Trikon Paratha
Crispy on the outside, soft and flaky on the inside. This classic layered paratha, folded into a neat triangle, is the perfect companion for any curry, dal, or even just a dollop of yogurt and pickle. A North Indian staple that's surprisingly easy to master.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 25 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Dough
- b.In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of atta and 1 tsp of salt. Add 2 tbsp of melted ghee and mix with your fingertips until it resembles coarse breadcrumbs. This process, called 'moyan', helps make the parathas flaky.
- c.Gradually add lukewarm water, a little at a time, and knead to form a dough. Continue kneading for 8-10 minutes on a lightly floured surface until the dough is soft, smooth, and pliable. It should not be sticky.
- d.Cover the dough with a damp cloth or a lid and let it rest for at least 20-30 minutes. This step is crucial for relaxing the gluten, which results in softer parathas.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Shape the Parathas
- b.After resting, knead the dough again for 1 minute. Divide it into 8 equal-sized balls.
- c.Take one dough ball and flatten it between your palms. Dust it with dry atta and roll it into a circle about 4-5 inches in diameter.
- d.Brush or spread about 1/4 tsp of melted ghee evenly over the surface of the rolled circle.
- e.Fold the circle in half to create a semi-circle. Apply another thin layer of ghee on top of the semi-circle.
- f.Fold it in half again to form a triangle. Gently press it down.
- g.Dust the triangle with dry atta and carefully roll it out into a larger triangle, about 6-7 inches on each side and 1/8 inch thick. Roll evenly from the center outwards, applying gentle pressure to maintain the layers.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Cook the Parathas
- b.Heat a tawa (flat griddle) over medium-high heat. To check if it's ready, sprinkle a few drops of water; they should sizzle and evaporate immediately.
- c.Carefully place the rolled paratha onto the hot tawa. Cook for about 30-45 seconds, until you see small bubbles appear on the surface.
- d.Flip the paratha using a spatula. Brush about 1/2 tsp of ghee on the partially cooked top side.
- e.Cook the second side for another 30-45 seconds. Flip it again.
- f.Now apply ghee to the other side. Gently press the paratha with the back of a flat spatula, especially around the edges, to encourage it to puff up.
- g.Continue to cook, flipping every 20-30 seconds, until both sides are golden brown with some darker spots. Each paratha will take about 2-3 minutes to cook.
- h.Remove the cooked paratha from the tawa and place it in a casserole or a container lined with a kitchen towel to keep it warm and soft.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Serve
- b.Repeat the shaping and cooking process for all the remaining dough balls.
- c.For extra flakiness, you can gently crush the hot paratha between your palms.
- d.Serve hot with your favorite curry, dal, raita, pickle, or a simple dollop of butter.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Resting the dough is non-negotiable for soft, pliable parathas. Don't skip it.
- 2Use lukewarm water for kneading as it helps in making a soft dough.
- 3Roll the paratha gently after folding. Pressing too hard will merge the layers, and they won't be as flaky.
- 4Cook on medium-high heat. If the heat is too low, the parathas will become hard and dry. If it's too high, they will burn before cooking through.
- 5Keep cooked parathas in a cloth-lined container to absorb excess steam and prevent them from becoming soggy while staying soft.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spiced Paratha
Add 1/2 teaspoon of ajwain (carom seeds) or 1 tablespoon of kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves) to the dough for extra flavor and aroma.
Multigrain ParathaMultigrain Paratha
Replace 1/2 cup of atta with other flours like besan (gram flour), ragi (finger millet), or jowar (sorghum) flour for a healthier, nuttier version.
Pudina ParathaPudina Paratha
Sprinkle finely chopped fresh mint leaves over the ghee before folding the paratha to make a refreshing mint-flavored version.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Fiber
Made from whole wheat flour (atta), these parathas are a good source of dietary fiber, which aids digestion, promotes satiety, and helps maintain stable blood sugar levels.
Provides Sustained Energy
The complex carbohydrates in whole wheat provide a steady release of energy, making it a fulfilling and energizing meal option for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Source of Healthy Fats
When made with ghee in moderation, parathas provide butyric acid and fat-soluble vitamins like A, E, and D, which are beneficial for gut health and overall immunity.
Frequently asked questions
One Trikon Paratha contains approximately 190-210 calories, depending on the amount of ghee used for layering and cooking.
