Welcome to our kitchen! Today, we’re making a delicious and nutritious variation of the classic Indian paratha: Aloo Millet Paratha. This recipe combines the wholesome goodness of millet with the comforting taste of spiced potatoes to create a satisfying and healthy flatbread. Perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, these parathas are both tasty and nutritious. Let’s get started!

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 1 cup millet flour (foxtail, pearl, or any preferred type)
• 1/2 cup whole wheat flour (optional, for easier handling)
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon ajwain (carom seeds)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Water (as needed for kneading)

For the Filling:

• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and boiled
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1-2 green chilies, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon fresh coriander leaves, chopped
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
• Salt to taste
• 1 tablespoon oil or ghee

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the millet flour, whole wheat flour (if using), cumin seeds, ajwain, and salt.
2. Add Water: Gradually add water, a little at a time, and knead to form a soft and pliable dough. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for about 15 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

1. Mash Potatoes: Peel and boil the potatoes until tender. Drain and mash them in a large mixing bowl.
2. Cook the Filling: Heat oil or ghee in a pan over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter. Add the finely chopped onion and green chilies. Sauté until the onion is translucent.
3. Add Spices: Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, garam masala, and salt. Stir well.
4. Combine Ingredients: Add the mashed potatoes to the pan and mix thoroughly. Cook for a few more minutes until the spices are well incorporated and the mixture is dry. Remove from heat and let it cool. Stir in the fresh coriander leaves.

Step 3: Assemble the Parathas

1. Divide Dough and Filling: Divide the dough into small balls (about the size of a golf ball). Similarly, divide the potato filling into small balls, slightly smaller than the dough balls.
2. Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one dough ball into a small circle (about 4-5 inches in diameter).
3. Add Filling: Place a potato filling ball in the center of the rolled-out dough circle. Bring the edges of the dough together to seal the filling inside.
4. Roll Again: Gently flatten the filled dough ball and roll it out into a larger circle (about 6-8 inches in diameter), using light pressure. Be careful not to press too hard to avoid the filling spilling out.

Step 4: Cook the Parathas

1. Preheat the Pan: Heat a tava or griddle over medium-high heat.
2. Cook the Paratha: Place the rolled paratha on the hot tava. Cook for about 1-2 minutes, or until small bubbles start forming on the surface. Flip and cook the other side for 1-2 minutes.
3. Add Ghee or Oil: Brush a little ghee or oil on both sides of the paratha. Cook until golden brown and crisp on both sides. Repeat with the remaining dough and filling.

Step 5: Serve

1. Serve Hot: Serve the aloo millet parathas hot with a side of yogurt, pickles, or a fresh salad.

Tips and Variations

• Spice Level: Adjust the green chilies and red chili powder according to your spice preference.
• Vegetable Add-Ins: You can add finely chopped spinach, peas, or grated carrots to the potato filling for extra nutrition.
• Dough Consistency: If the millet flour dough is too crumbly, adding a little whole wheat flour can help in binding and rolling out.

Why Millet?

Millet is a nutrient-dense grain that is high in fiber, protein, and essential minerals like magnesium and phosphorus. It’s gluten-free and supports digestive health, making it a great choice for a wholesome diet. Combining millet with potatoes in this paratha adds a delightful twist and enhances the nutritional profile of the traditional recipe.

Conclusion

Aloo Millet Paratha is a delicious and nutritious twist on the classic paratha, offering a wonderful blend of flavors and textures. This recipe is perfect for any meal and makes a hearty and satisfying dish. Try this recipe and let us know how your parathas turned out. Happy cooking!