Beetroot paratha is a healthy, vibrant, and delicious twist to your regular paratha. This colorful dish is packed with nutrients and can be a perfect addition to your daily meals. Rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, beetroot is known for its numerous health benefits, and when paired with whole wheat flour in a paratha, it becomes a wholesome meal for everyone, including children.
In this guide, we’ll take you through the step-by-step process of preparing beetroot paratha, along with the health benefits, tips for making the perfect beetroot paratha every time, and recommendations for pairing it with ADF Soul's Pickle and Chutney to elevate the flavor.
Ingredients for Beetroot Paratha
Making beetroot paratha requires a few simple ingredients, many of which you might already have in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 medium-sized beetroots
- 2 cups whole wheat flour (atta)
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1-2 green chilies (optional, finely chopped)
- 1 tablespoon ginger (grated)
- 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- Salt to taste
- Water (as needed)
- Ghee or oil (for cooking)
For Accompaniments:
ADF Soul's Pickle – Choose from their range of tangy and spicy pickles that pair wonderfully with the earthy flavor of beetroot paratha.
ADF Soul's Chutney – Their chutney varieties, whether mint, tamarind, or coriander, offer a refreshing and flavorful contrast to the paratha.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Beetroot Paratha
Step 1: Preparing the Beetroot
Start by washing the beetroots thoroughly. Peel and grate them finely using a box grater or a food processor. The grated beetroot will provide the color and flavor to the paratha. If you prefer a smoother texture, you can also blend the beetroot into a puree. However, using grated beetroot gives the paratha a nice bite and texture.
Step 2: Kneading the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the whole wheat flour with the grated beetroot. Add the cumin seeds, finely chopped green chilies, ginger, garam masala, red chili powder, turmeric powder, and salt. Mix all the ingredients well to ensure the beetroot is evenly distributed.
Gradually add water, little by little, and knead the dough until it becomes soft and smooth. The beetroot will release some moisture, so be cautious while adding water to avoid making the dough too sticky. Once the dough is kneaded, cover it with a damp cloth and let it rest for about 15-20 minutes. This resting time helps in making the dough more pliable and easier to roll out.
Step 3: Rolling the Paratha
After resting the dough, divide it into small, equal-sized balls, about the size of a golf ball. Take one dough ball and roll it between your palms to form a smooth ball. Dust your rolling surface with a little flour and gently roll the dough ball into a round shape, about 6-8 inches in diameter. You can apply a little flour while rolling to prevent the dough from sticking.
The beetroot paratha might appear slightly pinkish-red when rolled out, which gives it a beautiful and vibrant color. Try to roll the paratha evenly so that it cooks properly.
Step 4: Cooking the Paratha
Heat a tawa (flat griddle) or a non-stick pan over medium heat. Once the pan is hot, place the rolled paratha on it. Let it cook for about 30 seconds, or until small bubbles start appearing on the surface. Flip the paratha to the other side.
Once flipped, drizzle a little ghee or oil around the edges of the paratha and on top. Press down gently with a spatula to ensure it cooks evenly. Flip again and cook until both sides are golden brown and crisp. Remove the paratha from the pan and place it in a container lined with a clean kitchen towel. Repeat the process for the rest of the dough balls.
Health Benefits of Beetroot Paratha
Beetroot is a powerhouse of nutrients and provides several health benefits. Adding beetroot to your paratha not only enhances its flavor but also increases its nutritional value. Here are some key health benefits of beetroot paratha:
- Rich in Iron: Beetroots are a great source of iron, which helps in preventing anemia by boosting red blood cell production. Iron is essential for carrying oxygen throughout the body and maintaining energy levels.
- High in Fiber: Beetroot is high in dietary fiber, which helps in promoting digestion and preventing constipation. Fiber also helps in maintaining a healthy weight by keeping you full for longer.
- Boosts Immunity: Beetroots contain vitamin C, an antioxidant that helps boost the immune system and protects the body against infections and diseases.
- Supports Heart Health: Beetroots are known to improve blood circulation and help in lowering blood pressure. The nitrates found in beetroot are converted into nitric oxide in the body, which helps dilate blood vessels and enhance blood flow, thereby supporting heart health.
- Good for Skin: The vitamins and antioxidants in beetroot promote healthy skin and can help reduce signs of aging. Beetroot is known for its detoxifying properties, which can also help clear up skin conditions like acne.
- Improves Brain Function: Beetroot is rich in nitrates, which improve blood flow to the brain and may enhance cognitive function, memory, and overall brain health.
- Low-Calorie Option: Beetroot paratha is a great option for those looking for a low-calorie meal that is both filling and nutritious. When combined with whole wheat flour, it offers a healthy balance of carbs, fiber, and essential nutrients.
Tips for Perfect Beetroot Paratha
- Adjust the Consistency of the Dough: If the beetroot releases too much moisture and makes the dough too sticky, add a little extra flour to balance it. On the other hand, if the dough is too dry, add a little more water.
- Use Fresh Beetroot: Fresh beetroot will give you the best taste and color for the paratha. Avoid using beetroot that has been stored for too long, as it can affect the texture.
- Rest the Dough: Allowing the dough to rest helps it become more pliable and easier to roll out. It also improves the texture of the paratha.
- Cook on Medium Heat: Cooking the paratha on high heat may cause it to burn, while cooking on low heat will make it soft and chewy. Medium heat helps in getting a golden-brown, crispy paratha.
- Experiment with Fillings: If you want to add more flavor, you can stuff your beetroot paratha with fillings like paneer, potatoes, or even sautéed vegetables. This adds variety and makes the meal even more nutritious.
Serving Suggestions
Beetroot paratha can be served with a variety of sides, making it a versatile dish. Here are a few ideas for what to pair with beetroot paratha:
- ADF Soul's Pickle: Choose from their range of spicy, tangy pickles like mango, lime, or mixed vegetable to complement the earthy sweetness of the beetroot. The pickle will add a burst of flavor and zing to your paratha.
- ADF Soul's Chutney: Whether you prefer a refreshing mint chutney, a tangy tamarind chutney, or a savory coriander chutney, ADF Soul’s chutneys are a perfect match for beetroot paratha. Their chutneys are rich in flavor and will give a delicious contrast to the paratha.
- Yogurt: A bowl of fresh yogurt or raita is a perfect accompaniment to beetroot paratha. It adds a cooling effect to balance the spices.
- Curry: You can serve beetroot paratha with a variety of curries like chickpea curry, potato curry, or even a dal. The rich and flavorful curry pairs well with the slightly sweet taste of beetroot.
- Salads: A side salad made with cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions can be a light and refreshing side dish to complement the paratha.
Conclusion
Beetroot paratha is a healthy, easy-to-make dish that brings a burst of color and nutrition to your plate. Whether you’re making it for a hearty breakfast, a wholesome lunch, or a light dinner, beetroot paratha offers a perfect balance of flavor and health benefits. When paired with ADF Soul’s Pickle and Chutney, it becomes an even more flavorful and satisfying meal. Try this recipe today and enjoy the goodness of beetroot in a delicious, comforting paratha!
