There is something special about winters in India. It isn’t just accompanied by chilly winds; it brings with it special winter aromas—of flowers, of different festivals, and of different foods. As winter approaches, there's nothing quite like the comforting aroma of toasty wheat and stuffed parathas wafting through the kitchen. These traditional and super popular flat breads are a winter staple, although it is important to note that parathas are eaten throughout the year. But the hot and humid summer does not let us fully enjoy the comforting flavours of hot, butter-laden parathas.
So, now that winter is slowly coming, we have fresh veggies filling up the market, and most importantly, we are ready to devour several servings of hot parathas. Here are some winter-special parathas you can try for breakfast.
Gobi Paratha:
Recipe - Kunal Kapur
The ultimate winter favourite, gobi paratha, is filled with seasoned masala cauliflower. The nutty, slightly sweet flavour of cauliflower comes to life when combined with the right mix of spices, resulting in a cosy, filling treat. Grated cauliflower is mixed with jeera, dhaniya, hing, and red chilli powder for the stuffing. This paratha is super-filling and best enjoyed alongside pickles or achaar.
Methi Paratha:
Methi, or fenugreek paratha, is a delicious option that we eagerly wait for during winters. Packed with the goodness of fresh fenugreek leaves, it boasts a slightly bitter taste that pairs beautifully with the raitas or masala dahi it is usually served with. Unlike most parathas on this list, methi leaves are not stuffed into the parathas; they are used to make the dough of the paratha. Methi paratha not only warms the body but also provides essential nutrients to keep you healthy during the winter.
Paneer Paratha:
The ultimate vegetarian paratha for all seasons—paneer paratha—is here, and any list would be incomplete without it! If you find a fully stuffed paneer paratha too heavy to eat during the summer, winter is the time to enjoy it! The crumbled paneer is seasoned with spices like amchur, red chilli powder, roasted jeera, and also finely chopped green chilli and onion, which is then stuffed into a paratha, resulting in an indulgent creation.
Mooli Paratha:
Mooli, or radish paratha, is here to add a zesty twist to your already fun winter menu. Grated radishes, combined with spices, create a warm filling that's too delicious to miss out on. Mooli is used in several side dishes, but this particular dish gives it centre-stage. Enjoy your mooli paratha with mooli ka achaar or spicy hari mirch ka achaar for the perfect combination.
Palak Paratha:
Recipe - Sanjeev Kapoor Khazana
The best part about winter is the amount of fresh green veggies available for us, and adding greens to our meals during the winter season is essential for immunity. Palak paratha offers a delicious way to do so. Chopped spinach leaves are either mixed with masale like jeera, dhaniya, amchur, and mirchi to create a stuffing, or they are directly mixed with the dough to make crispy parathas. Whichever way you like the paratha, it is a must-have in winters.
Kheema Paratha:
When it comes to hearty winter meals, kheema paratha is hard to beat. Filled with spiced minced meat, either mutton or chicken, this paratha provides a satisfying experience comparable to none. Non-vegetarian lovers should definitely try out protein-filled kheema paratha and enjoy the best chilly morning winter breakfast of their lives. Kheema parathas pair well with dhaniya chutney.
Matar Paratha:
To welcome winter without having green peas is a food sin we should never commit. These sweet, little green peas make us wait for months to come in the winter, and we need to add them to every dish possible. Matar-stuffed parathas are not just delicious; they are very filling. Green peas have a sweet taste, so savoury aloo-tamatar ki sabji goes best with these parathas.
Meetha Paratha:
For those with a sweet tooth, there's something special in store as well. Meetha paratha can be made in many different ways. You can stuff khoya in your paratha, you can make it with jaggery, or you can resort to the original recipe that uses sugar. Fusion parathas such as nutella are also becoming famous. The combined comfort of sweetness and warmth that these ghee-laden parathas provide is unmatchable during cold winter mornings!