Aloo paratha recipe with 3 different ways of stuffing & rolling. Aloo paratha are Indian breakfast flatbreads made with whole wheat flour, mashed potatoes, spices & herbs. These flavorful and delicious stuffed parathas are a staple in many North Indian households. These are most commonly topped with white butter and served alongside pickle and yogurt.
What is Aloo paratha?
Aloo paratha are popular Indian flatbreads stuffed with a delicious spiced potato mixture. Aloo means potatoes and paratha are flatbreads.
How is it made?
Firstly a dough is made with whole wheat flour. Next boiled potatoes are mashed or grated and then spiced. This flavorful spiced potato mixture is then stuffed in a small disc of dough and sealed. It is then rolled and pan fried with a generous amount of ghee or oil.
About this recipe
These are made the same way all over India with slight differences in the spices. My recipe to make aloo paratha has a unique combination of spices so they are flavorful, delicious and great tasting.
Making aloo paratha is easy but needs a bit of practice. In this post I have shown 3 ways to stuff & roll aloo parathas. So if you are new to making stuffed parathas check out my video and try in smaller quantities.
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How to make aloo paratha (stepwise photos)
1. Add 2 cups whole wheat flour, ¼ teaspoon salt, 1 tablespoon oil and half cup water in a mixing bowl. Begin to mix adding more water as required to form a soft and non-sticky dough. Knead well until really soft and pliable.
2. If you press down the dough, it should dent easily and must be soft. Cover and keep it aside until the stuffing is ready. I always rest my dough for a minimum of 30 minutes. If you prefer to skip the resting time, then knead it a little longer and use it right away.
3. Boil the potatoes just until fork tender without making them mushy. If cooking in a pressure cooker, place the potatoes in the cooker along with 1 cup water. Pressure cook on a medium heat for 3 to 4 whistles depending on the size. If cooking in a instant pot, pressure cook them for 5 to 6 mins and wait for the pressure to drop naturally.
Make stuffing
4. When the potatoes cool down, peel them and grate or mash until it is smooth. There should be no pieces of potatoes left as they will tear the aloo paratha while rolling. If your potatoes look sticky or pasty, then don’t overdo the mashing. Instead use your fingers to break the tiny bits.
5. Run your fingers through the potato mash and break up any chunks of potatoes. This step is extremely important. Then add
¾ tsp garam masala
½ tsp red chilli powder (adjust to taste)
¾ to 1 tsp coriander powder
½ tsp chaat masala (or amchur, dried mango powder)
1 green chilli chopped (optional)
¾ tsp ginger grated or paste (or ¼ tsp ginger powder)
½ tsp salt (more if needed)
1 tsp kasuri methi
¼ tsp ajwain (carom seeds)
½ tsp fennel powder
2 tbsps coriander leaves fine chopped
6. Mix all of these and taste test. Then add more salt or spices if needed to suit your taste. Divide the mixture to 8 equal portions.
7. Divide the dough to 8 equal portions.
Method 1 – Rolling
8. Sprinkle little flour on the rolling area. Smoothen a dough ball and dip it in flour. Flatten it and roll to a 4 inch round roti/disc.
9. Place a spiced potato ball in the center and bring the sides up.
10. Press down the stuffing to the center and bring the sides higher giving it a cup shape. If the aloo stuffing is sticky, then smear your fingers generously with some flour.
11. Bring the sides higher by simply rotating the whole thing on your hand in clock-wise direction. The dough gets stretched by itself and comes over the stuffing. (check video)
12. Repeat this step of pushing the aloo inside and bringing the sides higher by rotating until the edges come over to the top.
13. Join all the edges well to ensure no filling is visible. I do not remove any excess dough, instead press it down back to the ball.
14. Dip this ball in flour on both the sides and gently flatten it with your fingers. This is very important so the filling is evenly spread all over the paratha.
