It is made using unleavened dough rolled with a mixture of
mashed potato and spices (amchur, garam masala) which is cooked on a hot tawa with butter or ghee.[5][6] Aloo paratha is usually served with butter,
chutney,
curd, or
Indian pickles.[7][8]
Being stuffed with potato and fried makes it higher in calories (290-360 calories) than a typical
roti (60 calories).[6]
In the 21st century, due to convenience, working routines, rising household incomes, smaller families and time restrictions, the aloo paratha breakfast for urban Indians has been increasingly replaced by foods seen as more convenient such as cereals.[4] A similar pattern has been observed among Central Valley Sikhs in America.[2]
Variations
Jammu Aloo Anardana or Aloo Daḍuni paratha
Jammu is known for Aloo parathas stuffed with a local variety of pomegranate seeds called Daḍuni. These parathas form a regular part of a typical Dogra breakfast and are readily available in any Dogri
Vaishno Dhaba on the way to the
Shri Vaishno Devi shrine.[9]
Jodhpuri Jayaphali Aloo Palak paratha
In Rajasthan,
Jodhpur is known for aloo parathas stuffed with special filling of potatoes cooked with jayaphal (
nutmeg) and palak (
spinach).[10]
Mode of serving
Aloo parathas are mostly served as a
breakfast dish along with dahi (plain yogurt), or yogurt dips called
raita. Sometimes,
Athana (Indian pickle),
chutney and
masala chai are also served along with it.[11]