DIRECTIONS FOR PALAK PARATHA

BLANCH THE SPINACH

• Clean and wash the spinach leaves thoroughly.
• Prepare a bowl for an ice bath. In a bowl, add 2 cups of water and a few pieces of ice cubes. Set it aside.
• Bring a pot of water to a boil. Turn OFF the heat. Add the spinach to the boiling water and blanch it for 2-3 minutes.
• Using a slotted spoon, remove the spinach and plunge it into ice-cold water for 3-5 minutes to stop the further cooking.
• Remove the spinach from the ice water and squeeze out all the excess water from the leaves.

MAKE A SPINACH PUREE

• In a blender jar, add blanched spinach, 2-3 cloves of garlic (optional), a piece of ginger, and 1-2 green chili. Make a fine puree of spinach.

PREPARE THE PALAK PARATHA DOUGH

• In a bowl, add flour, spinach puree, ajwain, a tablespoon of oil, and salt to taste.

  Note: Take the ajwain into your hand and massage it between your palms to release the flavor.
• Mix and knead into a smooth, soft dough. Apply a teaspoon of oil, cover, and let the dough rest for 5-10 minutes.

  Note: The dough should be soft, and not sticky. If required add 1-2 tablespoon of flour to knead to a smooth consistency dough.

ROLLING PALAK PARATHA

• Knead the dough again for a minute. Divide the dough into 8 equal portions, and shape it into balls. Keep it aside.
• Take a ball, and dust it with some flour. Place the ball on a rolling surface, with the help of a rolling pin, roll the ball into a small circle, about 2-3 inches.
• Apply ½ teaspoon oil or ghee on top of the rolled dough. Gather all the sides of the dough and form into a dough ball.
• Roll the ball into a 7-8 inch circle.

  Note: Dust the work surface with some flour, as needed.

MAKING THE PALAK PARATHA

• Heat a cast-iron tawa or griddle. Place the rolled paratha on the Tawa, and cook it over medium heat.
• Drizzle some oil or ghee as needed and cook on both sides. Gently press the paratha with a spatula for even cooking.
• Place the paratha in a food warmer lined with a paper towel or a tea towel.
• Repeat the process with the remaining dough.
• Enjoy palak paratha with some yogurt, pickle, or jam, and a cup of piping hot chai!