Plain Paratha recipe
Tender, layered whole-wheat flatbreads cooked on a hot griddle until golden and lightly crisp at the edges.
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: 25 minCook: 20 min
Ingredients
- 2 cups (260 g) whole-wheat flour, plus extra for rolling
- 1/2 teaspoon fine salt
- 3/4 cup (180 ml) warm water, added gradually
- 2 tablespoons neutral oil or melted ghee, divided, plus a little for cooking
Method
- Combine the flour and salt in a bowl. Stir in the warm water gradually until a shaggy dough forms; you may not need every drop, or may need a teaspoon more depending on the flour.
- Knead on a clean surface for 7–8 minutes, adding only a light dusting of flour if necessary, until smooth and soft but not sticky.
- Work in 1 tablespoon of the oil or ghee, cover the dough, and rest it for 20 minutes.
- Divide into 8 equal balls. Keep them covered. Roll one ball into a thin circle on a lightly floured surface.
- Brush the circle lightly with oil or ghee, fold it in half, brush again, then fold into a triangle. Alternatively, roll it up and coil the strip into a round for a more layered shape.
- Lightly flour the folded dough and roll gently into a roughly 6-inch round, taking care not to press out all the layers.
- Heat a griddle or heavy skillet over medium heat. Cook one paratha until small bubbles appear, about 30–45 seconds, then flip.
- Brush the cooked side lightly with oil or ghee. Flip and cook, pressing gently with a spatula, until golden spots form; oil the other side, flip once more, and cook until both sides are done. Repeat with remaining dough.
Kitchen notes
- Keep unused dough balls covered so they do not dry out.
- Serve warm; adjust griddle heat if the bread browns before the center cooks.
