Methi Paratha

Prepping Methi Leaves

1. Wash the methi leaves in a large bowl filled with water 2-3 times. Add salt to the bowl and let it rest for 3-5 minutes. Then remove the methi leaves from the top of the bowl.
2. Please the leaves on a kitchen towel and gently dry them. Now chop the leaves corasely.

Make the Dough

1. In a large bowl, combine atta (whole wheat flour) and besan (gram flour). Add green chili, ginger, red chili powder and salt.
2. Add enough water (in small increments) and knead to make a soft and smooth dough. Make the dough smooth by kneading it with your fist. Add some water to your hand and knead 2-3 times. When you press your finger against the dough, it should leave an impression. This is the right consistency of the dough.
3. Using a stand mixer or food processor to make dough: Alternatively, you can make the dough using a stand mixer. Use a dough hook attachment, and start the mixer at the lowest speed. Add water in small increments. In a couple of minutes, the dough will start coming together. The dough should be soft and pliable.
4. Cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let the dough rest for at least 15 minutes and up to 30 minutes.

Rolling

1. Make balls from the dough by rotating between your palms. The balls will be the size of a golf ball, sightly larger in size than roti. Make the ball a bit flat.
2. Dip a ball in dry flour, place on the marble or wooden base (chalka) and roll with the rolling pin.
3. (Optional step) Roll into a circle of about 4 inches in diameter. Spread some ghee on the dough. Make a cut up to the center of the circle, using your fingers. Then start rolling on one side. Take the roll into your hand and flatten it.
4. Dip again in dry flour and start rolling using the rolling pin. Do not apply too much pressure while rolling. Apply equal pressure on all sides while rolling. When you roll with gentle hands, the dough flattens and moves in circles with the rolling pin. You can also turn the paratha with your hands at 90 degrees multiple times while rolling, so that it forms a circle. Apply more flour if required while rolling.

Making the Paratha

1. Heat the tawa (skillet or griddle). Place the rolled paratha on the hot tawa. Cook until you start seeing small air pockets and the color of the dough starts to change.
2. With a flat spatula, flip the paratha and top with ghee just enough to make the surface of the paratha greasy (about ½ teaspoon). Spread the ghee or vegetable oil evenly over the paratha with the back of the spoon. Now we want to cook until there are some brown spots on the paratha.
3. Flip the paratha and top with ghee/oil on the other side. Spread it evenly over the surface. Cook until there are brown spots while pressing gently with the spatula.
4. Spread ghee/ oil on the second side and press the edges of the paratha till it is evenly brown and well cooked.
5. When both sides have golden brown spots, transfer the paratha to a plate lined with a paper towel.
6. Repeat these steps till all the parathas are cooked. You can keep parathas in an insulated container or in a roti basket wrapped in a towel. This will ensure they stay warm by the time you are ready to eat. Serve hot with white butter, pickle, raita or a cup of hot chai.