Anand Mahindra, the Chairman of Mahindra Group, is well-known for sharing his candid thoughts on social media. From providing shelter and LPG connections to recently gifting an SUV to para-archer Sheetal Devi, he has consistently proven to be a man of his word. As a proud Indian, he has always promoted Indian business ideas, foods, and local cultures.
Anand Mahindra's Viral Post on Paratha
In a post on X dated December 17, 2023, Mahindra shared his love for Indian food with the caption, "Who needs Pizza when you can have Paratha...?" The video shows a man preparing a giant paratha. He adds a large heap of stuffing onto the flattened dough, brings the edges together, dusts flour on top, and rolls out the paratha. Once done, he folds it twice and places it on an enormous circular tawa. He opens it again to its full size and cooks it on both sides. Later, the paratha is cut into equal slices, resembling a pizza, and served with chutney, curd, and pickle.
Mahindra's sentiments resonated with many users, including Bollywood star Abhishek Bachchan, who replied with "Truth!"
What is a Paratha?
According to Taste Atlas, paratha is a golden-brown, flaky, and layered Indian bread typically consumed for breakfast. The name combines 'parat' and 'atta' (flour), referring to the cooked, layered dough. It is made from whole wheat flour baked in ghee and comes in round, triangular, square, or heptagonal shapes. Parathas are often stuffed with ingredients like boiled potatoes, cauliflower, garlic, ginger, chili, paneer, or radish. They are accompanied by pickles, yogurt, homemade chutneys, or meat and vegetable curries. In Punjab, paratha is traditionally paired with lassi. Originating in Peshawar, Pakistan, it has spread throughout India, with a southern version called parotta. Another way to eat paratha is to roll it into a pipe and dip it into tea.
Why Paratha is a Comfort Food
While pizza is addictive, parathas are even more so, and one cannot stop with just one. Here is why paratha is considered comfort food:
- Comfort food at its best: Paratha is an extension of roti, using the same flour but made richer with spiced stuffing. It feels familiar and satisfying, warm and filling, often associated with home-cooked meals, naturally appealing to all age groups.
- Endless variety: From aloo and paneer to gobhi and pudina, the options are nearly limitless. One can customize it based on taste, season, or dietary needs, making it appealing to all eaters.
- Works for any meal: Parathas are often associated with breakfast, but they can be enjoyed for any meal. For breakfast, they go well with curd and pickle; for lunch, add a curry on the side; for evening snacking, a cup of tea complements them; and for dinner, a bowl of raita completes the meal.
- Balanced and filling: A well-made paratha offers a mix of carbs, fats, and sometimes protein, making it both energizing and satisfying, keeping hunger at bay for longer.
Images courtesy: istock
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