Vegetarian●●●Origin PunjabPrep 45 minutes, plus standing timeCook 10–30 minutesMakes 8
A crisp, layered North Indian flatbread stuffed with spiced potatoes and aromatics, baked until blistered and golden. It is rich, buttery, and packed with fragrant roasted spices.
Combine 200 g potato, 175 g None, 2 tablespoon paneer, 4 g fresh ginger, 1 g coriander leaf, 9.9 g green chilli, 40 g onion, 1 teaspoon None, and the filling spices in a large mixing bowl. Mix thoroughly and portion into 8 equal balls.
Sift 500 g None and 0.3 g salt into a wide bowl. Gradually incorporate enough water to form a soft dough, then knead on a lightly floured surface for 5 minutes until smooth. Transfer to a lightly greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and rest in a warm area for 30 minutes.
Work half of the 125 g ghee into the rested dough, kneading until fully absorbed. Cover and leave to rest for another 10 minutes. If using an oven, preheat it to 200°C (400°F).
Portion the dough into 8 equal balls and let them rest for 5 minutes. Dusting the worktop with flour, roll each ball into a disk roughly 10–12 cm (4–5 inches) wide. Place a mound of filling in the centre, gather the edges to encase it, and pinch firmly to seal. Carefully roll out into a flat round, ensuring the stuffing does not burst through.
Bake on a greased baking sheet in the oven for about 10 minutes until puffed and browned, or cook inside a moderately hot tandoor on a pad for 2–3 minutes until charred in spots. Brush all over with ghee or butter and serve immediately.
Use 120% of the weight; melt gently over low heat to avoid burning the milk solids, which will yield a softer, creamier richness rather than a nutty aroma.
Use equal weight, pressed well to remove excess moisture and cut into cubes. Pan-fry lightly before adding; absorbs sauces similarly, though it lacks dairy sweetness.
Halloumi
Use equal weight, soaked in warm water for 20 minutes to leach out excess salt. Holds shape during frying, but has a denser, saltier chew.
Use 20% to 25% of the weight (1 g for every 4 to 5 g fresh). Stir into the gravy; adds peppery heat and warmth, though it misses the crisp, zesty kick of raw root.
Use 80% of the weight, finely shredded and browned slowly with a pinch of asafoetida. Replicates the bulk and natural sweetness in gravies without allium.
Use 50% of the weight mixed with equal parts ground coriander and a pinch of ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and ground green cardamom. Sprinkle near the end for a warming finish.