| Prep: 40 mins | Cook: 30 mins – 40 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 371 | 7.6g | 1g | 59.4g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 5.3g | 11.6g | 17.2g | 0.6g |
Every now and then, a beautiful confluence of flavors from two very distinct cuisines finds itself a new home in my kitchen. Welcome, friends, to the wondrous world of Stuffed Urad Bean Paratha – a hearty Indian dish with a hint of the Creole-Franco fusion I so adore.
Ingredients that Kick and Comfort
The beauty of the Stuffed Urad Bean Paratha lies in the play of simplicity and complexity. At first glance, it might seem a cousin to the popular Creole dish of Red Beans and Rice with its urad beans – earthy and satisfying, grounding this dish with its familiar comfort. But then comes the surprise – the mix of whole wheat flour, a medley of fresh fruits, and a satisfying sprinkle of herbs and spices that raise this humble paratha to something truly sublime.
The inspiration, of course, comes from my own lineage – my Louisiana roots harking to comforting Creole cuisine alongside the refinement of French gastronomy that graced our family table. A sprinkling of cumin and coriander, inspired by the delightful éclairs and other French patisserie my ancestors loved, gives the paratha an interesting twist.
The Boom of Health Benefits
Not only is the Stuffed Urad Bean Paratha a palette pleaser, it also comes with a wealth of health benefits packed inside every bite. Urad beans, the star ingredient, are known to be a good source of protein and fiber, as well as vitamins like iron, folic acid, calcium, magnesium, and potassium. The inclusion of fresh fruits boosts this paratha’s vitamin C content, while the whole wheat flour provides an additional dose of overall dietary fiber.
Vegetable-based meals like this are a great way to help control body weight and decrease the risk of heart disease. Plus, they assure you a beneficial amount of antioxidants the body needs and craves.
Pairing Perfection
Though this Stuffed Urad Bean Paratha shines brightly as a standalone dish, its versatile flavors and textures lend themselves to pairing exceptionally well with other meals. I personally love how it blends with a mixed greens salad or a comforting bowl of lentil soup. The paratha’s robust profile also makes it an excellent complement to a simple yogurt dip or a bold, spicy pickle to kick things up a notch.
So why not give this wonderful recipe a whirl? I believe it’s bound to become a loved staple in your gourmet repertoire, adding a touch of my Louisiana-French fusion kitchen magic, with the taste of Indian traditions.
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups Whole Urad Beans
- 5 cups Whole Wheat Flour
- 6 pieces Mixed Fresh Fruit (apples, pears, peaches, etc)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Salt
- 1 teaspoon Cumin Powder
- 1 teaspoon Coriander Powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Turmeric Powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Red Chilli Powder
- 1 tablespoon Chopped Fresh Coriander Leaves
- 3 tablespoons Vegetable Oil
- 6 tablespoons Yogurt
- Water as needed
Method
Step One
Start by soaking the urad beans in enough water to cover them and leave them for 8 hours or overnight. Once the beans are thoroughly soaked, drain the water.
Step Two
In a large bowl, combine the whole wheat flour with the salt, cumin powder, coriander powder, turmeric powder and red chili powder. Mix them together until well integrated.
Step Three
Take the soaked and drained urad beans and grind them into a coarse paste in a mixer. You may need to add a little water to facilitate this process, but be careful not to add too much.
Step Four
Add the ground urad bean paste to the flour mixture. Combine these ingredients well to form a dough. You may need to add a little water as needed to reach the desired consistency.
Step Five
Chop the mixed fresh fruits into small pieces, add them to the dough along with the chopped fresh coriander leaves. Knead it all together forming a well-integrated dough. Let this dough rest for about 30 minutes.
Step Six
After the dough has rested, divide it into equal portions. Each portion is to be rolled out into a disc using a rolling pin, similar to a pancake. Make sure to sprinkle a little flour on the rolling board to prevent sticking.
Step Seven
Heat a pan and cook the rolled parathas on medium heat, adding a little vegetable oil on each side. Cook until each side is golden brown and the paratha is thoroughly cooked.
Step Eight
Before serving the parathas, spread a thin layer of yogurt on top of each one. This will give them a moist, tantalizing finish. Your stuffed urad bean paratha is now ready to be enjoyed!
