• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Shahzadi Devje, Desi~licious RD logo

  • Home
  • Start Here
    • About Shahzadi
    • My Story
    • Work With Me
  • Blog
  • Recipes
    • Recipe Type →
      • Breakfast and Brunch
      • Drinks and Smoothies
      • Main Dishes
      • Salads
      • Sides and Snacks
      • Sweets and Desserts
    • Dietary Preference →
      • Dairy Free
      • Diabetes Diet Friendly
      • Gluten Free
      • Heart Healthy
      • High Protein
      • Low Carb
      • Vegan
      • Vegetarian
    • Cuisine →
      • Desi (Indian, Pakistani)
      • Mediterranean
      • Middle Eastern
  • Media/Brands
    • Media Features
    • Videos
  • Shop
    • Products
    • Cart
    • Checkout
    • My Account
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • About Shahzadi
  • Blog
  • Recipes
  • Work With Me
  • Media & Brands
  • Videos
  • Shop
  • Cart
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×
    Home » Recipes » Sides and Snacks » Flax and Hemp Paratha (Indian FlatBread)

    Flax and Hemp Paratha (Indian FlatBread)

    Created on July 3rd, 2021 · Last updated on April 27th, 2022 · Leave a Comment

    Diabetes Diet FriendlyHeart HealthyHigh ProteinVeganDesi (Indian, Pakistani)
    Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe
    graphic showing step by step images of how to make homemade paratha (Indian flat bread)
    Close-up view of a lady holding half a paratha in a colourful traditional woven basket.
    Close-up view of homemade paratha in a colourful traditional woven basket.
    a colourful traditional South Asian straw basket containing a pile of parathas (Indian flat bread) with one paratha ripped in half. A rolling pin, a green bowl filled with chapati flour and balls of dough in the background
    Graphic showing images of the ingredients needed to make flax and hemp paratha at home

    Medically reviewed by Shahzadi Devje, Registered Dietitian (RD) & Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE)

    Learn how to whip up homemade paratha (South Asian flatbread) in minutes with my easy and healthy pan-fried recipe. Crispy deliciousness with wholesome add-ins like flax meal and hemp seeds make this versatile paratha recipe one to experience more often. Enjoy piping hot with a lovely cup of masala chai. Oh, that's classic! But you could go all out and serve alongside thick and creamy daal. Why not embrace my go-to pick - for when time is tight - slather with glorious avocado dip, top with a thick veggie-packed desi omelette, roll and tuck in. It's truly irresistible!

    a colourful traditional South Asian straw basket containing a pile of parathas (Indian flat bread) with one paratha ripped in half. A rolling pin and balls of dough in the background
    Delicious homemade Indian flatbread

    What Is It?

    There aren't many foods more delicious than homemade paratha. It's a type of South Asian flatbread that you'll find in all shapes and sizes. It's typically fried in oil or butter, but I like to make a lighter version at home - a healthier twist of a classic Pakistani recipe. And I love to have my little man, Master IZ, right by my side, rolling, sprinkling and re-creating worm play in the kitchen. I always picture my 6-year-old self, with my beloved grandma, doing precisely the same. Precious memories come alive now - before my very eyes.

    Close-up view of homemade paratha in a colourful traditional woven basket.
    Learn how to whip up homemade South Asian flatbread in minutes.

    There are endless ways to make them, and this version is perhaps an amalgamation of roti and paratha. It does use minimal oil, and thanks to the protein-rich flax meal and hemp seeds, it's also particularly dense and satisfying!

    They can be made plain (like this one) or stuffed with vegetables (for example, potatoes, radishes, cauliflower). Other standard options can include meat also. I love to throw in all sorts of spices to give my recipe different flavour profiles - to shake things up now and then. Besides the options already shared, they can be enjoyed alongside pickles, yogurt, or curries.

    Is Paratha The Same As Roti?

    In my experience, the main difference is the addition of oil. When making parathas, the rolled-out dough is brushed with oil or butter and folded to make it into a swirl. Each time it is rolled, it's brushed with additional oil, and the process is repeated a couple of times. This builds layers, which create a crispy flat bread. I simply do this once to keep the oil to a minimum. It's then rolled out and fried on a tava (round girdle) or pan. The heat and oil result in a flaky and crunchy texture. And we love it this way!

