If you’re looking for a delicious and healthy unleavened bread that’s perfect for any meal, look no further than palak paratha! This whole wheat spinach flatbread combines nutrition with a fantastic taste, making it a versatile dish for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Whether paired with your favorite curry or enjoyed with creamy raita, palak paratha will surely become a family favorite!

Ingredients

For Spinach Puree:

• 3 cups spinach leaves (fresh or frozen)
• 7-8 mint leaves (optional)
• 1-inch piece of ginger
• 3-4 garlic cloves
• 1 Indian or Thai green chili, finely chopped
• ¼ cup finely chopped cilantro (for garnishing, optional)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup water (adjust as necessary)

For the Paratha Dough:

• 3 cups whole wheat flour
• 1 teaspoon carom seeds (ajwain)
• 2 tablespoons oil (avocado or vegetable)
• ½ cup water (or as needed)

For Rolling Out:

• ¼ cup whole wheat flour (for dusting)
• Melted ghee (as needed)

Instructions

Preparing the Spinach Puree:

1. Start by washing and rinsing the spinach. Chop off any thick stalks before cooking.
2. In a blender, combine the spinach with mint leaves, ginger, garlic, green chili, salt, cilantro, and water. Puree until you achieve a smooth consistency.

Making the Dough:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, carom seeds, and salt.
2. Add the spinach puree to the dry ingredients, mixing thoroughly. Gradually add water as needed to form a soft and pliable dough. Knead well until smooth.
3. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for about 20 minutes.

Rolling Out the Parathas:

1. After resting, divide the dough into equal-sized balls (about golf ball size).
2. Flatten each ball slightly and dust with flour before rolling it out into circular discs, about 6-8 inches in diameter.
3. To make layered parathas, brush the surface of each disc with melted ghee. Fold them into thirds, then fold them again to form a square. Dust with flour and gently roll out again into a larger flatbread.

Cooking the Parathas:

1. Preheat a tava (or skillet) over medium-high heat.
2. Dust off excess flour from the rolled paratha and gently place it on the hot pan. Cook for about 1-2 minutes until small air bubbles begin to form on the surface.
3. Flip the paratha using a spatula and cook for another 30-40 seconds until you see brown spots.
4. Brush the top with ghee, flip it again, and cook for another 20-30 seconds. Press it gently with the spatula to ensure even cooking.
5. Remove the paratha from the pan, and repeat the process for the remaining dough balls.

Serving Suggestions:

These delicious palak parathas can be served warm alongside your favorite curries, lentil dishes, or simply with yogurt and pickles for a satisfying meal!

Benefits of Spinach

Spinach is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Here are some health benefits:

• Rich in Vitamins: High in vitamins A, C, and K, which support immune function and skin health.
• High in Antioxidants: Contains flavonoids that protect against disease.
• Promotes Bone Health: Vitamin K in spinach is essential for strong bones.
• Good for Heart Health: Spinach helps in regulating blood pressure due to its nitrates content.

Frequently Asked Questions