Paneer (Indian Cottage Cheese) is an eternal favorite at our home. The chances of our fridge not carrying this is not very often. Its also a convenience food for me since I can whip up almost anything in a jiffy in case of sudden guests or when cravings of some sort in the lazy weekend evenings take over. And something similar happened recently. My Husband’s friend was coming from another state for a quick business trip and since he has like 3 hours to cut time before his flight, he asked us if he could come over for dinner.

I opened my fridge in a jiffy – saw some paneer and not so interesting vegetables, opened my freezer saw some frozen peas. The mind raced through dishes -

“shall I make Muttar Paneer?” – I asked my husband.
He was like “mmh!..dint we have it just last week, I want something else with Paneer!”
“But I dont have any other interesting vegetables! I just have an hour to prepare something before your friend comes.” – I said

“Oh well (sulking) – ok then make it then” – He said
“Ok let’s strike a bargain – How does Muttar Paneer Parathas sound to you? – I can serve it with some mint raita” – I said
“What is muttar Paneer paratha?” – my husband, thoroughly confused
“Wait and See ” – I said simply.

Its a simple grated Paneer and mashed peas mixed together with seasoning and used as a stuffing inside an Indian flatbread. Simple, yummy and an absolute winner. This is how I made it. It made up about 8-10 parathas for us. I like it little thick. If you want you can easily halve the recipe.

Method

Add the ingredients for the stuffing together and set aside

Add all the ingredients for the paratha together.

Add water little by little until the dough starts to come together.

On a lightly floored surface, start kneading the dough

until it becomes a pliable and smooth dough. Set aside for at least 15 minutes. ( Prepare the mint raita during this time – multitasking helps )

Now divide the dough into small balls. Do the same with the stuffing. Or if you are experienced enough just eye ball the stuffing and place it as and when you are starting to make the paratha. Using a rolling pin, roll out the dough into a small circle.

Place the stuffing in the center.

Bring up the ends upwards above the stuffing to cover it.

Once they are brought together like a pouch, make sure they overlap and press your palm on it.

It will flatten the dough. You can use your rolling pin to gently roll it out into a circle.

Make sure to avoid the stuffing coming out of the covering.

In a skillet, place the paratha. Trickle little ghee/vegetable oil around the paratha. Cook for 2-3 min or until the bottom has browned.

Turn the other way and let it cook for another 2-3 minutes.

Tada – you have delicious parathas ready. Serve them with Mint Raita or any other side dish of your choice. Make sure its light side dish since the parathas themselves are heavy and filling.

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