15. Place the sealed side down on the rolling area and gently roll it evenly without putting pressure. Do not roll the aloo paratha continuously. Instead rotate in clock-wise direction a little after every 4 to 6 rolls to ensure it does not tear or get stuck.
You can make as thin or thick you like. I make mine thin and about 8 to 9 inches. If you see the filling coming out while rolling, then apply some flour there. Sprinkle flour only as needed and avoid using excess.
Method 2 – Rolling
I had shot these pictures in 2015 but never got to share it on the blog. The stuffing I made here is by tempering the spices in oil first and then I added it to the mashed potatoes. It is on the hotter side with more chilli powder.
Place the aloo stuffing in a 5 inch roti. Then make pleats and bring all the edges on top. Gently join them and pinch off the excess dough. Flatten slightly and dip in flour. Flatten it again to a 4 inch disc with your fingers to spread the filling evenly. Then roll it to as big as you can.
Method 3 – Rolling
Roll 2 rotis of 6 inches. Spread the aloo mixture on one of the roti as shown below. Wet the edges with little water. Place the other roti on top of it. Press down gently on the sides to seal both the rotis. Then sprinkle flour and roll it evenly as thin as you want. With this method, you will be able to make only 6 large parathas. So divide the dough to 12 and stuffing to 6 parts.
Frying aloo paratha
16. After you are done rolling 3 to 4 paranthas, heat a griddle on a medium high flame. When the pan is hot enough, dust off excess flour from the aloo paratha & gently transfer it to the griddle. Within 2 minutes, you will see bubbles. Flip it to the other side.
17. Press down gently with a spatula. You will see the paratha begins to puff. Drizzle some ghee or oil. I add about 1 teaspoon ghee.
18. Flip it to & fro and drizzle more ghee. Cook pressing down on the edges with a spatula so they cook well. Well-cooked parathas will leave your entire house filled with a great aroma. When you see golden to light brown spots on the aloo paratha, remove to a plate.
19. To fry the next one, ensure the pan is hot enough and not extremely hot. Keep regulating the flame to medium or low as needed so the parathas don’t burn. Stack to keep them moist.
Serve aloo paratha with pickle or yogurt. You can also top your parathas with butter.
Pro Tips
Firstly boiling potatoes the right way is the key to make the best aloo parathas. Boil them just until fork tender, meaning they are just cooked and not overcooked. Soggy potatoes will make a sticky and very moist stuffing which is not good to make parathas.
Mashing or grating potatoes properly is also very important. There should be no chunks of potatoes left in the mash as they will tear the parathas. Do not over mash to the extent they become pasty. So you can also grate them rather than mashing to avoid pasty texture.
Stuffing the parathas: The first method of stuffing and rolling I have shown here is the best way to make as it completely locks the stuffing in the dough preventing the stuffing from coming out.
Flattening and spreading the stuffing after sealing the spiced aloo in the dough is what makes the aloo paratha perfect. This avoids the parathas from tearing and spreads the filling evenly.
Lastly frying parathas on a low heat will make them hard. Cook them on a moderately medium high heat so they cook well. Also regulating the flame as needed is very important so they don’t burn.
Ingredients
Potatoes: Choosing the right kind of potatoes to make these parathas is very important. Some kind of potatoes turn too mushy and sticky after boiling. Avoid using such potatoes.
Spices: Most people make aloo paratha with minimal spices like cumin, coriander powder and red chilli powder. The combination of spices I have used here makes the parathas so flavorful that your home will be filled with a delicate aroma while frying.
However if you do not have or don’t prefer any particular spice, then you can simply skip it. You can also increase or decrease the spices to suit your taste.
Ghee: Aloo parathas are pan fried mostly with a generous amount of ghee as it imparts that smoky aroma and flaky texture. If you do not eat ghee then use any regular oil.
Variations
1.You can also temper the spices before adding to the mashed potatoes. To do this, heat 1 tbsp oil or ghee in a small pan. Add ginger and green chilies. Saute for 30 seconds and then add all the spice powders and salt. Turn off and add this to the mashed potatoes.