    How To Make It

    graphic showing step by step images of how to make homemade paratha (Indian flat bread)
    Homemade Indian flatbread - Step by step

    The Ingredients You Will Need

    Graphic showing images of the ingredients needed to make flax and hemp paratha at home
    Ingredients you need to make Indian Flatbread
    1. I use a standard stand mixer to make the dough. You could absolutely do this by hand. Combine the dry ingredients (Image 1) with salt and water (Image 2) and mix at medium/high speed for about 5 mins (Image 3). Remember to gradually increase the speed to prevent any flour from dusting out of the bowl. You will need to knead the dough for longer if doing this by hand. As the mixture comes together, you will eventually end up with smooth, soft dough (Image 4).
    2. On a floured surface, divide the dough into 6 equal balls (Image 5).
    3. Roll out one ball into a small circle, using flour - as needed - for dusting, to prevent it from sticking to the surface (Image 6).
    4. Add 1 tsp of oil and use your hands to spread evenly (Images 7-8). Dust the dough with flour (Image 9).
    5. Roll and twist as shown (Images 10-12). This technique will help to add layers to add crunch.
    6. Flour the surface and the dough swirl, and roll out, dusting with flour to prevent the dough from sticking to the surface (Images 13-15).
    7. Heat a tava or fry pan on medium-high heat, and place carefully on the tava or pan (Image 16).
    8. As it begins to cook, add 1 tsp oil (Image 17) and flip very carefully (Image 18), so it starts to fry on the other side. Be sure to use a spatula to prevent burning your skin (Image 19). I have been making this since aged 10. I can comfortably and safely rotate and flip using my hands - without causing any burns. I would not recommend that you try it yourself at home - especially if you are a newbie.
    9. Rotate and give it a few minutes to brown on one side before flipping it over to cook the other side (Image 20).
    10. Adjust the heat to low-medium, and once cooked, carefully remove from the pan.
    11. Repeat the process until all are cooked.
    Close-up view of a lady holding half a paratha in a colourful traditional woven basket.
    Crispy deliciousness with wholesome add-ins like flax meal and hemp seeds.

    You Asked: How Many Calories In Paratha?

    So many of you are asking this question. The thing is, this depends on your cooking method, how much fat is used for frying and the types of add-ins. 

    This recipe provides approximately 330 calories. The detailed nutritional breakdown can be found in the recipe card below. Specific nutritional highlights include:

    Nutritional Highlights:

    One serving* is:

    • An excellent source of fibre; and
    • A source of iron
    • Net carbs: 33 g
    • Protein: 10 g

    *Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

    a colourful traditional South Asian straw basket containing a pile of parathas (Indian flat bread) with one paratha ripped in half. A rolling pin and balls of dough in the background
    Simply roll and tuck in. It's truly irresistible!

    Looking for some easy and healthy Indian side dishes? Make sure to check out:

    1. Bhangra Masala Oven Baked French Fries
    2. Massaged Kale Salad With Spicy Roasted Chickpeas
    3. Fattoush Salad With Smoked Salmon
    4. Za'atar 7-Layer Vegan Salad
    5. Chaat Salad With Corn
    6. Warm Beetroot Poriyal Salad

    What do you enjoy alongside a piping hot Indian curry? Let me know in the comments below!

    If you try this homemade Indian flat bread recipe, I would love to hear from you! Leave a comment, rate it, or share a photo and hashtag with #desiliciousrd on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter! Can't wait to see your photos. 

    Desi~liciously Yours,

    Want a FREE Delicious Offer?

    Flax and Hemp Paratha (Indian Flatbread)

    Author Shahzadi Devje
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Pin
    Learn how to whip up homemade paratha (South Asian flatbread) in minutes with my easy and healthy pan-fried recipe.
    Prep Time20 mins
    Cook Time15 mins
    Total Time35 mins
    Course: Side, Snack
    Cuisine ethnic, Indian, pakistani, South Asian
    Servings: 6 people
    a colourful traditional South Asian straw basket containing a pile of parathas (Indian flat bread) with one paratha ripped in half. A rolling pin and balls of dough in the background

    Ingredients

    • 2½ cups multigrain flour chapati flour
    • ¼ cup flax seeds ground
    • 2 tbsp hemp seeds hulled
    • ½ tbsp salt
    • 1 ¼ cup water tap
    • 4 tbsp sunflower oil 2 tbsp for dough and 2 tbsp for frying
    • flour for dusting

