam masala, and salt.
4. Can I make matar paneer paratha ahead of time?
   • Yes, you can prepare the filling and dough ahead of time and assemble the parathas just before cooking them to ensure freshness.
5. Is matar paneer paratha suitable for vegetarians?
   • Yes, matar paneer paratha is a vegetarian dish as it contains no meat or animal-derived ingredients.
6. Can I freeze matar paneer paratha?
   • Yes, you can freeze cooked matar paneer parathas for later use. Thaw and reheat them in a skillet or microwave before serving.
7. Is matar paneer paratha spicy?
   • The level of spiciness in matar paneer paratha can be adjusted according to personal preference by controlling the amount of red chili powder and other spices used.
8. What can I serve with matar paneer paratha?
   • Matar paneer paratha pairs well with yogurt, pickle, chutney, or a cup of masala chai for a complete meal experience.
9. Can I make matar paneer paratha without paneer?
   • Yes, you can substitute paneer with crumbled tofu or mashed potatoes for a vegan version of the dish.
10. Is matar paneer paratha gluten-free?
    • Matar paneer paratha is traditionally made with wheat flour, so it contains gluten. However, you can explore gluten-free flour alternatives for a gluten-free version of the paratha.

 

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