Paneer Paratha Recipe

If you’re craving a wholesome, protein-packed Indian breakfast or lunch, look no further than the comforting and flavorful Paneer Paratha. This stuffed flatbread is a beloved dish across North India, featuring a soft whole wheat dough filled with a spicy paneer (Indian cottage cheese) mixture. It’s hearty, satisfying, and easy to prepare—making it perfect for busy weekdays or a cozy weekend brunch.
What is Paneer Paratha?
Paneer Paratha is a type of Indian paratha (layered or stuffed flatbread) filled with a seasoned paneer mixture. Paneer is crumbled and mixed with herbs and spices like green chilies, coriander, cumin, and garam masala. This filling is then enclosed in a dough ball, rolled out, and cooked on a hot tawa (griddle) with ghee or oil until golden and crisp.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 2 cups whole wheat flour
- ½ tsp salt
- Water (as needed to knead)
- 1 tsp oil (optional)
For the Paneer Filling:
- 1 cup paneer, grated or crumbled
- 1 green chili, finely chopped
- ½ tsp cumin seeds
- ½ tsp garam masala
- ½ tsp red chili powder
- 1 tsp dried fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi), crushed
- 2 tbsp fresh coriander, chopped
- Salt to taste
For Cooking:
- Ghee or oil as needed
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a mixing bowl, add wheat flour and salt.
- Gradually add water and knead into a soft, pliable dough.
- Cover with a damp cloth and let it rest for 20–30 minutes.
Step 2: Make the Paneer Filling
- In another bowl, combine crumbled paneer with green chili, cumin, garam masala, chili powder, kasuri methi, coriander, and salt.
- Mix gently without mashing the paneer too much. Set aside.
Step 3: Assemble the Parathas
- Divide the dough into equal-sized balls.
- Roll out one ball into a 4-inch disc.
- Place 1–2 tablespoons of the paneer filling in the center.
- Bring the edges of the dough together to seal the filling and form a ball.
- Gently roll it out into a 6–7 inch paratha, being careful not to let the filling spill out.
Step 4: Cook the Paratha
- Heat a tawa or skillet over medium heat.
- Place the rolled-out paratha on the hot tawa.
- Cook for about a minute, then flip.
- Apply ghee or oil and cook both sides until golden brown with crispy spots.
- Repeat with the remaining dough and filling.
Serving Suggestions
- A dollop of butter or ghee on top
- Plain yogurt or raita
- Spicy pickle (achar)
- Mint chutney or coriander chutney
Tips for Perfect Paneer Paratha
- Use fresh paneer for best texture and flavor.
- Avoid overstuffing to prevent tearing while rolling.
- Keep the tawa hot for evenly cooked parathas with crispy golden spots.
- Add finely chopped onions or grated carrots to the filling for variation.
Paneer Paratha is a delightful fusion of carbs and protein, making it a complete and balanced meal. It’s kid-friendly, lunchbox-friendly, and can be customized to suit your spice tolerance. Whether you’re new to Indian cooking or a seasoned pro, this dish is a must-try for every paratha lover.