• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Herbivore Cucina

  • Recipe Index
  • Indian
  • Instant Pot
  • Air-Fryer
  • International
  • Cakes & Bakes
  • More..
    • Featured
menu icon
go to homepage
  • About Me
  • Recipe Index
  • Instant Pot
  • Contact
  • Web Stories
  • Get Social

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • search icon
    Homepage link
    • About Me
    • Recipe Index
    • Instant Pot
    • Contact
    • Web Stories
  • Get Social

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×
    Home » Fasting

    Published: Feb 9, 2016 · Modified: Aug 18, 2022 by Smruti · This post may contain affiliate links · 18 Comments

    Rajgira Parathas (Amaranth Flatbreads)

    Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe

    Gluten-free flatbreads that are perfect for fasting; these Rajgira Parathas are delicious and fairly easy to make.

    They make a perfect meal with potato sabji and yogurt on fasting days like navratri, shravan mahina and ekadashi. Plus, a great option for a gluten-free diet.

    Rajgira Parathas in a black plate with cilantro chutney and sabji on the side.

    Navratri, Shravan mahina, Ekhdashi hold a lot of significance for the Hindus. People worship the Gods and follow fasts in these times. While the Hindu fasts are not super strict in terms of what can be consumed and what not, there are a few recipes that are popular among Gujaratis.

    Almost every household makes these recipes with some variations based on norms and traditions. Rajgira parathas, samo ni khichdi, rajgira halwa, sabudana khichdi, dudhi no halwo, sabudana vada and sabudana kheer are popular.

    My grandmother always made these recipes in rotation for the fasts. They taste good throughout the year but taste extra delicious on fasting days!

    I always loved these recipes and now I like to create them and document them on the blog. This recipe here was always a favorite and we enjoy it for breakfast so often. However, we do make certain modifications on non-fasting days to include veggies and spices etc.

    Jump to:
    • What is Rajgira
    • Why this recipe works
    • Ingredients and Substitutions
    • How to make this recipe
    • Expert Tips and Notes
    • Recipe FAQs
    • Pairings
    • More Fasting Recipes
    • Rajgira Parathas (Amaranth Flatbreads)

    What is Rajgira

    Rajgira is a popular ingredient for fasting recipes. It is a non-cereal grain, making it a perfect candidate for fasting days. Just like quinoa and buckwheat this is a pseudocereal.

    The word Rajgira means God's grain or Royal Grain. In fact the word literally translates to 'deathless' or immortal in Sanskrit. It means the grain will remain forever and truly so!

    Not just for fasting days, rajgira parathas are excellent for a gluten-free diet throughout the year and also for weight loss. Also, it is packed with nutrients and considered an Indian super food.

    A versatile ingredient, rajgira can be used to make parathas, puris, sheera and so on. It mixes easily with other ingredients and the earthy flavor works well for savory and sweet recipes.

    Why this recipe works

    • It is excellent for fasting.
    • It uses a superfood i.e. rajgira.
    • These parathas are super healthy.
    • Also it makes a great option for a gluten-free diet.
    • We use a couple of ingredients like potato or oil and peanuts to bring the flour together.
    • It works well for a quick lunch, breakfast or lunch box.
    • The parathas will stay soft for a few hours when packed properly.
    • Plus, they can be enjoyed the next day after refrigerating them overnight and re-heating on a tava.
    • The nutty and earthy flavor of rajgira shines through this recipe as we do not add a lot of ingredients.
    • For a non-fasting version adding shredded vegetables is an option here.
    • These pair well with Vrat waale Aloo, Rajgira Kadhi or just Masala Chai.
    • These parathas are great for enjoying any time of the day!

