- In a bowl, combine wheat flour, salt, and oil. Gradually add water and knead to form a smooth, non-sticky dough. Rest for 30 minutes.
- Knead the rested dough and divide into 5 equal balls. Roll each ball into a thin disc.
- Brush ghee on the rolled disc, sprinkle flour and Italian seasoning evenly. Roll tightly into a log.
- Slit the log lengthwise, leaving one end intact. Twist and coil the slit dough into a spiral shape.
- Flatten the coil gently and roll into a thick paratha. Cook on a hot tawa with ghee or oil until golden brown and crisp on both sides.
- Serve hot with a cheesy dip or dal.
- Calories:180 kcal25%
- Energy:753 kJ22%
- Protein:4 g28%
- Carbohydrates:28 mg40%
- Sugar:mg8%
- Salt:150 g25%
- Fat:6 g20%
Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh
Italian Herb Wheat Paratha Recipe – Easy Flatbread Delight
Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for ways to spice up your regular roti routine. I stumbled upon this Italian Herb Wheat Paratha recipe a while back, and it’s been a family favourite ever since. It’s a fun fusion – the comforting familiarity of a paratha with a surprising burst of Italian flavour. Trust me, it’s easier than it sounds, and the results are so worth it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This isn’t your everyday paratha. It’s a delightful twist on a classic, bringing together the warmth of Indian flatbreads with the aromatic flavours of Italian herbs. It’s quick to make (perfect for busy weeknights!), incredibly versatile, and honestly, just a little bit special. Plus, who doesn’t love a good fusion dish? You’ll be surprised how well these flavours complement each other!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these flavourful parathas:
- 1 cup wheat flour (approx. 140g)
- 1 tablespoon oil (approx. 15ml)
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- Salt to taste
- Ghee (or oil) as needed for cooking
Ingredient Notes
Let’s talk ingredients for a sec! Using atta (whole wheat flour) is key here – it gives the parathas that lovely, rustic texture. Ghee adds a beautiful richness and flavour, but if you’re looking for a lighter option, oil works just as well.
And the Italian seasoning? That’s where the magic happens! You can use a store-bought blend, or even make your own with dried oregano, basil, rosemary, and thyme. It’s a surprisingly delicious combination with wheat, and it really elevates the humble paratha. I find it adds a lovely aroma to the kitchen while cooking too!
Step-By-Step Instructions
Alright, let’s get cooking!
- In a bowl, combine the wheat flour, salt, and oil. Gradually add water, a little at a time, and mix until you form a smooth, non-sticky dough. It should be soft but not too sticky.
- Cover the dough and let it rest for about 30 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax, making the parathas softer. Trust me, don’t skip this step!
- Now, knead the rested dough for a couple of minutes. Divide it into 5 equal balls.
- Roll each ball into a thin disc, about 6-7 inches in diameter.
- Brush the rolled disc with ghee (or oil), then sprinkle evenly with Italian seasoning and a little flour.
- Starting from one edge, roll the disc tightly into a log shape.
- Using a sharp knife, slit the log lengthwise, leaving one end intact. This is the fun part!
- Gently twist and coil the slit dough into a spiral shape.
- Lightly flatten the coil and roll it out again into a slightly thicker paratha – about 8 inches in diameter.
- Heat a hot tawa (flat griddle) and cook the paratha with a little ghee or oil on both sides until golden brown and crispy.
Expert Tips
- Don’t over-knead the dough, or the parathas can become tough.
- Rolling the parathas thinly is key to achieving a flaky texture.
- Use medium heat while cooking to ensure the parathas cook through without burning.
- A sprinkle of flour while rolling prevents sticking.
Variations
Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:
- Vegan Adaptation: Simply substitute the ghee with oil throughout the recipe. It works beautifully!
- Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use a good quality gluten-free flour blend designed for roti/paratha making. You might need to adjust the water slightly.
- Spice Level: Add a pinch of red chili flakes to the dough for a little kick. My friend loves this one!
- Festival Adaptation: These parathas are fantastic as part of a festive breakfast spread, especially during Diwali or Holi.
Serving Suggestions
These Italian Herb Wheat Parathas are incredibly versatile. They’re delicious served hot with a cheesy dip (a little cream cheese mixed with herbs is amazing!), a side of dal, or even just a dollop of yogurt. I sometimes serve them with a simple tomato chutney for a bit of tang.
Storage Instructions
Leftover parathas can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for a day or two. To reheat, simply warm them on a tawa or in a microwave.
FAQs
Let’s answer some common questions:
- What type of flour is best for making parathas? Whole wheat flour (atta) is traditionally used and gives the best texture.
- Can I make the dough ahead of time? Absolutely! You can make the dough a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just bring it to room temperature before rolling.
- How can I achieve a flaky texture in my parathas? Rolling the parathas thinly and using enough ghee/oil while cooking helps create flaky layers.
- What is the best way to store leftover parathas? Store them in an airtight container at room temperature.
- Can I freeze the rolled paratha logs before cooking? Yes, you can! Place the logs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer bag. Cook directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Enjoy! I hope you love this recipe as much as my family does. Let me know how it turns out in the comments below!