If you love Indian cuisine and want to enjoy the delicious taste of tandoori paratha at home, this recipe is for you. Tandoori paratha is a popular Indian flatbread that is typically cooked in a tandoor, a clay oven. But fear not, you can still achieve that authentic tandoori flavor using a microwave oven.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of whole wheat flour
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of oil
- 1 cup of water
- 1 teaspoon of nigella seeds (optional)
- 1 teaspoon of chopped fresh coriander (optional)
Note: You can customize the recipe by adding your favorite spices or herbs to the dough.
Instructions:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, salt, oil, nigella seeds (if using), and chopped fresh coriander (if using). Mix well.
- Add water gradually and knead the dough until it becomes soft and pliable. Cover the dough and let it rest for 10-15 minutes.
- Divide the dough into small equal-sized balls. Roll each ball into a thin disc using a rolling pin.
- Place the rolled paratha on a microwave-safe plate and cook it in the microwave oven on high power for 1-2 minutes, or until it puffs up and gets brown spots.
- Flip the paratha and cook for another 1-2 minutes, or until it is fully cooked and browned.
- Remove the paratha from the microwave oven and brush it with melted butter or ghee for extra flavor.
- Serve hot with your favorite curry or chutney.
Now you can enjoy the delicious taste of tandoori paratha right at home, thanks to your microwave oven. Experiment with different spices and herbs to create your own unique flavor combinations. Happy cooking!
Preparing Tandoori Paratha: A Step-by-Step Guide
Tandoori paratha is a delicious Indian bread that can be made easily and quickly using a microwave oven. The tandoori flavor adds a unique and smoky taste to the paratha, making it a favorite among many. Follow these simple steps to prepare your own tandoori paratha at home:
Step 1: Gathering the Ingredients
Ingredients needed for the dough:
- 2 cups of whole wheat flour
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 tablespoon of ghee or oil
- Water (as required)
Ingredients needed for the tandoori filling:
- 2 boiled and mashed potatoes
- 1 finely chopped onion
- 1 teaspoon of ginger-garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon of red chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of garam masala powder
- 1 tablespoon of chopped coriander leaves
- Salt (to taste)
Step 2: Making the Dough
In a mixing bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, salt, and ghee or oil.
Gradually add water and knead the mixture to form a smooth and pliable dough.
Cover the dough and let it rest for about 15-20 minutes.
Step 3: Preparing the Tandoori Filling
In a separate bowl, mix the boiled and mashed potatoes, chopped onion, ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, garam masala powder, chopped coriander leaves, and salt.
Ensure that all the ingredients are well combined.
Step 4: Assembling the Paratha
Take a small portion of the dough and flatten it with your hands.
Place a spoonful of the tandoori filling in the center of the flattened dough.
Bring the edges of the dough together and seal the filling inside.
Lightly dust the filled dough with whole wheat flour and roll it out into a round paratha.
Step 5: Cooking in the Microwave Oven
Place the rolled paratha on a microwave-safe plate and cook it in the microwave oven on high power for 2 minutes.
Flip the paratha and cook it for another 2 minutes.
Remove the paratha from the microwave oven and brush it with ghee or oil.
Repeat the process to make more tandoori parathas.
Congratulations! You have successfully prepared homemade tandoori parathas using a microwave oven. Serve them hot with yogurt, pickle, or any curry of your choice. Enjoy!
Gathering the Ingredients
Before you begin making tandoori paratha in a microwave oven, it’s important to gather all the necessary ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup of whole wheat flour
- 1/4 cup of plain yogurt
- 1 tablespoon of oil
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of red chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of cumin powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of coriander powder
- 1/4 teaspoon of garam masala powder
- 1/4 teaspoon of ajwain seeds (optional)
- 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh coriander leaves
- Water, as needed
Make sure you have all these ingredients ready before you start the cooking process. This will help ensure a smooth and efficient cooking experience.
Kneading the Dough
Before you can make tandoori paratha in the microwave oven, you need to knead the dough. Here’s how you can do it:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of whole wheat flour
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 tablespoon of oil
- Water (as needed)
Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the whole wheat flour and salt.
- Add the oil and mix well.
- Gradually add water and knead the mixture to make a smooth and elastic dough.
- Continue kneading for about 5-7 minutes until the dough becomes soft and pliable.
- Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for at least 30 minutes.
Kneading the dough is an essential step as it helps to activate the gluten in the flour, resulting in a soft and chewy paratha. Make sure to knead the dough well to achieve the desired texture.
Shaping the Paratha
Once the dough has rested, it’s time to shape the paratha. Follow these steps to achieve a perfect shape:
1. Divide the dough
Divide the dough into small equal-sized balls. This will make it easier to roll and shape the paratha.
2. Roll out the dough balls
Using a rolling pin, roll out each dough ball into a circular shape. Try to make the paratha as thin as possible without tearing the dough.
3. Apply oil and spices
Brush the rolled-out dough with oil or ghee. Sprinkle some spices, such as cumin seeds, on one side of the dough for added flavor.
4. Fold and shape
Fold the dough in half, trapping the oil and spices inside. Then fold it again in a triangular shape.
Repeat this process with the rest of the dough balls.
Note: Make sure the paratha is sealed properly after each fold to prevent the oil and spices from leaking out during cooking.
