How to Cook Ajwain Parathas

Makes: 6

Preparation time: 30 mins

Cooking time: 20 mins

Ingredients needed to make Ajwain Parathas:

• 9 oz wholemeal flour, plus more for dusting
• 1 ½ tsp ajwain seeds
• 7 tsp olive oil
• ¼ tsp salt

Cooking instructions for Ajwain Parathas:

• Make a small well at the middle of the flour and pour a tsp of oil into it, followed by 5 fl z warm water and a dash of salt.
• Stir them well until they gather together to form a soft dough; sprinkle a splash of water in case it appears too dry.
• Knead it with moist hands, punching it with your knuckles at times for about 10 minutes or until it turns soft and smooth.
• Split it into 6 equal portions and roll them into balls.
• Sprinkle small amount of flour onto the dough balls and roll them out on a lightly floured working counter to form 6’’ wide circles.
• Spread ¼ tsp if ajwain seeds across each paratha and pat them so that they stick to the flatbreads.
• Smother a tsp of olive oil across each paratha and slice it into two halves.
• Fold it several times until each of them make a triangle.
• Roll it out again to make it flat, making circular movements with the rolling pin to maintain a proper shape and make it about ¼’’ in thickness.
• Heat a shallow skillet over moderate flame and add a splash of water to check its hotness; it is ready if it sizzles.
• Place one paratha on the skillet and toast for about 20 seconds or until the surface browns slightly and few bubbles appear on its surface.
• Flip it over with a spatula and continue to toast the other side for another half a minute or until it is blistered places.
• Turn it over once more and press it down with a spatula and keep turning it over from time to time until they are cooked to perfect crispness.
• Make rest of the parathas in a similar fashion and serve warm alongside your favourite side dish.

Image credit: Wikimedia Commons