Recipe for Methi Paratha

Methi Paratha is a popular Indian flatbread made with whole wheat flour and fresh fenugreek leaves (methi). It's a nutritious and flavorful dish that is perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The slight bitterness of methi combined with the earthy flavor of the whole wheat flour makes this paratha both delicious and healthy. Let’s dive into a simple recipe to make this classic dish at home.

Ingredients:
●    2 cups of whole wheat flour
●    1 cup of fresh fenugreek (methi) leaves, chopped
●    1 teaspoon cumin seeds
●    1 teaspoon carom seeds (ajwain)
●    1 green chili, finely chopped (optional)
●    1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
●    1 teaspoon red chili powder (optional)
●    Salt to taste
●    Water, as required for kneading
●    2 tablespoons of oil or ghee for cooking
●    Additional flour for rolling the dough

Instructions:

1.    Preparing the Dough:
○    Start by washing the fenugreek (methi) leaves thoroughly under running water. Once cleaned, chop them finely and set them aside.
○    In a large mixing bowl, add the whole wheat flour, chopped methi leaves, cumin seeds, carom seeds, green chili, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt.
○    Gradually add water to the mixture, little by little, while kneading to form a soft and pliable dough. The dough should neither be too sticky nor too hard.
○    Drizzle a little oil over the dough and knead it for another minute. Cover it with a damp cloth and let it rest for 10-15 minutes.

2.    Rolling the Paratha:
○    After the dough has rested, divide it into equal-sized balls. Roll each dough ball between your palms to smoothen it out.
○    Dust your rolling surface with some flour, place a dough ball, and gently roll it into a flat disc of about 6-8 inches in diameter.

3.    Cooking the Paratha:
○    Heat a tawa (griddle) on medium heat. Once hot, place the rolled-out paratha onto the tawa.
○    Cook for a minute until bubbles start to appear, then flip it.
○    Drizzle some oil or ghee on the paratha and cook for another minute. Flip once more and press gently with a spatula to ensure even cooking.
○    When both sides are golden brown, remove the paratha from the tawa.
4.    Serving:

○    Serve hot methi parathas with yogurt, pickles, or a side of your favorite chutney. They also pair well with curries and sabzis for a wholesome meal.

Health Benefits:
Methi Paratha is not only tasty but also loaded with health benefits. Fenugreek leaves are rich in iron, calcium, and vitamins, making it great for boosting immunity and digestion. Whole wheat flour provides fiber, which is essential for gut health. This dish is an excellent option for those looking for a nutritious meal without compromising on flavor.