    Instructions

    • In a stand mixer, combine the dry ingredients with salt and water and mix at medium/high speed for about 5 mins. Remember to gradually increase the speed to prevent any flour from dusting out of the bowl. You can make the dough by hand by kneading the dough. As the mixture comes together, you should eventually end up with smooth, soft dough
    • On a floured surface, divide the dough into 6 equal balls
    • Roll out one ball into a small circle
    • Add 1 tsp of oil and use your hands to spread evenly. Dust with flour
    • Roll the dough and twist as shown. This technique will help to add layers to the paratha to add crunch
    • Flour the surface, and roll out, dusting with flour to prevent the dough from sticking to the surface
    • Heat a tava or fry pan on medium-high heat. Place it carefully on the tava or pan
    • As it begins to cook, add 1 tsp oil and flip very carefully, so it starts to fry on the other side. Be sure to use a spatula to prevent burning your skin
    • Rotate and give it a few minutes to brown on one side before flipping it over to cook the other side. Adjust the heat to low-medium, and once cooked, carefully remove the paratha from the pan
    • Repeat the process until all are cooked

    Notes

    1. Be sure to use a spatula to prevent burning your skin. I have been making this since aged 10. I can comfortably and safely rotate and flip with my hands - without causing any burns. I would not recommend that you try it yourself at home - especially if you are a newbie.
    2. If the dough is too sticky or dry, feel free to adjust the flour and water.
    3. Add your favourite spices or herbs to change the flavour profile of your recipe.
    Nutrition Facts
    Flax and Hemp Paratha (Indian Flatbread)
    Amount Per Serving
    Calories 332 Calories from Fat 144
    % Daily Value*
    Fat 16g25%
    Saturated Fat 2g10%
    Polyunsaturated Fat 4g
    Monounsaturated Fat 9g
    Sodium 588mg25%
    Potassium 57mg2%
    Carbohydrates 37g12%
    Fiber 4g16%
    Sugar 1g1%
    Protein 10g20%
    Vitamin A 26IU1%
    Vitamin C 1mg1%
    Calcium 27mg3%
    Iron 1mg6%
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

    Please note the nutritional analysis values are estimates and suggestions. This nutrition facts table does not know your life - your body, including your hunger and satiety cues, change daily. It's okay to eat more or less. Say no to food guilt and instead embrace mindful eating.

    Desiliciousrd Shahzadi Devje chopping vegetables in her kitchen
    Shahzadi Devje

    Shahzadi is an award-winning registered dietitian (RD) regulated by the College of Dietitians of Ontario and certified diabetes educator (CDE), approved by the Canadian Diabetes Educator Certification Board. A YouTuber and notorious foodie, she's dedicated to helping you end your cooking wars, transform your health, and be the best version of yourself! Shahzadi is an on-air nutrition expert for CTV Your Morning and a regular contributor for Global News and other national media outlets.

    StovetopRamadan and Eid
    « Bhangra Masala Oven Baked French Fries
    Blueberry Orange Water Infusion »

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Hi, I’m Shahzadi, registered dietitian, TV show nutrition expert & mompreneur. I show busy health seekers how to eat for health, nourish mindfully and thrive, while enjoying ethnic cuisines.

    More about me →

    Meal Plans

    • 1-Week Whole Food Vegan Meal Plan

      USD $42.99
      Add to cart

    • lettuce leaves filled with baingan bharta (Indian eggplant recipe) with a bowl of baingan bharta in the center.

      14-Day South Asian Meal Plan

      USD $62.99
      Add to cart

    GRAB THE ULTIMATE MEAL PREP GUIDE

    With 25 Sumptuous Whole Food Recipes

    SEND IT TO ME!

    Featured Recipes

    • Quinoa Badam Kheer
    • Kesar Mango Chia Phirni (Pudding)
    • Orange-Scented Dates And Yogurt Parfaits
    • Oat Peanut Butter Cup Cookies

    THE ULTIMATE SUNDAY MEAL PREP MEAL PLAN

    Want to eat healthy but have literally no time to cook every night? Prepare 5 days of tasty meals and snacks in roughly 2 hours - all done and dusted on Sunday!

    GET IT FOR FREE!

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    • MEET SHAHZADI
    • WORK WITH SHAHZADI
    • RECIPES
    • BLOG
    • VIDEOS
    • SHOP
    • MEDIA & BRANDS
    • CONTACT
    SOCIAL MEDIA
    JOIN MY INNER CIRCLE

    YOUR HEALTHY JOURNEY STARTS HERE. SIGN UP TO RECEIVE FREE NUTRITION TIPS AND DELICIOUS RECIPES TO HELP YOU BE ON TOP OF YOUR GAME.

    All Right Reserved · The information found on this site is not intended for diagnosis or medical treatment and any health-related questions should be directed to your Healthcare team · Privacy Policy · Terms & Conditions· Accessibility Statement

    Copyright ©2022 · DESI~LICIOUS RD INC