Indian cuisine is a treasure trove of different types of food. While our focus is usually on the rich and robust curries, the breads are just as exciting. Without them, it would be impossible to fully savour the flavours of the meal. Among the endless varieties of bread in India, paratha and parotta are quite popular. They are staples for many people across the country. However, have you ever found yourself wondering what the difference is between the two? Or are they the same bread, just with different names? Because they do sound quite similar. If you're interested in finding out the answers to these questions, keep reading as we decode them for you.
What Is Paratha?
Paratha is one of the most popular flatbreads in North India. It is commonly eaten for breakfast but is enjoyed for lunch and dinner as well. The dough of paratha is prepared with atta (whole-wheat flour), which is stuffed with several different types of filling. Some popular paratha varieties include aloo, gobhi, paneer, dal and more.
What Is Parotta?
Parotta is a flatbread hailing from the southern region of the country. Unlike paratha, the dough of parotta is prepared with maida (all-purpose flour). It somewhat resembles a pancake but with a crispier and flakier texture. Parotta is also quite popular in Sri Lanka and is best enjoyed when served with flavourful curries. Malabar Parotta is a classic example.
Also Read:How To Make Methi Lachha Paratha - A Crispy And Flavourful Delight That You'll Love
Paratha Vs Parotta: Here Are Some Key Differences Between The Two:
1. Ingredients:
The difference in ingredients is the most striking dissimilarity between these breads. The dough of the paratha is always made with atta. Whereas the dough of parotta has maida as its key ingredient. It also contains a bit of sugar and milk, which you won't find in the ingredients list for paratha.
2. Preparation Style:
Paratha and parotta are prepared quite differently as well. The former simply requires you to roll and fold the dough to give it a layered texture. For the latter, you need to first roll out the dough into a ball, then a rope, and finally coil it to be rolled out again. This results in different textures in both breads.
3.Texture:
The textures of paratha and parotta differ to a great extent. Paratha usually has a soft and fluffy texture. Parotta, on the other hand, is super crispy and flaky. However, it's possible to make crispy paratha as well, depending on personal preference. Similarly, parotta too offers a soft texture on its inside.
4. Serving Style:
Paratha is typically served topped with butter and a side of curd, or achaar. Whereas parotta is paired with different types of curries: vegetarian or non-vegetarian. While these are the traditional methods of serving, there are some who like to pair paratha with sabzi and dal as well.
Also Read:Veg Kothu Parotta: How To Make This Delicious Street-Style South Indian Dish
Photo Credit: iStock
So, the next time you find yourself confused about differentiating between paratha and parotta, you'll know exactly what sets them apart.
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About Vaishali KapilaVaishali finds comfort in eating parathas and rajma chawal but is equally enthusiastic about exploring different cuisines. When she's not eating or baking, you can often find her curled up on the couch watching her favourite TV show - FRIENDS.
FAQs
Paratha usually has a soft and fluffy texture. Parotta, on the other hand, is super crispy and flaky. However, it's possible to make crispy paratha as well, depending on personal preference. Similarly, parotta too offers a soft texture on its inside.
What is the difference between parotta and paratha? ›
“With most parathas, you roll and fold the dough to get the layers, whereas the parotta belongs to a sub-type in which the dough is rolled into a ball and then into a long rope, which is coiled and then rolled out again,” culinary anthropologist Kurush Dalal had told The Indian Express in 2020.
What is the difference between parotta and naan? ›
The short answer is that paratha is a flaky, layered flatbread made from whole wheat flour and ghee, often stuffed and pan-fried. Naan, on the other hand, is a soft, chewy leavened bread made from all-purpose flour, yeast, and dairy, traditionally baked in a tandoor oven.
What is the difference between plain paratha and malabar paratha? ›
Texture: Malabar Paratha is flaky, rich, and layered, while Roti is simpler, softer, and has a uniform texture. Ingredients: Malabar Paratha often includes oil or ghee in its dough for richness, whereas Roti is typically made with just whole wheat flour and water.
What is the difference between plain paratha and roti? ›
Firstly, Indian roti is a simple unleavened flatbread cooked on an open flame or skillet, while paratha (or oil roti in the Caribbean) is a layered flatbread that requires the process of ghee-layering and frying. This gives paratha its distinctive flaky texture and rich flavor. Caribbean sada roti is leavened.
Which is correct parotta or paratha? ›
Parotta or Porotta is a layered flaky flatbread made from Maida or Atta. It is very common in the Tamil areas of Sri Lanka and the Indian states of South India, and widely available in other countries like Malaysia and the United Arab Emirates. Parottas are often available as street food and in restaurants.
What is the difference between paratha? ›
The thyroid and the parathyroid are two glands in the neck region, but they have distinct roles. The thyroid gland produces hormones that regulate metabolism, growth, and development, while the parathyroid gland regulates calcium and phosphate levels in the blood.
What is the difference between bun parotta and parotta? ›
What is the difference between Bun Paratha and regular paratha? Bun Paratha is softer and fluffier compared to regular paratha, thanks to the addition of milk and eggs in the dough.
What is healthier, naan or paratha? ›
From health perspective, flat breads made of whole wheat flour (roti/paratha/chapati/phulka) are better than the ones made with all-purpose flour (naan & kulcha). If you're new to this kind of food, I insist you to try all varieties of Indian breads.
Is parotta a bread? ›
South Indian parotta is wheat flour-based circular, unleavened, multilayered flat bread. It is one of the staple food items in the southern states of India (Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka).
Paratha is a flaky, layered bread that is loved for its indulgent and rich taste. It is believed to have originated in the Indian subcontinent and is made using whole wheat flour, similar to Roti. However, what sets Paratha apart is its unique preparation method.
What is the difference between Prata and parotta? ›
The parotta, unlike the paratha, is made with maida flour, which has a higher gluten percentage. The result is a silkier, doughier flatbread. It is said that the roti prata that we know and love is derived from this South Indian favourite.
Is paratha same as tortilla? ›
Tortilla have a lot more commonality with Chapati, though in most parts of the world the Chapati is cooked twice, once on the girdle and then on direct flame. A parathras are made out of wheat flour, some are fried others are baked some may have a flaky exterior others may not.
Is paratha and paratha the same? ›
Parotta and Paratha
While these two types of flatbreads are often lumped together, the signature difference between the two lies in their main ingredient — parotta is made of maida (highly refined, bleached wheat flour) while paratha uses an atta base (milled flour made from whole wheat grains).
What is a thin roti called? ›
09/10Rumali Roti
It is a thin soft roti which can be folded like a handkerchief also called 'rumal'in Hindi. This roti is quite popular in Awadhi, Mughlai and Hyderabadi cuisine.
What is the difference between bread and roti? ›
Unlike bread, roti does not include yeast. It is included to soften and fluff up bread. However, because it dehydrates the body and strains the digestive system, this ingredient is more detrimental than beneficial.
Which is better maida parotta or wheat paratha? ›
Unlike maida parotta which does not have any nutrients, wheat parotta is packed with fiber, which makes it a healthier option. The fiber content in wheat parotta helps in digestion, contributes to heart health, and regulates blood sugar levels.
Is parotta junk food? ›
No, unless you soak it into oil on the “tawa”. Parotta cooked with less oil is not unhealthy. And if its a vegetable or paneer parotta, its infact nutritious.
What is parotta made of? ›
Parotta is a flatbread made with all-purpose flour/maida and has layers, whereas Plain Tawa Paratha is mostly made with whole wheat flour, either plain or stuffed with a delicious filling. Kerala Parotta is a little similar to Lachha Paratha, as both have layers, but the technique to make each of them is different.
