Spiced Sattu Paratha
A rustic, protein-packed flatbread from Bihar stuffed with a spiced, tangy roasted gram flour filling. The nutty sattu mixture gets a kick from green chilies, garlic, and lemon, all encased in a crisp, whole wheat paratha. A satisfying meal that comes together with simple pantry staples.
For 4 servings
- knead · ~10 min
Knead the dough.
In a mixing bowl, combine whole wheat flour, 1 pinch salt, and 2 tsp oil. Mix well. Gradually add water, little by little, and knead into a soft, smooth dough. Cover and set aside to rest while you prepare the filling.
TIPThe dough should be slightly softer than regular roti dough to prevent tearing when stuffed. - mix · ~5 min
Prepare the spiced sattu filling.
In a separate bowl, add sattu, finely chopped onion, green chili, minced garlic, chopped coriander leaves, lemon juice, nigella seeds, carom seeds, mango pickle oil, and 1 pinch salt. Mix everything thoroughly with your hands until the mixture resembles wet sand and holds together when pressed.
TIPThe moisture from the onion and lemon juice should be enough to bind the sattu. If it feels too dry, sprinkle a tiny bit of water — but avoid making it soggy. - prep · ~2 min
Divide dough and filling into equal portions.
Divide the rested dough into 8 equal balls. Divide the sattu filling into 8 equal portions, rolling each into a tight ball. Keep the filling balls compressed so they don't crumble during stuffing.
- assemble · ~3 min
Stuff and seal the parathas.
1.Flatten one dough ball into a 3-inch disc using your fingers.2.Place one filling ball in the center.3.Gather the edges up around the filling and pinch to seal tightly at the top.4.Flatten the sealed ball gently between your palms.5.Dust with dry flour and gently roll into a 6 to 7-inch circle, keeping the filling even and intact.TIPRoll with gentle, even pressure. If the filling breaks through, patch it with a small piece of dough, dust with flour, and continue. - fry · ~3 min
Cook the paratha on a hot tawa.
1.Heat a tawa or skillet over medium-high heat.2.Place the rolled paratha on the hot tawa and cook for 30 seconds until you see bubbles on the surface.3.Flip the paratha and smear 1/2 tsp ghee on the cooked side.4.Flip again after another 30 seconds and smear 1/2 tsp ghee on the other side.5.Press gently with a spatula and cook until both sides are golden-brown and crisp.TIPThe sattu filling stays uncooked inside, so the paratha must cook through — medium heat ensures the crust is crisp while the stuffing warms perfectly. - serve
Serve hot off the tawa.
Transfer each paratha to a plate. Serve immediately with a dollop of fresh white butter, chilled yogurt, or spicy mango pickle.
TIPStack the parathas and smear a little extra ghee on top to keep them soft and luscious.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Let the dough rest for at least 10 minutes to prevent tearing during rolling.
- 2If the sattu filling feels dry, sprinkle a few drops of water until it binds like wet sand.
- 3Use gentle, even pressure when rolling the stuffed paratha to avoid breaking the filling.
- 4Cook on medium heat so the crust crisps without burning while the filling warms through.
- 5For extra aroma, add a pinch of asafoetida (hing) to the sattu filling.
- 6Store leftover parathas in a foil-lined container; reheat on a dry tawa to restore crispness.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegan
Replace ghee with any neutral oil or vegan butter for cooking. The filling is already vegan-friendly with oil from mango pickle.
gluten freeGluten-free
Use a gluten-free flour blend (with xanthan gum) in place of whole wheat flour. The sattu filling is naturally gluten-free, making this an easy adaptation.
high proteinHigh-protein
Add 2 tablespoons of finely crumbled paneer or tofu to the sattu mixture for an extra protein boost. This makes the paratha even more filling.
low oilLow-oil
Cook the parathas on a non-stick tawa using only a light spray of oil instead of ghee. They will still be delicious, though less crisp.
spicySpicy
Include 1/4 teaspoon red chili powder or a dash of chopped fresh ginger in the filling for an extra layer of heat and flavor.
Why this is on our healthy list.
High in Plant Protein
Sattu (roasted chickpea flour) is a rich source of plant-based protein, making these parathas a satisfying, muscle-friendly meal choice.
Good Source of Fiber
Whole wheat flour and sattu provide dietary fiber that aids digestion and promotes a feeling of fullness.
Rich in Iron
Sattu is naturally high in iron, which is important for healthy blood and energy levels.
Digestive Comfort
Carom seeds (ajwain) and nigella seeds (kalonji) are traditionally used to soothe digestion and reduce bloating.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can prepare the dough and filling separately up to a day ahead. Stuff and cook fresh, or roll the stuffed parathas and freeze them between parchment for quick cooking later.
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