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Methi Paratha

Methi paratha brings the earthy, slightly bitter punch of fresh fenugreek leaves to your breakfast table. This classic Indian flatbread pairs beautifully with yogurt, pickle, or a hot cup of chai.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 8 parathas
Course: Breakfast, Main Course
Cuisine: Indian, North Indian
Calories: 180

Ingredients
  

For the Dough
  • 2 cups whole wheat flour atta
  • 1 cup fresh fenugreek leaves methi, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon carom seeds ajwain
  • 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 2 tablespoons oil or ghee
  • 3/4 cup water or as needed
For Cooking
  • 3 to 4 tablespoons ghee or oil for shallow frying
  • Dry flour for dusting while rolling

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Rolling pin (belan)
  • Flat griddle or tawa
  • Rolling board or clean countertop
  • Spatula or flat spoon
  • Kitchen towel
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

  1. Wash the fresh methi leaves thoroughly under running water to remove dirt and grit. Pat them completely dry with a kitchen towel because excess moisture makes the dough sticky and difficult to roll.
  2. Remove the leaves from the thick stems and chop them finely. Smaller pieces distribute evenly throughout the dough and prevent tearing during rolling.
  3. Add whole wheat flour, salt, ajwain, red chili powder, and turmeric to a large mixing bowl. Whisk everything together so the spices spread evenly through the flour.
  4. Toss the chopped methi leaves into the flour mixture. Add 2 tablespoons of oil and rub it into the flour with your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
  5. Gradually add water while mixing until a soft, pliable dough forms. Knead gently for 3 to 4 minutes until smooth because overworking develops too much gluten and creates tough parathas.
  6. Cover the dough with a damp kitchen towel and let it rest for 15 to 20 minutes. Resting relaxes the gluten strands, making the dough easier to roll and the final parathas softer.
  7. Divide the rested dough into 8 equal portions and roll each into a smooth ball. Dust a ball lightly with flour and roll it into a circle about 6 to 7 inches in diameter.
  8. Heat a tawa or flat griddle over medium high heat until very hot. Place the rolled paratha on the hot surface and cook until small bubbles appear on top, then flip.
  9. Brush ghee or oil on the cooked side while the second side cooks. Flip again, apply ghee to the other side, and press gently with a spatula until golden brown spots appear on both sides.
  10. Transfer the cooked paratha to a plate lined with a kitchen towel or place in a casserole to keep warm. Repeat with the remaining dough balls, stacking as you go.

Notes

Squeeze the washed methi leaves in a kitchen towel to remove every drop of water before chopping. Use young, tender methi leaves as mature ones taste more bitter. Add a pinch of sugar to the dough to balance the natural bitterness of fenugreek. Store cooked parathas in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator or freeze for up to 1 month.