Pumpkin Paratha & Roti – Piping Pot Curry

Pumpkin Paratha is an amazing variation of the traditional Indian flatbread; it is soft, healthy, and tasty. To prepare this nutritious flatbread, all we need is whole wheat flour (atta), pumpkin puree, and aromatic spices. You can also make Pumpkin Roti with this recipe!

When we have an abundance of pumpkin, I always make pumpkin puree in bulk and store it. It can be stored in the refrigerator for 3 days and also freezes well.

Then, whenever I make dough for roti or paratha, I use pumpkin puree instead of water. This makes the parathas much more nutritious and soft. These parathas are perfect with any curry and also for kids’ lunch boxes.

Parathas are a favorite in my Punjabi home; my kids love aloo paratha, methi paratha, and cheese paratha.

About Pumpkin Paratha & Roti

Pumpkin Paratha is a wholesome and flavorful Indian flatbread that’s as nutritious as it is satisfying. Made from a dough of wheat flour, with the goodness of pumpkin and aromatic spices, it offers a perfect balance of health and taste.

Of course, you can also make roti with the same pumpkin dough. It is called Parangikai Rotti or Chapati in Tamil Nadu in Southern India. You can also make pumpkin puri with this dough. It is called Bhoplache Puri in Marathi.

Pumpkin paratha can be enjoyed as a standalone dish for breakfast or lunch, served with a bowl of yogurt/ raita or a side of chutney for added flavor.

Alternatively, it can be paired with your favorite curry or dal for a complete and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Pumpkin Puree: Pumpkin puree is made by cooking and blending pumpkin until smooth. It adds moisture, sweetness, and a subtle pumpkin flavor to the paratha dough.

Green Chili Pepper: Finely diced green chili peppers add a bit of heat and fresh, spicy flavor to the paratha dough.

Ginger: Grated ginger adds a warm, pungent flavor to the paratha dough and complements the sweetness of the pumpkin.

Cilantro Leaves: Chopped cilantro leaves contribute a fresh flavor to the paratha dough, adding color and freshness to the dish.

Cumin Powder: Cumin powder has a warm, nutty flavor that adds depth to the paratha dough.

Carom Seeds: Carom seeds have a strong, aromatic flavor. They aid digestion and add a unique aroma to the paratha dough.

Spices: You’ll need salt, turmeric powder, and red chili powder.

Oil or Ghee: A little is added to the dough. It is also used to pan-fry the parathas.

Variations

Grated Pumpkin Paratha: Instead of using mashed pumpkin puree, grate fresh pumpkin and mix it with wheat flour, spices, and other stuff. Grating the pumpkin adds texture to the paratha.

Sweet Pumpkin Paratha: To make it sweeter, add a bit of sugar or jaggery powder to the dough along with pumpkin puree. You can also sprinkle some cinnamon and/or cardamom for extra taste. Serve with yogurt or honey for a yummy dessert-like treat.

Spiced Pumpkin Filling: Instead of mixing pumpkin into the dough, cook the grated or diced pumpkin with onions, garlic, and spices like cumin, coriander, and turmeric. Use this tasty filling to stuff the parathas before rolling them out. It makes the parathas moist and full of flavor.

Making Pumpkin Puree

• Cut the pumpkin into chunks and cook until soft.
• If using an Instant Pot, place a trivet inside and add water to it. Put the pumpkin on the trivet (or directly in the pot). Close the Instant Pot and set it on pressure cook mode for 12 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally.

• Once cooled, remove the pumpkin carefully, slice it in half, and scoop out the seeds.
• Scoop the cooked pumpkin out from the skin and add it to a food processor or blender.

• Add water as needed to achieve a smooth texture. The pumpkin puree is ready.

Making the Dough

• In a large bowl, combine atta (whole wheat flour) with pumpkin puree, chopped green chili, grated ginger, cilantro leaves, salt, turmeric powder, red chili powder, cumin powder, and carom seeds.

• Knead until a soft, smooth dough forms. Test by pressing a finger into the dough – it should leave an impression.

• Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment. Start on low speed until dough forms, adding water if needed.
• Use your hands to press the dough gently to feel its consistency.
• If the dough feels too dry or crumbly, it may need a little water to soften it and make it easier to work with.
• Aim for a dough that holds together well without being too dry or too wet. It should feel soft to the touch.

How to Make Pumpkin Roti?

• Make small, flat balls from the dough by rolling them between your hands.
• Put a dough ball in dry flour and place it on a flat surface.
• Flatten the dough with a rolling pin to make a circle. Make it about 6 inches in diameter.

• If you want, you can add a little ghee (butter) and make a cut in the middle before rolling it out.
• Roll out the dough gently with the rolling pin. Turn it a little as you go to make it round.
• Keep adding flour to prevent sticking.
• Don’t press too hard while rolling. Keep it light and gentle.
• Preheat a Tawa (griddle) on medium-high flame. Pick the roti and flip between your palms to remove any extra dry flour. Transfer the roti to the tawa.
• Turn when the color changes and small air pockets form in about 5-10 seconds.

• For the other side, now we want to cook until there are some brown spots on the roti. 
• Now, you can cook directly on the flame. Use tongs (chimta) to turn from side to side until the roti puffs.

How to Make Pumpkin Paratha?

• Make small, flat balls from the dough by rolling them between your hands.
• Put a dough ball in dry flour and place it on a flat surface.
• Flatten the dough with a rolling pin to make a circle. It should be about 4-5 inches in diameter.
• Add a little ghee or oil, and make a cut in the middle before rolling it out.

• Roll out the dough gently with the rolling pin. Turn it a little as you go to make it round.

• Keep adding flour to prevent sticking.
• Don’t press too hard while rolling. Keep it light and gentle.
• Heat a skillet or griddle and place a rolled-out paratha on it.
• Cook until small air pockets form and the dough changes color, then flip it.
• Spread ghee or oil on the cooked side and cook until brown spots appear.

• Flip again, spread ghee/oil, and cook until both sides are evenly browned.

• Serve hot with your favorite sides.

Pro Tips

• Adjust moisture carefully: Balance the amount of pumpkin puree and water while kneading the dough to avoid it becoming too sticky or dry.
• Roll evenly: Use gentle pressure and roll evenly to maintain a consistent thickness throughout, preventing parathas from becoming unevenly thick or thin.
• Preheat skillet: Ensure the skillet or griddle is properly preheated to medium-high heat for even cooking and a golden color without burning.
• Experiment with fillings: Get creative by adding grated paneer, cooked lentils, or other grated vegetables to the dough for added flavor and texture.

What to serve with Pumpkin Paratha?

Pumpkin paratha tastes great with different sides. You can eat it with yogurt or raita such as  boondi raita, cucumber raita, or lauki raita for a cooling taste.

Spicy pickles add extra flavor. Chutneys such as mint cilantro chutney are also yummy. If you want a filling meal, enjoy it with a curry or dal.

How to Store Pumpkin Paratha?

• Room Temperature: If you’ll eat them soon, just put them in a closed container or wrap them in foil or a cloth and leave them on the counter.
• Refrigeration: For longer storage, let the parathas cool, then put them in an airtight container or wrap them in foil. They’ll stay good in the fridge for 2-3 days.
• Freezing: To keep them even longer, stack the parathas with parchment paper between each one and freeze them in a bag. They’ll last for 1-2 months this way.
• Reheating: When you’re ready to eat, warm up the parathas in a pan or microwave until they’re hot all the way through.