Recipe - Chard parata/Akkura rottelu

Chard leaves paratas

Summary

Swiss chard is one of the most powerful anti-cancer foods. It has an excellent combination of phytochemicals, chlorophyll, other plant pigments, and soluble fiber. It also contains a generous amount of Vitamin K that is especially beneficial in the maintenance of bone health. Whole wheat flour has good dietary fiber. The combination is a healthy and nutritious meal.

Parata can be served as breakfast/lunch/dinner. My family enjoys paratas of any kind. Spinach can be used as variation for Chard leaves.

Ingredients:

Wheat flour - 2 cups
Chard leaves - 2 cups
Green Chillies - 3 small Indian chillies
Carom seeds (ajwain) - 1 teaspoon
Salt - 1 teaspoon
Water - 1 cup
Cilantro - 1/4 cup

Process:

Knead all the above ingredients together except salt, slowly adding water to the flour. It's better not to add all the water into the flour. After the dough is kneaded, take a teaspoon of oil in your hand and apply it all over the dough. Set the dough aside for 20 - 30 minutes before making roti.

Method to roll Parata:

Get the tools ready - Tawa on the stove with medium high temperature. Rolling pin to make/roll rotis. All purpose flour in a 3/4 plate to lightly flour the dough in between during rolling the roti. Grilling rack if you are not using a gas stove. Tongs to flip the roti on the tawa and on the grilling rack. Make a big lemon size ball out of the dough.

Slightly flatten the ball sized dough and dip the flatten ball in the all purpose flour plate which is placed in the side. Place it on the lightly floured/clean surface and slowly roll the dough in a circular motion from the center. Make sure not to apply too much pressure while rolling. Apply ghee on the half rolled roti, sprinkle a pinch of salt.

Roll or fold it back in desired shaped. Layered folding of the dough results in fluffy and layered parata.

Continue rolling and lightly dust the roti/parata with flour if the parata is sticking to the surface. Too much dusting may spoil the taste of the parata too. It is important to roll the dough on one side only. Soon you will see the small ball of dough expand to 3 inches in diameter (just like a disc).

Method to cook Roti/Parata:

Preheat the tawa/cast iron pan on medium high. Transfer the ready parata on to the pan and wait for 10-15 seconds. You will see small bubbles forming on the parata.