Sesame Free Paratha
Flaky, golden, and impossibly satisfying, this whole wheat flatbread is one of those recipes that feels almost magical once you understand the technique. The secret is in the folding — spreading ghee between the layers before rolling creates that signature shatter-and-chew texture that makes each bite so irresistible. Whole wheat flour, salt, ghee, and water are all you need for the dough, which means the ingredient list is refreshingly short and completely free of sesame in any form, no label-reading required. Sesame oil and tahini have a way of sneaking into store-bought flatbreads and restaurant versions, so making these at home puts you fully in control. The dough comes together with a simple knead and a 30-minute rest, and from there the folding process is genuinely fun — even meditative. Cooking them on a hot cast iron skillet with a little extra ghee pressed in at just the right moment gives you those gorgeous dark spots and a slight puff that signals they're perfectly done. Serve them straight off the pan alongside a curry, a bowl of dal, or just with a little extra butter melted on top.
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Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
For the dough
- 2 cups whole wheat flour (atta), plus more for dusting
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 tsp neutral oil or ghee
- ¾ cup warm water, plus more as needed
For layering and cooking
- 4 tbsp ghee or unsalted butter, softened
Instructions
- 1
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour and salt. Add the oil and rub it into the flour with your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Pour in the warm water gradually, mixing with your hand, until a shaggy dough forms. Knead in the bowl for 6–8 minutes until the dough is smooth, soft, and slightly tacky but not sticky — it should spring back slowly when pressed with a finger. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and rest for 30 minutes.
- 2
Divide the rested dough into 8 equal portions and roll each into a smooth ball. On a lightly floured surface, roll one ball into a thin round about 6 inches in diameter.
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