Aloo Paratha recipe
Whole-wheat flatbreads filled with gently spiced mashed potato and griddled until golden.
An original home-cooking guide from our recipe collection; not an orderable restaurant product. Timings are approximate and may vary with your equipment.
Serves: 4Prep: 35 minCook: 25 min
Ingredients
- 2 cups (260 g) whole-wheat flour, plus extra for rolling
- 1/2 teaspoon fine salt for dough
- 3/4 cup (180 ml) warm water, added gradually
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil for dough, plus 2 tablespoons oil or ghee for cooking
- 12 ounces (340 g) starchy potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 1/2 teaspoon fine salt for filling
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon ground coriander
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped cilantro
- 1 small green chile, finely minced (optional)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Method
- Boil the potatoes in lightly salted water until very tender, about 12–15 minutes. Drain thoroughly, return to the warm pot for a minute to steam off moisture, then mash until smooth.
- Mix the mashed potato with 1/2 teaspoon salt, cumin, coriander, cilantro, chile if using, and lemon juice. Cool completely; the filling should be dry enough to shape.
- Combine flour and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Add warm water gradually to make a soft dough, knead for 7–8 minutes, then work in 1 tablespoon oil. Cover and rest for 20 minutes.
- Divide the dough into 8 balls and the cooled potato filling into 4 equal portions. Keep the dough covered while working.
- Roll two dough balls into small rounds. Place one potato portion on a round, spread it evenly while leaving a narrow border, then top with the second round.
- Pinch the edges firmly closed all around. Dust lightly with flour and roll gently into a 6–7-inch circle, turning as needed to keep it even and prevent tearing.
- Heat a griddle or heavy skillet over medium heat. Cook the paratha until bubbles appear on the underside, about 45 seconds, then flip and brush the cooked side with a little oil or ghee.
- Flip again, brush the other side, and cook while pressing gently until golden patches appear and the dough is cooked through. Repeat with the remaining dough and filling, adding a little more fat as needed.
Kitchen notes
- Cool and dry the potato filling well before stuffing; warm or wet filling makes the dough harder to seal.
- If a small tear appears, patch it with a pinch of dough and roll gently rather than forcing the filling through.