Even without the tempering the aloo parathas will be great as the stuffing gets steam cooked while frying.
2. Some people also add onions to the stuffing. They are added raw or sauteed in oil until they lose the raw smell.
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Recipe card
Aloo paratha (potato stuffed paratha)
For best results follow the step-by-step photos above the recipe card
Ingredients (US cup = 240ml )
For dough
- 2 cups whole wheat flour (240 grams) (atta)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon oil (optional, refer notes)
- water as needed for kneading (I used ¾ cup + 2 tbsps)
For filling
- 350 grams potatoes (3 medium potatoes)
- 1 green chilli chopped (optional)
- ¾ teaspoon grated ginger (or ¼ tsp ginger powder)
- 2 tablespoons coriander leaves (very fine chopped)
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ to ¾ teaspoon garam masala (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon kashmiri red chilli powder (adjust to taste)
- ¾ to 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- ½ teaspoon chaat masala (or 1 tbsp lemon juice or ½ tsp amchur)
- 1 teaspoon kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves)
- ¼ teaspoon ajwain (carom seeds) (optional)
- ½ teaspoon fennel seeds powder (saunf powder) (optional)
To pan fry
- 4 tablespoons ghee (use as per preference)
Instructions
Preparation
- Boil potatoes just until fork tender without making them mushy. To pressure cook in traditional cooker, cook for 3 to 4 whistles depending on the size of potatoes. In instant pot I pressure cooked for 5 mins since I used medium sized potatoes.
- While the potatoes boil, make the dough. Add flour,oil and salt to a bowl. Pour half cup water and begin to mix to form a dough. Pour more water as needed and make a soft yet non-sticky dough.
- Knead it well until soft & pliable. If you press down the dough with your finger, it should dent easily meaning it is soft enough. Cover and rest until the filling is ready.
- When the potatoes are done, cool them slightly and peel while still warm. Ensure your boiled potatoes are not mushy or soggy.
- Grate or mash them well until no bits of potatoes remain. Using your fingers break any chunks of potatoes left in the mash otherwise they will tear the parathas. Also do not over mash it as the potatoes will turn pasty and sticky.
- Add ginger, green chilies, coriander leaves, salt, red chilli powder, garam masala, coriander powder, kasuri methi and chaat masala. Crush the kasuri methi before adding.
- Optional: Also add the optional ingredients – ajwain and fennel powder.
- Mix all of the ingredients gently and taste test it. Add more salt or spices as per your taste.
- Divide the aloo stuffing to 8 parts. Also divide the dough to 8 parts. Keep the dough covered.
How to make aloo paratha
- Roll a dough ball in your palms to smooth. Lightly sprinkle some flour on the rolling area. Flatten the dough ball and dip it in some flour.
- Method 1– Dust off the excess & roll it to a 4 inch disc or roti. Place a portion of aloo stuffing in the center. Gently bring the sides of the roti up shaping like a cup. Repeat the steps of pushing the stuffing inside with your finger and bringing the dough up until the edges come over the stuffing. (Refer video).
- If the stuffing is sticky, dip your fingers in flour. Bring the edges together over the stuffing and join them to seal carefully. (Refer step-by-step photo or video).
- Method 2 – Roll a 5 inch roti and place the stuffing in the center, hold the edges and make small pleats. Bring all of them on top and join them together to seal the stuffing. Remove the excess dough on top.
- Dip the stuffed ball in flour and flatten it gently to spread the stuffing evenly. This ensures the stuffing does not come out at all. Dust off the excess.
- Sprinkle some flour on the rolling area .
- Place the paratha disc on the rolling area with the sealed side down. Begin to roll evenly all over without putting pressure.
- Do not roll the aloo paratha continuously. Instead rotate in clock-wise direction a little after every 4 to 6 rolls to ensure it does not tear or get stuck. Sprinkle flour as needed and avoid using excess. If you see the stuffing coming out, gently apply some flour to seal it.
