Title: Exotic Indian Breakfast: Spiced Paneer Paratha with Fresh Mango Chutney
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Hello, lovely readers!
Today, I’m thrilled to take your taste buds on a vibrant journey to India with a dish that’s perfect for breakfast but equally delightful at any time of the day – Spiced Paneer Paratha paired with a tangy Fresh Mango Chutney. Picture yourself relishing these aromatic, stuffed Indian flatbreads alongside a refreshing, fruity chutney. Absolutely mouthwatering, right?
As some of you might know, one of my absolute favorite things about cooking is experimenting with new ingredients and flavors from around the world. There’s something wonderfully enriching about stepping out of your culinary comfort zone and embracing the unknown. This dish is a fantastic blend of traditional Indian spices and the sweet zing of ripe mangoes, making it a brunch dream – especially on a lazy weekend.
**The Inspiration**
Paneer Paratha is a staple in many Indian households, and for good reason! Paneer, a fresh and unaged cheese, is subtly flavored yet incredibly versatile. It’s softened with the warmth of spices, creating a symphony of flavors that’s comforting and delicious. Topped off with a fresh, zesty mango chutney, this meal feels like both a hug and a party for your palate.
**The Process**
Firstly, making these parathas is genuinely enjoyable. Kneading dough can almost be therapeutic, and when the scent of cumin and garam masala begins to fill the kitchen, trust me, you’ll know something special is in the works.
For the filling, finely chopped onions and green chili mingle with fragrant cilantro and earthy paneer. Wrapped up in the soft, pliable dough, the filling waits to be transformed on a hot skillet. There’s a little trick – gently flatten the dough ball after filling it, and don’t worry if a bit of paneer peeks out; that’s part of its rustic charm!
Then there’s the Fresh Mango Chutney. It’s simple, quick, yet packed with flavor. Imagine juicy chunks of ripe mango, the crispness of red bell pepper, the heat of a little chili, all brought together with a squeeze of lime and a dash of apple cider vinegar. Let it rest for a few minutes, and it’s ready to add a perfect, tangy counterpoint to the warm parathas.
**Perfect Pairing**
Having these Spiced Paneer Parathas with a spicy, sweet mango chutney perfectly balances the warmth of the spices with a refreshing bite. It’s the kind of breakfast that makes you feel both nourished and pampered – the ideal combination for starting your day on a bright note.
**A Meal to Share**
One thing I love about this dish is how versatile it is – you can have it for breakfast, brunch, or even a light dinner. And it’s perfect for sharing! Whether it’s just with your partner on a cozy Sunday morning or with friends over a relaxed weekend brunch, these parathas are sure to impress.
So, next time you’re craving a bit of culinary travel, whip up these Spiced Paneer Parathas with Fresh Mango Chutney. They’re a little slice of India right in your kitchen, promising warmth, flavor, and delicious memories.
Happy cooking, and see you next time!
Cheers,
Al
Ingredients
**For the Spiced Paneer Paratha:**
– 2 cups whole wheat flour (240g)
– 1/2 cup water (120ml)
– 1/4 cup plain yogurt (60g)
– 1/2 cup paneer, grated (100g)
– 1 small onion, finely chopped (50g)
– 1 green chili, finely chopped
– 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped (10g)
– 1 tsp cumin seeds
– 1 tsp garam masala
– 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
– 1/2 tsp red chili powder
– 1 tsp salt
– 3 tbsp vegetable oil (for cooking)
**For the Fresh Mango Chutney:**
– 1 large ripe mango, peeled and chopped (300g)
– 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped (40g)
– 1/4 cup red bell pepper, finely chopped (40g)
– 1 small red chili, finely chopped
– 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
– 2 tbsp lime juice (30ml)
– 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (15ml)
– 1 tsp sugar
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (10g)
Method
**Method:**
*For the Spiced Paneer Paratha:*
1. **Prepare the Dough:**
– In a large bowl, mix 2 cups whole wheat flour with 1/2 tsp salt.
– Add 1/2 cup water gradually, mixing to form a soft dough. Add 1/4 cup plain yogurt and knead until smooth (~5 minutes).
– Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let rest for 20 minutes.
2. **Prepare the Filling:**
– In a mixing bowl, combine 1/2 cup grated paneer, 1 small finely chopped onion, 1 finely chopped green chili, and 1/4 cup chopped cilantro.
– Add 1 tsp cumin seeds, 1 tsp garam masala, 1/2 tsp turmeric powder, 1/2 tsp red chili powder, and 1/2 tsp salt. Mix well.
3. **Assemble the Parathas:**
– Divide the dough into 8 equal portions and shape into balls.
– Roll each ball into a small disc (~4 inches in diameter).
– Place 2 tbsp of the paneer filling in the center of each disc. Gather the edges to completely enclose the filling and pinch together.
– Gently flatten and roll out each filled dough ball into a paratha (~6 inches in diameter), being careful not to tear the dough.
4. **Cook the Parathas:**
– Heat a skillet or tawa over medium heat.
– Add a paratha to the skillet and cook for ~2 minutes until brown spots appear.
– Flip and cook the other side, adding a bit of vegetable oil around the edges, for another ~2 minutes.
– Repeat for all parathas, keeping cooked ones warm in a towel.
*For the Fresh Mango Chutney:*
1. **Mix Ingredients:**
– In a bowl, combine 1 large peeled and chopped mango, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, 1/4 cup finely chopped red bell pepper, and 1 small finely chopped red chili.
– Add 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger, 2 tbsp lime juice, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tsp sugar, and 1/4 tsp salt. Mix well.
2. **Allow to Rest:**
– Let the chutney sit for at least 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro just before serving.
Serve the Spiced Paneer Parathas hot with Fresh Mango Chutney. Enjoy!
