Spicy Lentil & Halloumi Stuffed Parathas

Lentils and chapatis are very much part of the staple Indian diet. I’m always finding ways to make food easier to eat and more exciting for my two boys! I’ve never made lentil stuffed parathas so I thought I would give it a go. But now, it wouldn’t be a Shivaay Delights recipe if it didn’t have that fusion twist.

So here it comes ~ Halloumi, yes I said Halloumi! I’ve now ventured into Greek & Indian fusion! OMG! it worked! The saltiness of the halloumi and the texture combination with the spicy lentils is gooood!

At first it tastes very Indian and it is only after I mentioned to my Husband that the parathas had halloumi in it, did he realise. Do try them out and let me know what you think.

Have a tremendous Tuesday! Much love D x

METHOD

150g red lentils
1 garlic clove crushed
½ tsp cumin & coriander powder
¼ tsp turmeric powder
1 tsp sambhar powder
Pinch of salt
100g grated halloumi cheese

For the dough
3 cups chapati flour
1 tbsp sunflower oil
1 cup boiling water

Flour for rolling
Oil for shallow frying the parathas

INGREDIENTS

• Boil lentils in double the amount of water, simmer on a medium heat, add the garlic, seasoning and spices stir well

• Keep cooking on a low heat until nearly all the water is evaporated and your left with a dry crumbly lentil filling

Add the halloumi cheese and mix well

• Meanwhile make the dough. In a large mixing bowl combine the flour and oil to resemble bread crumbs

Carefully pour in the boiling water, using a fork bring the dough together and once your happy to handle it, start to knead. Use a little oil and work the dough for 5 minutes

• Take a palm full of dough about the size of a golf ball and roll out on a floured surface to approx 4cm in diameter. Get a teaspoon full of lentil masala, roll into a ball and place in the middle of the paratha round. Sprinkle with a little plain flour and then bring the dough up to seal the filling inside

• Flour the uncooked paratha ball and gently roll out to approximately an 8cm disk, using flour to avoid sticking. You may find that the filling may try to escape so press back in again and roll out

• Preheat a large non stick frying pan on a medium heat and dry cook the first layer of the paratha, wait for a couple of minutes then turn. At this stage use a little oil to cover the second layer. Cook until both sides are golden brown and well done

• Repeat with the rest of the dough and filling

Serve with some cool fresh natural yoghurt!