Parathas which have roots in north India are one of the most celebrated Indian dishes that are widely consumed by people, especially for breakfast. These are not only easy to make but also very customisable. One can always make parathas as per their preference. This is exactly the reason why parathas come with so many different types of stuffings and flavours. Some conventional types of parathas include Aloo Paratha, Gobi Paratha, Paneer Paratha, and Muli Paratha.
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These days some new types of parathas like Cheese Paratha, Peri Peri Paratha and even Noodle Paratha are becoming famous. The beauty of this dish lies in its ability to be flexible. A lot of people who love eating parathas have to refrain as they are not considered very healthy. However, one can make their Paratha a lot healthier by following these simple tips.
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* Use Multigrain Flour
Using multigrain flour instead of using all-purpose flour or wheat flour for making a Paratha is a healthy switch. Multigrain flour has the goodness of different types of flours which is why it is considered more nutritious and fibrous. Eating Paratha made from multigrain flour will also make one feel full even after eating a single Paratha. Adding some milk or curd while kneading the dough for parathas is another way of making the dough a lot smoother and full of probiotics and calcium.
* Healthy Stuffing
For the paratha stuffing, try to keep it as healthy as possible. While it's okay to have Aloo ka Paratha from time to time, one can add some source of protein and vegetables to the stuffing. This may include Paneer, chicken or tofu as per one's preference. One can also go for different types of vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, green beans, and many such vegetables that can be added to the Paratha stuffing.
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* Kneading Flour With Vegetable Purée
There are a lot of green vegetables that go unused because people think that it's not possible to make delicious dishes with the help of these vegetables. However, a little bit of creativity is required to think out of the box and make scrumptious dishes even from green vegetables like Palak and Methi. One can simply make a puree of these green vegetables with the help of some cream and water. This puree can be used to knead the dough for a Paratha. The resultant will give delicious and super healthy parathas.
* Using Herbs
Although the use of a lot of different spices for making parathas is pretty prevalent, one may make a healthier switch by going towards some herbs. Herbs not only have a subtle flavour but also have digestive benefits. One can use different types of herbs, including basil leaves, oregano, mint, and coriander and add them to their parathas. This is going to give a new touch to the parathas and will amplify the traditional taste of the dish with a hint of international flavours.
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* Healthier Way Of Cooking Paratha
Parathas are generally cooked in a lot of oil and butter. This high amount of both oil and butter is not good for one's health and may lead to the development of cardiovascular disorders. So one of the easiest ways to make parathas healthy is by not using a lot of oil or butter. But not using oil and butter is not going to give it the same crunchy taste. For this one can simply cook their parathas in an air fryer. One can simply keep the parathas inside the air fryer and coat them with almost negligible butter or oil. Keep checking the Paratha in between to make sure that it is being cooked properly. The paratha will turn out to be extremely crispy and well-cooked.
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* Adding Seeds In Paratha Stuffing
Another healthy way of making parathas, even more nutritious, is to add some healthy seeds in the Paratha stuffing. This may include sunflower seeds, flaxseeds, and Chia seeds. Not only do these seeds make the parathas crunchier but they also add a lot of nutritional value to the Paratha. The seeds are generally a powerhouse of antioxidants, which is why it is always a great idea to add the seeds. One can simply add these seeds while making the stuffing. Generally, sunflower seeds or mixed seeds are always a great choice.