    Ingredients and Substitutions

    Ingredients for rajgira parathas; flour, potatoes, spices and oil all arranged in a black background.
    • Rajgira Flour: The base of the recipe is rajgira flour. I use flour from the store. This rajgira flour brand is my favorite. However, milling your own flour is an option too. Given that this grain is gluten-free, we need something to bind it. The remaining ingredients work towards that.
    • Potato: Boiled potato is a perfect binder for the gluten-free flour. Either mash them or grate them into the dough. Instead of regular potato, add sweet potato if you like.
    • Ginger, Chili: As we do not add red chili or other spices, we use green chili and ginger to flavor the parathas. Leave them out if you like plain parathas. Add red chili if you like or you consume it in fasting.
    • Peanuts: Crushed peanuts are a great for binding the flour as well. However, skip them for a nut-free version of Rajgira Parathas.
    • Spices: We only need a couple of basic spices for this recipe. I add salt, cumin powder and black pepper powder. Moreover, regular salt can be substituted with sendha namak in these parathas.
    • Cilantro and lemon juice: These add a lot of flavor to the parathas too. However, these are optional in this recipe.
    • Water: We need water to bring all the ingredients together. The amount will vary based on the flour brand, but do not use a lot. However, soft dough is often pretty difficult to roll so ensure you do not add a lot of water.
    • Ghee: I cook these parathas in ghee. However, they can be cooked in oil too.

    See the recipe card for detailed ingredient information, measurements and nutrition.

    How to make this recipe

    1- In a bowl add rajgira flour. Add in mashed potato.

    2- Then add grated ginger, chili, cumin powder, salt and black pepper powder.

    Collage steps to make rajgira parathas; adding flour, potatoes and spices to a large bowl.

    3- Add cilantro and ground peanut powder.

    4- Using a soft hand, bring everything together till it is crumbly.

    Bringing the flour together in a white bowl till crumbly.

    5- Add water and start to knead the dough.

    6- Make a soft dough and set aside. Let the dough rest for 15-20 minutes.

    Collage steps to make rajgira parathas; making the dough for the parathas.

    7- Make lemon size balls of equal size.

    8- Next, pat the dough ball in rajgira flour and place on a rolling board.

    Collage steps to make rajgira parathas; dividing the dough into balls.

    9- Roll to a paratha of even thickness. They can be thick or thin as desired. Repeat for the remaining dough balls.

    10- Heat a tava or flat pan. Once hot, place the paratha on it.

    Collage steps to make rajgira parathas; rolling the parathas.

    11- Let it cook and once you see bubbles, turn it over and apply ghee.

    12- Turn the paratha over and apply ghee. Once both sides are cooked, remove from flame and serve.

    Collage steps to make rajgira parathas; cooking the parathas using ghee on a tava.

    Expert Tips and Notes

    • Fresh rajgira flour yields the best parathas. Dated flour tends to get dry or have a particular smell. So check the date before you buy!
    • I like to add potatoes or sweet potato to bind the dough. These are great in taste, flavor and texture.
    • Instead of potatoes, adding some oil to knead the dough works too. However, the flavor definitely varies with oil.
    • Use a plastic sheet to make rolling easy. This way the dough does not stick to the rolling board.
    • If you do not like to use plastic, grease the rolling pin with some ghee or oil to roll them easily.
    • Use sendha namak instead of regular salt if you do not consume salt on fasting days.
    • These parathas can be cooked in ghee or oil. To make them Vegan use oil.
    • If you are not making these for fasting, add shredded vegetables of your choice. Carrots, peppers, beans and cabbage works well.
    a black plate with rajgira parathas and sides like cilantro chutney, yogurt and potato sabji on the side.

    Recipe FAQs

    How do we bind gluten-free paratha dough?

    Gluten-free flours are slightly difficult to roll out as they lack gluten. Adding some grated potato or sweet potato is great for binding. Moreover, oil works well too.

    Is rajgira healthy?

    Yes rajgira in all it's forms; flour, whole or popped is healthy. It is considered an Indian superfood. Source of calcium, protein and amino acids and is also rich in iron, magnesium and Vitamin A, B and C too.

    What is rajgira flour called in English?

    Rajgira is called as 'amaranth' in English.

    Can we make Vegan rajgira parathas?

    Indeed. Simply making them in oil instead of ghee makes the recipe Vegan. And it is already gluten-free.

    Pairings

    These parathas pair perfectly with so many sides. Here are some that make it a perfect snack, breakfast or meal.

