Parotta

Parotta is a delectable south Indian dish that has been tantalising taste buds for centuries. Soft, flaky, and utterly scrumptious, it's no surprise that this culinary creation is an absolute favorite.

Parotta


Originating in Tamil Nadu, parotta is made with flour, salt, and water that's expertly kneaded into a soft dough and then divided into small balls. The dough balls are rolled out using a special parotta rolling pin and cooked on a hot tawa. This is the basic method but there are many variations including adding egg, milk, or vegetables to the dough to give it extra flavor and texture.

Once cooked, parotta can be served plain or with an accompaniment of your choice. For example, you could choose a spicy chicken or vegetable curry, a zesty chutney, or even an indulgent potato masala. Deliciously versatile, it's no wonder that parotta is enjoyed by people from all walks of life.

As with any dish, the key to a truly delicious parotta lies in the preparation. A good cook will ensure that the dough is well kneaded and that the rolling pin is wielded with skill and finesse. Then it's just a matter of mastering the timing to ensure that the parotta doesn't get overcooked or undercooked.

That being said, parotta isn't necessarily difficult to make. With the right ingredients and a bit of practice, even a novice cook can whip up a fantastic parotta in no time. It's an ideal dish to prepare if you're looking to impress dinner guests or if you just want to treat yourself to something truly sumptuous.

Whether you're an experienced cook or a novice in the kitchen, Parotta is an indisputable delight. If you don't believe us, try it out for yourself. Trust us, you won't regret it.

Parotta recipes

Amazing Parotta recipes sourced from the web.

The origin of Parotta

Parotta, a delectable Indian dish, is enjoyed by many across the globe. The dish has an interesting origin story dating back many centuries.

Legend has it that parotta was first invented by Turkic traders in the 17th century, when they set up shop near what is now called Chennai. They brought with them a type of flatbread made with flour and vegetable fats, which they referred to as 'parotta'. This early version of the dish was folded into thin layers, quite unlike the parotta we know today.

It is believed that over time, local chefs began to experiment with the Turkic flatbread, incorporating spices and different cooking techniques to create something entirely new. The resulting dish resembled the parotta we now recognize.

Since then, the dish has undergone several transformations, with different versions being created in different parts of southern India. People especially in the states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala have their own unique style of making Parotta.

In these regions, it is usually made with maida flour, salt, sugar, and ghee, which are kneaded together to form a dough. This dough is then shaped into thin sheets, which are then cut into triangular pieces. The triangular pieces are then rolled into thin circles and deep fried in oil.

Today, parotta can be found in restaurants, street markets, and even pre-packaged in supermarkets, making it readily available to all. There's no denying that this delicious dish has become an important part of the Indian culture, and its origins will forever remain a source of curiosity and delight!

FAQs about Parotta

Is parotta from Kerala?

Parotta is a popular dish from the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is not native to Kerala.


Is parotta good for health?

Parotta is not considered a healthy food as it is generally high in fat and calories. Eating parotta in moderation can be part of a balanced diet, but if eaten frequently, or with unhealthy sides or sauces, it can cause weight gain or other health problems.


Is parotta South Indian?

Yes, parotta is a type of flatbread commonly found in South Indian cuisine.


What is the difference between paratha and parotta?

Paratha is a flatbread made of whole wheat flour, lightly rolled and cooked on a tava (griddle) with a light coating of ghee or oil. Parotta is a layered flatbread made of maida (refined white flour) or wheat flour, kneaded with oil and water, flattened and rolled into sheets, then cooked on a tawa (griddle). It is often served with a curry or gravy-based dish.


Types of Parotta

Ah, the beloved Parotta. This delectable Indian dish has been tantalizing taste buds the world over for centuries, with its crisp and flaky exterior giving way to a soft and fluffy interior. But while the classic version is well-loved, there are many regional variations that have emerged over time, each offering its own unique twist.

Let’s start with the quintessential Kerala Parotta, which is made with a dough that typically consists of flour, salt, and oil. This dough is kneaded and shaped into small balls which are then rolled out and layered with ghee, a particular type of clarified butter, before being rolled up into a spiral pattern and cooked on a hot griddle. The end result is an incredibly flaky and crispy parotta that pairs perfectly with curries or other flavorful dishes.

Heading further south, we arrive at the Tamil Nadu Parotta, which is quite different from its northern counterpart. It's made with a much softer dough that uses yogurt instead of oil, and is not layered with ghee. Instead, it gets its distinguishing characteristic from being flattened into discs and deep-fried, giving it a very different texture than the Kerala Parotta.

The third and final version of Parotta comes all the way from Andhra Pradesh, the spicy south-eastern state of India. This variant is known as Royyala Parotta, in reference to its namesake fish, and it is perhaps the most distinct of them all. The dough is kneaded with a mix of spices, and the Parottas are cooked with a special utensil called a Royyala Tawa. The end result is an incredibly fragrant Parotta that exudes a depth of flavor that can only be experienced in the region.

So there you have it — three remarkable forms of Parotta from three regions of India. Whether you’re looking for something crispy, deep-fried, or intensely flavorful, you’ll certainly be able to find the perfect Parotta for you!