Paneer Paratha | Cottage cheese filled flatbreads

North Indian cuisine is well known for rotis/ chapathis, unleavened Indain flat breads.There are quite some varieties too. Pooris, naan, kulchas are some of them. While these are popular, the humble roti with a healthy make over,called parathas gave us an opportunity to fill in something into these breads.With imagination playing a vital role, now parathas are very popular and widely consumed in every household.Aloo paratha (potato filled flatbreads),Gobi Paratha( cauliflower filled flatbreads),dal paratha (lentil stuffed flatbreads) are few to name some.

Though these rotis have North as their origin,it has gained its popularity in South as an alternate to rice being the primary grain. Now you can find these in restaurants and small eateries too.

Today I'm sharing paneer paratha ( Indian cottage cheese filled flatbreads),which is a quick and no fuss recipe.Many a days this has been my kiddos lunch.For a bit more healthier version,you can also add some grated vegetables.

Ingredients

For the dough,

Whole wheat flour  ....................... 2 cups+ extra for dusting
Water .......................................... 1 cup (or little less)
Salt ............................................ to taste
Oil ............................................... 1/2 tsp
Butter ...........................................  to brush the top

For the filling

Paneer/Indian cottage cheese ............. 1 cup ,crumbled
Green chillies..................................... 1 finely chopped
Red chilli powder ............................ to taste
Roasted cumin powder ...................... 1/4 tsp
Amchur/dry mango powder ............... 3/4 tsp
Coriander leaves ..................................1/4 cup,finely chopped
Kasuri Methi / Dry fenugreek leaves....... 1/4 tsp (crushed between palms)
Turmeric Powder ............................... 1/4 tsp
Salt .................................................... to taste
Garam masala powder ........................ a pinch

Method

• Mix all the ingredients under filling in a mixing bowl and set aside.
• In a wide bowl, add whole wheat flour and salt and mix well.Add water slowly and knead it into a soft dough.
• Apply oil on the top to prevent the dough from drying. Cover the dough and let it rest for 20 minutes.
• Divide the dough equally to make golf sized balls.
• Take a ball and dip gently in the dry flour and roll it into  a small disc, about 3 inches,using rolling pin and board.
• Scoop a generous amount of filling and place it in the middle of the disc.
• Gently bring the edges together and enclose the filling completely.
• Gently flatten them and dust with dry flour and roll it into a slightly thicker disc.
• Heat a griddle on medium high and place the disc on them and cook till you see brown spots.
• Apply some butter and flip the other side and cook until you see brown spots.

Enjoy hot parathas with some pickle and raitha.