    • Cilantro Chutney
    • Farali Aloo Sabji
      Farali Aloo Sabji
    • masala chai in cup with saucer
      Masala Chai
    • Instant Pot Yogurt

    More Fasting Recipes

    • Rose Peda in plate
      Instant Rose Peda
    • Top view of low-carb stir fry recipe with chutney and fried potatoes.
      Quinoa Sabudana Khichdi
    • Deep fried Sabudana Vada arranged in a black plate with some lemon slices and green chili around it with masala chai and chutney around it.
      Sabudana Vada
    • Fruit Chaat in a black and white bowl with a golden fork and spoon by the side and mint leaves around it.
      Fruit Chaat

    I love seeing when you share my recipes!

    Tag me on Instagram @herbivorecucina or mention #herbivorecucina so I can enjoy them virtually with you! You can also find me on Pinterest, Facebook, Tik Tok, and YouTube.

    Love this recipe? Please leave a star rating in the recipe card below & if you REALLY like it, consider a review in the comments whilst you are there, thanks!

    Rajgira Parathas (Amaranth Flatbreads)

    Smruti
    Gluten-free flatbreads that are perfect for fasting; these Rajgira Parathas are delicious and fairly easy to make. Plus, they are packed with nutrients and considered a super food recipe.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 15 minutes mins
    Resting Time 30 minutes mins
    Total Time 55 minutes mins
    Course Breads
    Cuisine Fasting, Gujarati, Indian
    Servings 7 parathas
    Calories 214 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 cups rajgira flour
    • ½ cup boiled potato (mashed or grated)
    • 2 tablespoon peanut powder
    • 1 teaspoon ginger (peeled and grated)
    • 1 teaspoon green chili (grated)
    • ½ teaspoon cumin powder
    • ½ teaspoon black pepper powder
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • ⅛-¼ cup water
    • 4-5 stalks cilantro
    • ¼ cup ghee (to cook)

    Instructions
     

    • In a bowl add rajgira flour. Add in mashed potato.
    • Then add grated ginger, chili, cumin powder, salt and black pepper powder.
    • Add cilantro and ground peanut powder.
    • Using a soft hand, bring everything together till it is crumbly.
    • Add water and start to knead the dough.
    • Make a soft dough and set aside. Let the dough rest for 15-20 minutes.
    • Make lemon size balls of equal size.
    • Next, pat the dough ball in rajgira flour and place on a rolling board.
    • Roll to a paratha of even thickness. They can be thick or thin as desired. Repeat for the remaining dough balls.
    • Heat a tava or flat pan. Once hot, place the paratha on it.
    • Let it cook and once you see bubbles, turn it over and apply ghee.
    • Turn the paratha over and apply ghee. Once both sides are cooked, remove from flame and serve.

    Video

    Notes

    • Fresh rajgira flour yields the best parathas. Dated flour tends to get dry or have a particular smell. So check the date before you buy!
    • I like to add potatoes or sweet potato to bind the dough. These are great in taste, flavor and texture.
    • Instead of potatoes, adding some oil to knead the dough works too. However, the flavor definitely varies with oil.
    • Use a plastic sheet to make rolling easy. This way the dough does not stick to the rolling board.
    • If you do not like to use plastic, grease the rolling pin with some ghee or oil to roll them easily.
    • Use sendha namak instead of regular salt if you do not consume salt on fasting days.
    • These parathas can be cooked in ghee or oil. To make them Vegan use oil.
    • If you are not making these for fasting, add shredded vegetables of your choice. Carrots, peppers, beans and cabbage works well.
    Note: Nutrition values are my best estimates using an automated calculator. If you rely on them for your diet, use your preferred nutrition calculator.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 214kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 5gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 16mgSodium: 341mgPotassium: 170mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 41IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 12mgIron: 2mg
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
    « Asian Salad with Ginger Dressing
    Kesar Shrikhand »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Mayuri Patel says

      March 10, 2022 at 8:15 pm

      Interesting facts about rajgira Smruti. I use it ever so often for Fasting days but really didn't know that its called God's or Royal grain. Am surely going to try out this paratha for hubby as he wants to follow a gluten free diet. And welcome to the group.

      Reply
    2. Unknown says

      March 10, 2022 at 8:15 pm

      This sure looks healthy and flavoursome Smruti!

