Flax and Hemp Paratha (Indian FlatBread) | Desi~licious RD

Jul 3, 2021

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Learn how to whip up homemade paratha (South Asian flatbread) in minutes with my easy and healthy pan-fried recipe. Crispy deliciousness with wholesome add-ins like flax meal and hemp seeds make this versatile paratha recipe one to experience more often. Enjoy piping hot with a lovely cup of masala chai. Oh, that's classic! But you could go all out and serve alongside thick and creamy daal. Why not embrace my go-to pick – for when time is tight – slather with glorious avocado dip, top with a thick veggie-packed desi omelette, roll and tuck in. It's truly irresistible!

Delicious homemade Indian flatbread

What Is It?

There aren't many foods more delicious than homemade paratha. It's a type of South Asian flatbread that you'll find in all shapes and sizes. It's typically fried in oil or butter, but I like to make a lighter version at home – a healthier twist of a classic Pakistani recipe. And I love to have my little man, Master IZ, right by my side, rolling, sprinkling and re-creating worm play in the kitchen. I always picture my 6-year-old self, with my beloved grandma, doing precisely the same. Precious memories come alive now – before my very eyes.

Close-up view of homemade paratha in a colourful traditional woven basket. — Learn how to whip up homemade South Asian flatbread in minutes.

There are endless ways to make them, and this version is perhaps an amalgamation of roti and paratha. It does use minimal oil, and thanks to the protein-rich flax meal and hemp seeds, it's also particularly dense and satisfying!

They can be made plain (like this one) or stuffed with vegetables (for example, potatoes, radishes, cauliflower). Other standard options can include meat also. I love to throw in all sorts of spices to give my recipe different flavour profiles – to shake things up now and then. Besides the options already shared, they can be enjoyed alongside pickles, yogurt, or curries.

Is Paratha The Same As Roti?

In my experience, the main difference is the addition of oil. When making parathas, the rolled-out dough is brushed with oil or butter and folded to make it into a swirl. Each time it is rolled, it's brushed with additional oil, and the process is repeated a couple of times. This builds layers, which create a crispy flat bread. I simply do this once to keep the oil to a minimum. It's then rolled out and fried on a tava (round girdle) or pan. The heat and oil result in a flaky and crunchy texture. And we love it this way!

How To Make It

graphic showing step by step images of how to make homemade paratha (Indian flat bread) — Homemade Indian flatbread – Step by step

The Ingredients You Will Need

Graphic showing images of the ingredients needed to make flax and hemp paratha at home — Ingredients you need to make Indian Flatbread

I use a standard stand mixer to make the dough. You could absolutely do this by hand. Combine the dry ingredients (Image 1) with salt and water (Image 2) and mix at medium/high speed for about 5 mins (Image 3). Remember to gradually increase the speed to prevent any flour from dusting out of the bowl. You will need to knead the dough for longer if doing this by hand. As the mixture comes together, you will eventually end up with smooth, soft dough (Image 4).
On a floured surface, divide the dough into 6 equal balls (Image 5).
Roll out one ball into a small circle, using flour – as needed – for dusting, to prevent it from sticking to the surface (Image 6).
Add 1 tsp of oil and use your hands to spread evenly (Images 7-8). Dust the dough with flour (Image 9).
Roll and twist as shown (Images 10-12). This technique will help to add layers to add crunch.
Flour the surface and the dough swirl, and roll out, dusting with flour to prevent the dough from sticking to the surface (Images 13-15).
Heat a tava or fry pan on medium-high heat, and place carefully on the tava or pan (Image 16).
As it begins to cook, add 1 tsp oil (Image 17) and flip very carefully (Image 18), so it starts to fry on the other side. Be sure to use a spatula to prevent burning your skin (Image 19). I have been making this since aged 10. I can comfortably and safely rotate and flip using my hands – without causing any burns. I would not recommend that you try it yourself at home – especially if you are a newbie.
Rotate and give it a few minutes to brown on one side before flipping it over to cook the other side (Image 20).
Adjust the heat to low-medium, and once cooked, carefully remove from the pan.
Repeat the process until all are cooked.

Close-up view of a lady holding half a paratha in a colourful traditional woven basket. — Crispy deliciousness with wholesome add-ins like flax meal and hemp seeds.

You Asked: How Many Calories In Paratha?

So many of you are asking this question. The thing is, this depends on your cooking method, how much fat is used for frying and the types of add-ins.

This recipe provides approximately 330 calories. The detailed nutritional breakdown can be found in the recipe card below. Specific nutritional highlights include:

Nutritional Highlights:

One serving* is:

An excellent source of fibre; and
A source of iron
Net carbs: 33 g
Protein: 10 g

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

a colourful traditional South Asian straw basket containing a pile of parathas (Indian flat bread) with one paratha ripped in half. A rolling pin and balls of dough in the background — Simply roll and tuck in. It's truly irresistible!

Looking for some easy and healthy Indian side dishes? Make sure to check out:

Bhangra Masala Oven Baked French Fries
Massaged Kale Salad With Spicy Roasted Chickpeas
Fattoush Salad With Smoked Salmon
Za'atar 7-Layer Vegan Salad
Chaat Salad With Corn
Warm Beetroot Poriyal Salad

What do you enjoy alongside a piping hot Indian curry? Let me know in the comments below!

If you try this homemade Indian flat bread recipe, I would love to hear from you! Leave a comment, rate it, or share a photo and hashtag with #desiliciousrd on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter! Can't wait to see your photos.

Desi~liciously Yours,

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