Hari Mirchi Paratha is a bold and spicy flatbread made by stuffing a soft whole wheat dough with finely chopped green chilies, ginger, ajwain, and aromatic spices. The dough is rolled out carefully to encase the flavorful filling and then roasted on a hot tawa with ghee or oil until golden and crispy. You can customize it by adding onions, paneer, or coriander to balance the heat. Served hot with curd, chutney, or butter, this paratha makes a perfect breakfast, lunch, or snack option. It's a quick and delicious meal for those who enjoy bold, spicy flavors.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 2 cups whole wheat flour (atta)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon oil or ghee
- Water, as needed (approximately 3/4 cup)
For the Filling:
- 4-5 fresh green chilies (adjust according to spice preference)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped coriander leaves (optional)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped (optional)
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ajwain (carom seeds)
- 1/2 teaspoon roasted cumin powder
- 1/2 teaspoon chaat masala
- 1 tablespoon ghee or oil (to mix the filling)
- A pinch of salt
For Cooking:
- Ghee or oil, as needed for roasting the parathas
Step-By-Step Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, add 2 cups of whole wheat flour and 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
- Add 1 tablespoon of oil or ghee and mix it with the flour using your hands until the mixture is crumbly.
- Gradually add water (a little at a time) and knead the flour into a soft and smooth dough. Knead it well for at least 7-8 minutes.
- Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 20-30 minutes to allow it to soften and become pliable.
Step 2: Prepare the Green Chili Filling
- Wash and pat dry 4-5 fresh green chilies. Remove the seeds if you want to reduce the heat. Finely chop or crush them.
- In a small bowl, combine the chopped green chilies, grated ginger, ajwain, roasted cumin powder, chaat masala, and a pinch of salt.
- Add finely chopped coriander leaves and onions (optional) for extra flavor. Mix well.
- Add 1 tablespoon of ghee or oil to bind the mixture together. This ensures it spreads evenly while stuffing the paratha.
Step 3: Divide and Roll the Dough
- After the dough has rested, divide it into equal-sized balls (about 6-8 portions depending on the size you prefer).
- Take one dough ball, dust it with a little flour, and roll it out into a small disc (about 4 inches in diameter).
- Place a spoonful of the green chili filling in the center of the rolled-out dough.
- Carefully gather the edges of the dough and seal the filling inside by pinching it together at the top.
- Flatten the stuffed dough ball gently and roll it out again into a paratha about 6-7 inches in diameter. Be gentle to avoid tearing the dough and letting the filling spill out.
Step 4: Cook the Paratha
- Heat a tawa (griddle) or a flat pan over medium-high heat.
- Place the rolled-out paratha on the hot tawa. Cook for 1-2 minutes until bubbles form and light brown spots appear on the bottom side.
- Flip the paratha and spread a little ghee or oil on the cooked side.
- Cook the other side for 1-2 minutes, pressing gently with a spatula to ensure it cooks evenly.
- Flip it again, apply ghee/oil on the other side, and cook until both sides are golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the paratha from the tawa and place it on a paper towel to absorb excess oil if needed.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Serve the hot and spicy Hari Mirchi Paratha with a dollop of fresh curd, butter, or a tangy pickle of your choice.
- It also pairs well with mint chutney, raita, or a cup of hot masala chai for a perfect meal.
Tips for Perfect Hari Mirchi Paratha:
- Control the Heat: Remove the seeds from green chilies if you prefer a milder paratha. You can also mix green chilies with grated paneer to balance the spiciness.
- Even Rolling: Be gentle while rolling out the paratha after stuffing to avoid tearing. Dust lightly with flour to prevent sticking.
- Resting the Dough: Allowing the dough to rest helps achieve soft and pliable parathas.
- Cook on Medium Heat: Ensure the tawa is properly heated before placing the paratha. Cooking on medium-high heat prevents the paratha from becoming soggy.
- Customize: Add grated cheese, paneer, or a squeeze of lemon juice to the filling for additional flavor variations.
Why You'll Love This Recipe:
Hari Mirchi Paratha is packed with bold, spicy flavors, making it perfect for spice lovers. It's quick to prepare, requires minimal ingredients, and can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Whether paired with yogurt or enjoyed on its own, this paratha is sure to satisfy your taste buds with every bite.