Aloo Paratha Recipe – Perfect Indian Flatbread with Potato Filling

Aloo Paratha is a cherished staple in Indian households, bringing warmth, flavor, and comfort to any table. This iconic stuffed flatbread, made with whole wheat flour and a deliciously spiced potato filling, is satisfying, wholesome, and versatile enough to suit any meal of the day.

Aloo Paratha Recipe: In this guide, we walk you through each step to make perfectly soft and flavorful Aloo Parathas from scratch, filled with detailed instructions and tips to master the technique.

What is Aloo Paratha?

Aloo Paratha is a popular North Indian flatbread, stuffed with a spiced mashed potato filling. Originating from Punjab, this traditional recipe has evolved to become a favorite across India and beyond, commonly served with yogurt, butter, or pickles. The combination of the crispy exterior and spicy, soft potato filling makes each bite a delightful experience.

Ingredients for Aloo Paratha

Dough

• Whole Wheat Flour: 2 cups
• Salt: ½ teaspoon
• Water: ¾ cup or as needed
• Oil or Ghee: 1 tablespoon

Potato Filling

• Potatoes: 3 medium, boiled and mashed
• Green Chilies: 1-2, finely chopped
• Ginger: 1 teaspoon, grated
• Cumin Seeds: ½ teaspoon
• Coriander Powder: 1 teaspoon
• Red Chili Powder: ½ teaspoon (adjust to taste)
• Amchur (Dry Mango Powder): ½ teaspoon
• Salt: as needed
• Fresh Coriander Leaves: 2 tablespoons, chopped

To Cook

• Ghee or Oil: for pan-frying

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Aloo Paratha

1. Preparing the Dough

In a mixing bowl, combine whole wheat flour and salt. Gradually add water while kneading, until the dough is smooth and pliable. Finish by adding a tablespoon of oil or ghee to make the dough soft and elastic. Cover with a damp cloth and let it rest for 15-20 minutes.

2. Making the Potato Filling

1. Mash the Potatoes: Boil and mash the potatoes until smooth. Any lumps can make the rolling process challenging, so ensure the texture is smooth.
2. Mix the Spices: Add green chilies, grated ginger, cumin seeds, coriander powder, red chili powder, amchur, and salt. Mix well.
3. Add Fresh Coriander: Stir in freshly chopped coriander leaves to enhance the flavor and aroma.

3. Assembling the Parathas

1. Divide the Dough: Make small, equal-sized dough balls. Depending on the size of the paratha, you can adjust the size of the dough balls.
2. Flatten and Roll: Take a dough ball, flatten it slightly, and roll it into a small circle about 4-5 inches in diameter.
3. Add the Filling: Place a spoonful of the prepared potato filling in the center of the dough circle. Gather the edges of the dough, bringing them to the center, and pinch to seal.
4. Roll Out: Gently roll the stuffed dough ball into a circle about 7-8 inches in diameter. Be careful not to press too hard to avoid the filling from breaking through.

4. Cooking the Aloo Parathas

1. Heat the Griddle: Place a tawa (griddle) on medium-high heat.
2. Cook on the First Side: Place the rolled paratha on the hot tawa. Cook for about 1 minute until bubbles form.
3. Flip and Apply Ghee: Flip the paratha, and spread a small amount of ghee or oil over the top. Press lightly with a spatula and cook until golden brown spots appear.
4. Flip Again: Flip once more, applying ghee to the other side, and cook until both sides are crispy and golden.

Repeat the process with the remaining dough and filling.

Tips for Making the Best Aloo Parathas

• Choose the Right Potatoes: Use starchy potatoes like Russet for easy mashing.
• Adjust Spices to Taste: The spice level can be customized based on your preference.
• Control the Thickness: Rolling the paratha evenly ensures it cooks thoroughly without any uncooked spots.
• Use Medium Heat: Avoid high heat, as it can burn the outside while leaving the inside raw.

Serving Suggestions: Aloo Paratha Recipe

Serve hot Aloo Parathas with fresh yogurt, butter, or pickle for an authentic experience. They also pair wonderfully with mango pickle or spicy green chutney, enhancing the flavors of the dish.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Aloo Paratha Cooking Process Flowchart

graph TD;
    A[Start] --> B[Prepare Dough]
    B --> C[Make Potato Filling]
    C --> D[Divide Dough into Balls]
    D --> E[Flatten and Fill with Potato Mixture]
    E --> F[Seal and Roll Out]
    F --> G[Heat Griddle]
    G --> H[Cook on First Side]
    H --> I[Flip and Apply Ghee]
    I --> J[Cook Until Golden Brown]
    J --> K[Flip and Cook Second Side]
    K --> L[Serve Hot]
    L --> M[End]

With this comprehensive guide, you can bring the authentic flavors of North India to your kitchen. Enjoy this delicious Aloo Paratha recipe, whether for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, with your favorite accompaniments for a truly satisfying meal.

SEE ALSO: Amaravathi Chicken Curry: A Spicy Delight from Andhra Pradesh