Paneer paratha: isn’t some fancy restaurant thing for me – it’s what my mother-in-law throws together when the fridge has paneer that’s about to go soft, and nobody wants plain roti again. She’s got that proper Punjabi touch even after years in Bengal. No measuring cups, just handfuls and “thoda sa” this and that. I’ve messed it up enough times (torn dough, stuffing leaking everywhere) to know what actually works at home(Paneer Paratha) without fancy equipment.
The goal? Crispy edges, soft inside, paneer that’s spicy but not overpowering, and that melty feel when you bite in hot. Pair it with dahi, achaar, and maybe some chai – boom, breakfast or dinner sorted.
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Stuff You Need (Rough Amounts for 5-6 Parathas)
Dough part – nothing complicated:
- 2 big cups whole wheat atta (the regular one from your local shop)
- Pinch of salt (like half a teaspoon if you wanna measure)
- 1 spoon oil or ghee – melts better if warm
- Water – add slowly till it comes together soft but not sticky
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Filling – the star:
- 200-250g paneer – grate it or just crumble with hands if fresh
- 1 onion, chopped tiny (skip if you hate raw onion smell)
- 2-3 green chilies, chopped fine – we go heavy on spice here
- Handful fresh dhania, chopped
- 1-inch ginger grated (or paste if lazy)
- Spices: half tsp each red chili powder, garam masala, jeera powder, amchur (dry mango powder for tang – lemon works too)
- Salt – taste as you go
- Little ajwain if you have it – helps with the tummy after eating too many
Cooking: Ghee. Real desi ghee. Don’t argue.
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How I Actually Do It (No Fancy Steps)
Start with dough. Dump atta, salt, oil in a big thali or bowl. Rub it with fingers till it feels crumbly – that’s what makes layers later. Pour water little by little, knead till smooth. I knead for like 5-7 minutes by hand because it feels good and the dough gets softer. Cover with wet cloth, let it sit 20-30 mins. Don’t rush – dry dough tears when stuffing.
While waiting, make filling. Crumble paneer in a bowl. Throw in onion, chilies, ginger, dhania, all spices, salt. Mash and mix with hands – taste it raw. Should be punchy: spicy, salty, little sour from amchur. If bland, add more chili or salt. Paneer soaks up flavor, so don’t be shy.
Now rolling time – this is where most people panic.
Break dough into lemon-size balls. Take one, dust with atta, roll small circle (4-5 inches). Spoon 2-3 big spoons filling in middle. Don’t pile too much first time – learn from my mistakes.
Pull edges up, pinch tight like sealing a money pouch. Flip so seam down, dust again, roll gently to 7-8 inches. Light hands – press too hard and it bursts. If it tears, patch quick with extra dough bit. No stress.
Tawa on medium flame (not roaring hot or burns outside, raw inside). Put paratha on, wait for bubbles (30-60 sec), flip. Smear ghee generously – yes, generously. Flip back, more ghee, press with spatula for even brown spots. Cook till golden and crisp on both sides. Paneer Paratha’s Smells amazing already.
Stack in a casserole or cover with cloth so they stay soft. Eat hot – cold ones lose magic.
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Real Talk Tips From My Screw-Ups(Paneer Paratha)
- Dough stiff? Paratha hard as rock. Too loose? Sticks to everything.
- Paneer too wet? Squeeze first or filling makes dough soggy.
- Tearing while rolling? Less filling, more practice. Or roll two thin rotis, sandwich filling, seal edges – foolproof but takes longer.
- Want flakier? Brush ghee between layers before stuffing (like mini lachha).
- Leftovers? Wrap in foil, reheat on tawa with splash water covered – almost fresh.
How We Devour It
Straight from tawa with cold curd (beat with little salt and jeera), mango pickle (our local one has that kick), sometimes aloo sabzi if hungry. Breakfast? With adrak chai. Dinner? Add dal if feeling fancy. In Malda heat, one or two fill you up quick.
Protein from paneer, carbs from atta – decent meal. Not diet food with all ghee, but worth it sometimes.
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Read More Recipes: Kadhai Paneer – The One Paneer Dish I Can Eat Every Single Week Without Getting Bored
Twists I’ve Tried (Some Work, Some Don’t)
- Grated carrot or palak for sneaky veggies – kids eat without complaining.
- Extra cheese mixed in – gooey but not traditional.
- No onion version – just herbs and spices – still tasty.
- South twist once with curry leaves – weird but fun.
