When the chilly winter season seeps in, it's officially the season of biting into warm, golden stuffed parathas with flavourful fillings. Cooked on a sizzling hot tawa, the fragrance of ghee melting over flaky, crispy layers, and the explosion of spices in every bite that is hidden inside make it more than just a meal. These stuffed parathas not only keep you full for a longer duration but also deliver warmth that feels like a cosy hug on a cold winter morning.
From methi to gobi paratha, every type has its own unique personality as well as taste. Whether served with curd, butter, or pickle, stuffed parathas are perfect to make winter mornings brighter, which fills the kitchen with the lovely fragrance and the flavours of Indian winter foods.
Methi Paratha
Talk of winter foods and methi paratha is the first one to top the list. The fresh leaves of fenugreek leaves having a little bitterness, are kneaded directly in the dough with some mild spices, which creates a soft, crispy texture and a herbal flavour. As the paratha is cooked, the methi releases its toasty fragrance that improves its taste profile. Apart from just the taste, methi paratha helps in digestion and helps in keeping the body warm, making a healthy and aromatic addition to winter meals.
Aloo Paratha
Aloo paratha, a winter delight, is a treasure trove of seasoned mashed potatoes. Spiced up with green chillies, cumin, and fresh coriander, every bite has a comforting warmth that awakens the senses. Cooked on tawa with a generous amount of ghee, the aloo paratha has a perfect balance of crisp exterior and a soft, fluffy interior. Served alongside curd or spicy pickle, this North Indian classic does not just satisfy hunger, but it awakens nostalgia by wrapping chilly mornings in cosy flavours, and turning an ordinary meal into a heartwarming one.
Gobi Paratha
Stuffed with finely grated cauliflower, some green chillies, and some crushed ajwain, gobi paratha has a crunchy texture and aromatic blend of spices in every bite. The cauliflower or gobi turns soft inside the dough, giving a slight nutty sweetness and earthy flavour as it cooks. Lightly crispy from the outside, every bite delivers a burst of various taste profile that perfectly goes with dahi, aam or mixed achhar and butter.
Mooli Paratha
Mooli paratha is prepared by grating radish or mooli and gently spicing it up with ajwain, green chillies, and some fresh coriander, for a refreshing, peppery kick. The filling releases the natural juices, making a soft and fragrant base with a crisp outer layer. Ideally paired with curd or white butter, mooli paratha delivers a soft blend of spice with some mild, earthy sweetness. Mooli paratha is light but full of flavour, which keeps the body warm during a cold winter day, providing a healthy dose of freshness to every bite.
Paneer Paratha
A perfect combination of rich, protein-packed joy, paneer paratha is prepared with crumbled paneer seasoned with pepper powder, some garam masala, and spices. The filling has a creamy texture, which it gets from paneer, perfectly complementing the soft golden crust. Every bite melts in the mouth, delivering a subtle mix of spice. Paneer paratha is both nourishing as well as indulgent, and a perfect winter treat that goes perfectly with spicy chutney and a drizzle of ghee.