Preheating the Microwave Oven
Before you begin making tandoori paratha in the microwave oven, it’s important to preheat the oven. Preheating is essential as it ensures that the oven is at the right temperature for cooking the parathas. Follow these steps to preheat your microwave oven:
- Clean the microwave oven: Make sure the oven is clean before preheating. Remove any crumbs or leftover food particles to avoid any unwanted smells or flavors.
- Choose the right microwave-safe plate: Use a microwave-safe plate that is large enough to accommodate the parathas and fits comfortably inside the oven.
- Place the plate in the microwave: Put the plate inside the microwave oven and close the door securely.
- Set the power and time: Set the power level to high and the time to 2 minutes.
- Start preheating: Press the start button to begin preheating the microwave oven.
- Monitor the preheating process: Keep an eye on the oven as it preheats. You may see steam or hear some noise during this process, which is normal.
- Wait for the oven to complete preheating: Once the 2-minute preheating time is up, the oven is ready for cooking the tandoori parathas.
By preheating the microwave oven properly, you ensure that the parathas cook evenly and turn out delicious. Now you’re ready to move on to the next step in making tandoori paratha in the microwave oven.
Cooking the Paratha in the Microwave
To cook the tandoori paratha in the microwave, follow these simple steps:
- Place the paratha on a microwave-safe plate.
- Cook the paratha on high power for 1 minute.
- Flip the paratha over and cook on high power for another 1 minute.
- The paratha should be hot and slightly crispy. If it’s not cooked enough, cook for another 30 seconds to 1 minute.
- Remove the plate from the microwave and let the paratha cool for a few minutes before serving.
It’s important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the wattage of your microwave. Keep a close eye on the paratha to prevent it from burning.
Serving and Enjoying Tandoori Paratha
Once your tandoori paratha is ready, it’s time to serve and enjoy this delicious Indian bread. Follow these simple steps to make the most out of your homemade tandoori paratha:
Step 1: Plating
Take a clean serving plate and place the hot tandoori paratha on it. You can choose to fold the paratha in a triangle shape or keep it as is.
Step 2: Accompaniments
Tandoori paratha goes exceptionally well with a variety of accompaniments. Here are a few popular options:
- Curry: Serve the paratha with your favourite Indian curry, such as butter chicken, chole masala, or paneer tikka masala. The spicy and tangy flavours of the curry complement the mild taste of the paratha perfectly.
- Raita: Prepare a refreshing raita by whisking yogurt, finely chopped onions, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a pinch of salt, black salt, and roasted cumin powder. Serve the paratha alongside the raita for a delightful combination of textures and flavors.
- Pickle: Add a dollop of Indian pickle, such as mango pickle or lime pickle, on the side. The tangy and spicy pickle pairs well with the soft and slightly smoky paratha.
- Mint Chutney: Blend fresh mint leaves, coriander leaves, green chillies, ginger, garlic, lemon juice, and salt to make a zesty mint chutney. The refreshing taste of this chutney enhances the overall flavor profile of the paratha.
Step 3: Enjoying
Now that your tandoori paratha is plated with accompaniments, it’s time to dig in and savour every bite. Tear off a piece of the paratha, dip it in the curry or raita, and enjoy the explosion of flavors and textures in your mouth.
Whether you’re having a meal alone or sharing it with friends and family, tandoori paratha is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed at any time of the day. It’s perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. So go ahead, indulge in the goodness of homemade tandoori paratha and treat your taste buds to an exquisite Indian culinary experience.
Tips and Variations
Here are some tips and variations to help you make the perfect tandoori paratha in a microwave oven:
1. Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for a healthier version.
2. Add some chopped herbs like cilantro or mint to the dough for added flavor.
3. You can also add some grated cheese to the dough for a cheesy paratha.
4. Experiment with different spices and seasonings like cumin, turmeric, or red chili powder to customize the flavor according to your taste.
5. For a softer paratha, you can add a tablespoon of yogurt or milk to the dough.
6. If you don’t have a microwave-safe plate, you can use a microwave-safe bowl or dish to cook the paratha.
7. If you want a crispy paratha, brush some butter or ghee on top of the cooked paratha.
8. Serve the tandoori paratha hot with yogurt, chutney, or curry for a delicious meal.
Enjoy experimenting with different variations and flavors to create your own unique tandoori paratha recipe!
FAQ
What is a tandoori paratha?
Tandoori paratha is a type of Indian bread that is traditionally cooked in a tandoor, a clay oven. It is made from a combination of wheat flour, yogurt, and spices, and has a slightly smoky flavor.
Can I make tandoori paratha in a microwave oven?
Yes, you can make tandoori paratha in a microwave oven. While it may not have the same smoky flavor as when cooked in a tandoor, it is still a convenient and quick way to prepare this delicious bread.
What ingredients do I need to make tandoori paratha?
You will need wheat flour, yogurt, salt, melted butter, and a combination of spices such as cumin, coriander, and red chili powder.
How do I make tandoori paratha in a microwave oven?
To make tandoori paratha in a microwave oven, first, mix the wheat flour, yogurt, salt, melted butter, and spices in a bowl. Knead the mixture into a smooth dough, and then divide it into small balls. Flatten each ball into a round shape using a rolling pin. Place the flattened dough on a microwave-safe plate and cook in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes on high power. Flip the paratha halfway through cooking to ensure even browning. Serve hot with your favorite curry or chutney.
Can I store tandoori paratha for later?
Yes, you can store tandoori paratha for later. Once cooked, allow the parathas to cool completely. Wrap them in aluminum foil or place them in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a microwave oven or on a tawa (Indian griddle) until heated through.