paratha | Shana Foods

The history and cultural significance of parathas

Ever had one of those mornings where the scent of something delicious pulls you out of bed and straight into the kitchen? If you've grown up in a South Asian home, chances are that aroma was of parathas being fried to golden perfection.

It's that perfect breakfast vibe that fills you up in more ways than one, kind of like those cozy Punjabi mornings where it’s not just the parathas that leave you feeling happy & fulfilled. It's the whole experience of sitting with your family as one unit and enjoying an afternoon lazing around after some filling breakfast or brunch.

How do you make a classic flaky paratha?

Making parathas starts with the basics: whole wheat flour, or atta, giving parathas their nutty flavor and that perfect, chewy softness. You just toss the flour together with some water, salt, and a splash of ghee or oil in a bowl.

Then, get your hands in there and knead until it's all smooth and ready to go. Give the dough a little break to chill out and relax, which makes rolling it out way easier.

Once it's had its rest, you split it into pieces, roll them flat, and decide if you're going to add a tasty filling or keep things simple.

Stuffed or not, each paratha then heads to a hot griddle, gets a quick brush with ghee or oil, and cooks to golden, crispy perfection. Flipping them a few times makes sure they cook evenly and get those layers we all love.

A peek into the paratha's past

Let's take a quick trip down memory lane. Parathas have been around for centuries, originally crafted in the kitchens of the Indian subcontinent. They started as a clever way to use up leftover bread, but soon, people began to play around, stuffing them with all sorts of delicious fillings. What was once a simple, economical food item has become a beloved staple, adored for its versatility and taste.

The story of how Parathas went from being a regional favorite to a global star is pretty cool. As folks from India and its neighbors set off to explore and settle in new lands, they brought their recipes with them. This not only introduced parathas to new audiences but also spiced up local cuisines with a dash of South Asian flair. Now, you'll find parathas being enjoyed in places as far off as Canada and the Caribbean.

But let's face it, life gets busy, and as much as we crave those homemade, flaky parathas, making them from scratch isn't always feasible.

So, what about some frozen ready to cook parathas? They let us enjoy homemade-quality parathas without the hassle.

Did we say frozen parathas?

When it comes to frozen parathas, Shana Foods knows what's up. We were the trendsetters, introducing frozen parathas to food lovers around the world. From the spicy kick of chili garlic parathas to the comforting taste of aloo parathas, Shana has something for everyone.

Aloo Paratha

North India’s favorite breakfast dish, aloo parathas is packed with a spicy potato filling and fried to perfection.

To make aloo paratha, boiled potatoes are mashed and combined with different spices, including cumin, coriander, turmeric, and chili powder. The spiced potato mixture is then generously stuffed into rolled-out dough circles, which are then on a hot griddle until they're crispy and golden brown. Cherished for its comforting warmth, texture, and taste, aloo paratha is a timeless favorite for breakfast or brunch.

Shana’s frozen aloo parathas can be cooked in a matter of minutes, so you can enjoy a delicious breakfast without having to spend hours slaving over a hot stove. They are filled with authentically spiced potatoes within a crisp and flaky paratha. Great as a snack with fresh yogurt or raita.

Chili Paratha

Chili garlic paratha (better known as a desi version of garlic bread) is stuffed with butter, red chili flakes, garlic, coriander leaves, and salt.

Also known as "mirch paratha" in Hindi or Urdu, it's made by adding finely chopped green chilies and spices such as cumin, coriander, and salt into whole wheat dough. It's loved for its fiery taste and is often served with yogurt, pickle, or cooling raita to balance out the heat. It's a popular choice for those who prefer a bit of spice in their meals.

Shana has combined its signature chili parathas and garlic parathas to bring you this exciting twist to the multi-pack range.

Mixed Veg Paratha

Soft, healthy, and delicious, mixed veg parathas are an excellent alternative to junk foods for your kids. The vegetables are typically boiled or sautéed and then mashed before being mixed into the dough along with spices.

Shana’s mixed veg paratha is packed with carrots, potatoes, cauliflower, and peas. Not only that, but it’s also a fantastic way to sneak in some veggies into your diet. Fry on both sides until golden brown and serve with pickle or raita.

Onion Paratha

One of our absolute favorites – onion parathas are delicious whole wheat flatbreads stuffed with onions and spicy green chilies. It’s a popular Indian flatbread that can be enjoyed as a breakfast or snack. It’s made by stuffing whole wheat dough with a filling of finely chopped onions mixed with various spices such as coriander, cumin, chili powder, and sometimes ajwain (carom seeds) for added flavor.

The paratha is then rolled out and cooked on a hot griddle with ghee or oil until it becomes golden brown and crispy on the outside.

As it’s roasted or fried, the onions cook and soften, giving you a crispy layer of paratha with softened onions and a dash of heat from the green chilies.

Onion paratha is often served with yogurt, pickle, or chutney, and it's enjoyed for its delicious taste and comforting texture.

Aloo Gobhi Paratha

Aloo gobi paratha is a popular Indian flatbread stuffed with a savory mixture of potatoes (aloo) and cauliflower (gobi). To prepare it, mashed potatoes and finely chopped cauliflower are seasoned with spices such as cumin, coriander, turmeric, chili powder, and garam masala.

The mixture is then stuffed into whole wheat dough balls, which are rolled out into flat circles and cooked on a hot griddle with ghee or oil until golden brown and crispy.

It's often served with yogurt, pickle, or chutney, making it a hearty and delicious meal for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

After seasoning, continue to cook for a few more minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Finally, garnish your sautéed okra with fresh cilantro leaves for added freshness.

Get creative with Shana frozen parathas

Who says you must stick to the script? Shana's frozen parathas are perfect for when you want to mix things up. Here are some fusion dishes that will make you see parathas in a whole new light:

Chili paratha quesadilla: Who knew? Add cheese and your favorite fillings, and you've got an Indo-Mexican party on your plate.
Paratha egg roll: Breakfast on the go just got a makeover. Wrap up some scrambled eggs in a paratha, and you're set.
Chicken and veggie roll parathas: You can make flavor-packed roll parathas filled with tender chicken and a bunch of veggies, topped with zesty sauces.
Paneer stuffed garlic parathas: Double down on the goodness with a garlicky paratha stuffed with soft paneer. Yum!
Chili paratha egg puffs: Spice up your snack time with these egg-filled treats. It's a little bit spicy, a little bit eggy, and a lot delicious.

In wrapping up, frozen parathas remind us that good food doesn't have to be complicated and that sometimes, the simplest pleasures (like biting into a crispy, flaky paratha) are the best.

So, why not invite Shana into your kitchen and see where these tasty flatbreads take you?

How to cook and serve the frozen parathas?

Cooking up the frozen parathas is a breeze. You don't need to be a chef to get it right – just heat ‘em & eat ‘em!

It's so easy! In minutes, you're ready to dig into a meal that's comforting, filling, and oh-so-tasty.