Weekend Special! Indian Delight: Tamatar Ke Parathe!

EL The Cook today presents a family classic, a true legacy of sorts! 

Tamatar Ke Parathe or Tomato Spiced Flatbread.

Perfect for a light dinner, simple ingredients combine together to make one sensational dish.

Often mistaken for the Indian version of pizza, Tamatar Ke Parathe, isn't pizza at all! Sandwiched between 2 layers of flatbread, fresh tomatoes, a light garnish of cilantro, cheddar cheese and a blended spice mix, makes a stunning dish!

Heres what you need to make this beautiful recipe!

INGREDIENTS(Serves 3):

• 4 Large, firm tomatoes
• 150 gm cheddar cheese
• 150 gm fresh cilantro (coriander) finely chopped
• 500 gm whole wheat flour
• 300 ml of water 
• 10 gm whole cumin
• 10 gm finely powdered dried cilantro
• 5 gm red chili powder
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 150 gms fresh yogurt
• Olive oil for pan-frying

KITCHEN EQUIPMENT:

• Rolling pin
• Large pan, for making dough
• Large sieve
• 3 small bowls
• Frying pan
• Large spatula
• Cheese grater
• Pizza cutter

METHOD:

A] Dough:

• Add 500 gm whole wheat flour to a large pan
• Make a well in the centre and add 200ml of water to it
• Gently mold into a soft dough.
• Using a rolling pin roll out 10 rotis; this will make 5 parathas(Since you need 2 rotis per paratha)

B] Prep:

• Slice the four tomatoes finely into rings
• Place the rings into a sieve, this will allow all the excess liquid in the tomatoes to drain.
• Grate you cheese finely and place in bowl
• Combine cilantro powder, salt, chili powder and whole cumin in another bowl

C] Assembly:

• On the lower roti, place tomatoes, cheese, cilantro and the spice mix.
• On the egdes of the lower roti, apply a little water with your finger or a clean ear bud.
• Place another roti over the top, sealing the edge tightly.
• Prepare all the parathe before frying.

D] Frying:

• On a frying pan, placed on high heat, place the parathe carefully, to avoid spilling the ingredients within!
• Fry on high heat for 2-3 minutes on either side, until slightly golden brown or as per your choice! ( I personally like it a little carbonized, for that crisp bitter taste)
• Use a little extra oil on each side to really bring out that crispy feel!
• Remove from heat and allow to cool for 1 minute.

E] Plating: 

• Using a pizza cutter, divide the paratha into 8 equal portions.

• Serve your paratha with a bowl of fresh yogurt.(which can lightly be garnished with salt and cumin powder) 
• Use it as a dip for your parathe.
• The cooling sensation of the curds and the hot centre of the paratha compliments the palette well!

So go ahead! Explore a little family time with this amazingly simple vegan recipe!

Tamatar ke Parathe: Fresh bread, Fresh produce, and a cheesy center, is one spectacular weekend meal!