Lachedar paratha

1. 1

   Sift the flour and baking powder into a large mixing bowl, add the salt and sugar and mix well. Add the ghee, butter or oil and rub into the flour until it resembles breadcrumbs.

2. 2

   Gradually add 175ml/6fl oz warm water in dribbles until the dough is pliable but quite stiff. Depending on the flour used, you may not need all the water.

3. 3

   Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured work surface and knead for 10 minutes until it feels smooth and silky. Place in a lightly floured bowl, cover and leave to rest for 1-3 hours.

4. 4

   When rested, divide the dough into eight equal sized pieces. Take each piece and shape into a patty. Dust the patties lightly with flour and roll out to 18cm/7in discs.

5. 5

   Spread half a tablespoon of the melted unsalted butter over the top of each disc and dust lightly with some extra flour.

6. 6

   To layer the paratha, make a cut from the middle of each disc to the outer edge, then roll the paratha tightly from the cut to make a cone. Place the wide end on a clean work surface and press down to form a patty, this time with layers. When all the discs have been made into layered patties, cover and leave to rest in the fridge for 2 hours.

7. 7

   Take the patties out of the fridge 10 minutes before you are ready to cook them, to bring them to room temperature. Dust with flour and roll into 15cm/6in discs. As you roll out each paratha, place them onto a plate, layering baking paper between each one to stop them sticking to each other.

8. 8

   Heat the ghee in a wide heavy saucepan over a medium-high heat. Carefully slide each paratha into the hot ghee and use the back of a slotted spoon to push the paratha down and keep it submerged. Fry on each side for 2 minutes, until the surface is crisp and brown. Drain on kitchen paper while you cook the rest.

9. 9

   If pre-fried before serving, wrap each paratha in baking paper and then again in kitchen foil and reheat in an oven set to 180C/160C Fan/Gas 4 for 15 minutes.

1 serving ≈ 125 g

Nutrition values are estimates. - means data is unavailable.