- Roll the aloo paratha as thin or thick you like without tearing them. I roll mine to 8 to 9 inches.
- Transfer the rolled ones to a dry area. Once you are done with 3 you can begin to fry them.
- Method 3 – With this method, you will be able to make only 6 large parathas. So divide the dough to 12 and stuffing to 6 parts. Roll 2 rotis of 6 inches each. Spread the aloo mixture on one of the roti. Wet the edges with little water. Place the other roti on top of it. Press down gently on the sides to seal both the rotis. Then sprinkle flour and roll it evenly as thin as you want.
Frying
- Heat a pan or griddle to cook the aloo parathas. The griddle should be hot enough otherwise the parathas will turn hard,
- When the pan is hot, gently transfer a rolled aloo paratha to it.
- With in 2 to 3 mins, you will see bubbles over it. Then flip it to the other side and cook.
- You will see the aloo paratha puffs and cooks well. Drizzle ghee or oil all over and flip it to the other side and cook.
- Smear some ghee on this side as well and press down the edges to cook thoroughly.
- Soon you will see golden to light brown spots on the aloo parathas. Remove to a plate and stack them. This keeps them soft.
- Top aloo paratha with some butter and serve with pickle or yogurt.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of spices and herbs to suit your liking.
- Avoid using too much flour while rolling as it makes the parathas hard and dry.
Roll the parathas evenly without putting pressure in one place. - For variation you can use store bought grated paneer or steamed carrots and peas. Ensure you mash the veggies very well.
- You can also saute little methi leaves or spinach leaves until they wilt. Cool and add them to the mashed potato mixture. Also use only the leaves and not stalks of these greens.
- Avoid using new potatoes. Old potatoes are best for this recipe. Boil potatoes just until fork tender and don’t overcook. We don’t want soggy potatoes soaked up in excess moisture.
- Grate or mash potatoes well until you see no bits of potatoes in them. But do not over mash to the extent they become pasty and sticky.
- After sealing aloo in the dough, do not forget to flatten and spread the stuffing. This way the stuffing is well distributed and won’t come out while rolling.
- Do not fry parathas on a low heat. Fry them on a moderately high flame. Keep adjusting the flame while you fry them so you don’t burn the aloo parathas.
Alternative quantities provided in the recipe card are for 1x only, original recipe.
For best results follow my detailed step-by-step photo instructions and tips above the recipe card.
Video
NUTRITION INFO (estimation only)
© Swasthi’s Recipes
Wow the aloo paratha was so awesome am from Nigeria and your guidelines really help me alot most especially this Ramadan season thank you so so much I really appreciate
You are welcome. Happy to know!
Have a great time!
Aloo Roti and Aloo Paratha.
I was looking for the recipe where they mix boiled Aloo and spices while kneeding the flour instead of like a Paratha. Do you have that recipe as well? For my 17 month old daughter as she likes thin Rotis and not parathas
I’m a novice and your recipes are my go to 🙂
Thank you!
Hi Suchita,
Glad to know! Yes I have it here – aloo methi roti. You can also use palak instead of methi. I have few such recipes with dal, different veggies, ragi etc, specially for toddlers – you may check them here paratha recipes
U r oosum
Thank you Sumaira
Hi Swasthi
Your recipes are perfect and awesome. For the first time, my aloo parathas came out well with the help of your recipe. Thank you so much. Keep rocking.
Hi Geema
Glad to know! Thank you
Your recipes are perfect and awesome. For the first time, my aloo parathas came well with the help of your recipe. Thank you so much.
Hi Swasthi
Do you think the parathas could be frozen to store them, maybe after they have been fried in ghee? Then they can be reheated again?
Hi David,
Yes they can be frozen. Cook them partially on both the sides and cool them separately on a rack. Stack them, placing a butter paper in between. Transfer these to a zip lock bag. Remove all the air pockets and freeze.
Great, thank you for the reply!
