This is a great “anytime” meal. Spinach Parathas are whole-wheat Indian flatbread stuffed with a spicy spinach filling.

Makes 6 parathas.

Ingredients:

Dough:

• 1 cup whole-wheat flour
• 1/2 cup water (Add more water as needed)
• Pinch of salt

Spinach Filliing:

• 2 cups chopped spinach
• Pinch of asafetida
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1/4 teaspoon red chilly flakes
• 1/4 cup whole-wheat flour for rolling
• Oil to cook

Method

Dough:

1. Mix flour, salt and water togather to make soft dough (if needed add more water).
2. Knead the dough for a few minutes on a lightly greased surface to make soft, smooth and pliable dough.
3. Set the dough aside and cover it with a damp cloth. Let the dough rest for at least ten minutes.

Filling:

1. Heat the oil in a saucepan on medium-high heat. Oil is the right temperature when cumin cracks immedialety after being put the oil.
2. Add the asafetida and cumin seeds. After the cumin seeds crack, add the spinach.
3. Stir-fry, making sure to press the spinach down so the water can evaporate.
4. Cook the spinach until most of the water has evaporated. Spinach still should be moist and should be able to form a ball. Add the salt and pepper and mix well. Set aside until the spinach cools off.

Making of paratha:

1. Divide the dough and spinach filling into 6 equal parts.
2. Roll the dough into 3 inch circles. Put the filling in the center. Seal by pulling the edges together and make into a ball. Procced to make all six balls.
3. Each ball needs to settle for two minutes before you start rolling. Note: If you don’t wait long enough spinach mixture will seep through the edges when rolling the paratha.
4. Heat the skillet on medium high. Note: An iron skillet works best. To see if the skillet is ready, put a couple of drops of water on it. If the water sizzles right away, the skillet is ready.
5. Press th filled ball lightly on dry whole-wheat flour from both sides.
6. Roll the ball light handed to make 6-inch circle. Note: Keep the sealed side of the ball on the top.
7. If the paratha sticks to the rolling pin or rolling surface, lightly dust the paratha with dry flour.
8. Place the paratha over the skillet.
9. After paratha start changing color and start puffing in different places flip the paratha over. You will notice some golden-brown spots.
10. After few seconds, spread 1 teaspoon of oil on the paratha. Flip the paratha and lightly press the puffed areas of the paratha with a spatula.
11. Flip again and press with the spatula making sure the paratha is golden-brown on both sides.
12. Cool the parathas on a wire rack so they don’t get soggy.
13. Parathas can be kept outside for up to 2 days wrapped in aluminum foil or in a closed container. For later use paratha can be refrigerated for 3-4 days.

Serving suggestions

1. Parathas can be served with plain yogurt, potatoes with gravy, and with any Indian pickle.
2. Put cheese in the middle, fold over, heat, and eat like a quesadilla.