There is nothing quite like the good old parathas for breakfast, isn't it? No matter how much we swoon over pancakes or cereals, when it comes to loaded parathas hot from the pan, the desi-foodie in us rejoice like nothing else! Flatbreads made mostly of whole wheat flour, roasted on a tawa with, ghee or oil, parathas are not just easy but are also a quick meal option. And if we can combine taste and health together in parathas, there might not be a more fulfilling breakfast than that; don't you think?
More than anything, our diet should be a healthy mix of nutrients with the most important one being protein. Known to be the building blocks of our body, protein helps induce satiety and build muscle. And if you are a fan of wholesome parathas right in the morning, there can be many ways to add a bit of protein to it. Parathas stuffed with protein-rich paneer may be one of the best ways, to begin with!
Paneer is one of the best vegetarian protein sources one can get. All you need to do is simply add crumbled paneer to the flour for protein-rich, wholesome stuffed parathas! But guess what? You can also make it healthier by adding fenugreek (methi) to the mix! One of the most popular vegetables during winters, methi is a reservoir of nutrients such as folic acid, Vitamin A and Vitamin C. One of the most important benefits of fenugreek is in its ability to manage blood sugar levels. As per many studies, an unusual amino acid, 4HO-Ile is present only in fenugreek and has possible anti-diabetic qualities such as enhancing insulin secretion and increasing insulin sensitivity.
Rupali Datta, consultant nutritionist says, "Fenugreek is often used as a part of diet plans prescribed to patients with diabetes as a treatment. While a diabetes patient can consume fenugreek in the form of seeds by consuming it soaked in water every morning, one must consult a doctor before doing so if you are on insulin therapy." The protein content of the paneer can keep you satiated for long hours which also avoid any spike in the blood sugar levels.
One of the best ways to combine the goodness of methi and paneer is to stuff inside a piping hot paratha! Here's how you can make a delicious and wholesome methi-paneer paratha.
Ingredients-
For the dough:
. Whole wheat flour- 1 cup
For stuffing:
. Fenugreek leaves (methi)- 1/2 cup
. Paneer (finely grated)- 1/2 cup
. Salt- 1 tsp
. Green chillies (chopped)- 1
. Cumin seeds- 1 tsp
. Oil- as needed
Method-
1. Make a dough by kneading whole wheat flour and enough water.
2. Divide the dough into as many portions as the parathas you wish to make
3. Make the stuffing by sauteeing paneer, methi leaves, chillies and salt in cumn seeds.
4. Now combine the sautéed mixure.
5. Roll out each portion from the dough and stuff it with the mixture. Fold it and seal well. Roll into flat parathas.
6. Cook on a hot, non-stick tawa till golden brown and serve hot.
Try this healthy and tasty methi-paneer paratha at home and share your experience with us in the comments section below.