One other question – I’m using medium atta flour for the dough and in your photo the dough looks very smooth so do you sieve out the bran from the flour? I’ve made chapati without sieving the bran.
Hi David,
Yes I use the fine whole wheat flour in which the bran is ground very fine. I think it’s good you sieve it. Hope this helps
Thank you for such an amazing recipe!! I made this for y family on xmas although they haven’t tried it yet I’m eating it as I write this and just wanna thank you for the video and detailed directions!!
Welcome Keeley
Glad to know! Thank you so much for leaving a comment.
🙂
Is there a way I use some rye flour in to make the dough. I am left with a bag of rye flour which I got to finish this month. Any advice?
Hi Aya
A small amount shouldn’t make a difference. You can try with a small quantity.
thank you for this recipe
Welcome Devika
Hello Swasthi
As always this recipe was another super duper hit with my family. I never thought I will be able to make such good aloo parathas. Will be on our weekly menu. Thank you. Love your blog!
Hello Vidhya,
Thank you so much for sharing the pictures. Glad you all loved them.
🙂
I have never made aloo paratha in my life though my family loves them a lot. Thanks for this recipe. Cannot go wrong anywhere but it requires some practice to roll them well. I and my 10 year old made these as in method 3. They came out very good. Really a fan of you as you made it so simple.
You are welcome Meera.
Glad to know!
Thanks for leaving a comment
🙂
Thanks for this recipe. This looks great. I have some naan dough. Do you think it can be used. Also I don’t have carom and fenugreek. Is there any substitute?
Welcome Ahana,
Thank you. Yes you can use it. You can skip both, carom and fenugreek.
Hi,
I love your recipes, my boyfriend is Indian and I’m Venezuela I always try new things and he loves my food now! Thank you very much.
Hi Mariel,
You are welcome!
Thank you!
🙂
Hi Swasthi,
I follow your recipes every time my family craves for something delicious. These parathas look awesome. I don’t find a keema naan recipe on your blog. Can you please share.
Hi Nadia
Thanks for following! I don’t have the recipe yet. Will try to share.
🙂
Hi,
I tried this recipe. They turned out good but were hard. How to make them soft for the next time. Please tell me what did I do wrong.
Hi Himaja
If the dough is not kneaded well then the parathas can become hard. Rest the dough for a little longer and cook them on a higher flame. If you fry them on a low flame then they will become hard. Hope this helps
I have tried all the variations…its a staple dinner at home…so delicious.
Thank you so much Tanu
🙂
I hope to make them soon. Can the potato stuffing be refrigerated. How to use it later.Thanks for this amazing recipe.
Yes it can be refrigerated. Keep it out of the refrigerator for a while and use it. Hope you enjoy making them
My aloo parathas turned out awesome. My family loves them a lot. However mine didn’t turn out perfectly shaped as yours. They were oblong. I try to enhance my rolling skills. There was a overwhelming response with my family. Thank you for the recipe.
Hi Karen,
Glad to know! Thanks for leaving a comment. Yes keep making them often you will just get them right.
🙂
Love these aloo parathas. Tried my hand at making them for the first time ever. Watched the video so many times to get them right. Turned out great. Though they did not look perfectly shaped as yours. Thanks for the recipe.
Welcome Farheen
Thank you so much for sharing the pictures. They turned out great. So glad the recipe worked out well for you.
Thanks again
Excellent just what I like
These recipes are good and easy to follow looks very delicious ???
Thanks
Madhu
Welcome Madhu
Thank you so much!
🙂
Is the wheat flour you use the same as chapati flour? Which brand flour do you use? I am keen to try these on the weekend.
Hi Emma
Yes it’s the same chapati flour. I use 24 Mantra organic flour.
Hello Swasthi,
I have tried many of your recipes & my family loves them. These aloo parathas look amazing! I am going to try them soon. Thank you for sharing your recipes with pictures & they really help.
Hi Deena
You are welcome! Glad to know! Thanks much for leaving a comment.
🙂