      Reply
    3. Jennifer Field says

      March 10, 2022 at 8:15 pm

      Welcome to Bread Bakers! And thanks for the amaranth lesson--I'm especially intrigued by the halwa idea. I love brittles! Lovely griddle bread. It sounds so flavorful! I know you don't know this about me, but Indian food is my favorite, and you've made me very hungry!

      Reply
    4. Ansh says

      March 10, 2022 at 8:15 pm

      That looks Fantastic and is so nourishing. Thank you for joining in this month.

      Reply
    5. Unknown says

      March 10, 2022 at 8:15 pm

      What a delicious looking bread, love all the ingredients that go in it!!

      Reply
    6. Julie says

      March 10, 2022 at 8:15 pm

      I've wanted to try amaranth for quite some time and love that you added green chile's!

      Reply
    7. Robin says

      March 10, 2022 at 8:15 pm

      Welcome Smruti! These look wonderful. Love the amaranth history—it's one thing I haven't baked with yet but that may change very soon, thanks to this recipe.

      Reply
    8. Karen says

      March 10, 2022 at 8:15 pm

      Welcome to the group! I just happen to have some amaranth in the freezer so I'm going to have to give these a try. Thanks for the information on the ingredient!

      Reply
    9. Wendy says

      March 10, 2022 at 8:15 pm

      Welcome! These look great, and I have always wanted to experiment with amaranth.

      Reply
    10. A Day in the Life on the Farm says

      March 10, 2022 at 8:15 pm

      First, I want to welcome you to the group. Second I want to thank you for all the information your provided. I love learning of other cultures through their foods.

      Reply
    11. Unknown says

      March 10, 2022 at 8:15 pm

      Welcome to Bread Bakers! I love using amaranth cooked in stuffed peppers. I want to try this bread with those peppers!

      Reply
    12. Chef Mireille says

      March 10, 2022 at 8:15 pm

      welcome to the group - what a flavorful and delicious looking bread - looks great

      Reply
    13. Rocio RivGen says

      March 10, 2022 at 8:15 pm

      Delicious bread with ginger !!! LOve it

      Reply
    14. Shireen says

      March 10, 2022 at 8:15 pm

      Wonderfully healthy and delicious looking paratha! Welcome to the bread bakers 🙂

      Reply
    15. Kalyani says

      March 10, 2022 at 8:15 pm

      its awesome to see a paratha with Rajgira 🙂 so healthy and nutritious 🙂 bookmarking to try thism Smruti !

      Reply
    16. Pavani says

      March 10, 2022 at 8:15 pm

      What a healthy & nutritious parathas using rajgira flour. I have some in my pantry but never made parathas with it. Will have to try this some time soon.

      Reply
    17. Unknown says

      March 10, 2022 at 8:15 pm

      good blog ! looks for delicious. delicious paratha. i love healty food. thankyou for shearing this information with us!Online Food Delivery

      Reply
    18. liza says

      March 10, 2022 at 8:15 pm

      nice post

      Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    About Me

    Smruti headshot

    This blog is dedicated to one of my greatest passions, Cooking. I have always loved to cook, especially trying out some unconventional recipes.

    Learn more about me →

    Summer Recipes

    • A bowl of basil pesto surrounded with other Italian ingredients.
      Fresh Basil Pesto
    • Fruit Chaat in a black and white bowl with a golden fork and spoon by the side and mint leaves around it.
      Fruit Chaat
    • A brown bowl filled with Hatch Chile Hummus topped with oil and paprika and served with crackers in a green plate.
      Hatch Green Chile Hummus
    • Top view of Vegan tofu Tikka served with chutney, onions and lemon slice on a blue plate on a brown gunny bag.
      Vegan Tandoori Tofu Tikka
    • Instant Dahi Vada; fritters made with lentil and dunked in yogurt and toppings; served in black oval platter with toppings on the side.
      Instant Dahi Vada
    • Litchi Kofta served in a white bowl with roti and salad on the side on a gray plate with a spoon and napkin around it.
      Litchi Kofta

    Popular Recipes

    • Instant Pot Boba (Bubble) Tea
    • Air Fryer noodles in a tray with vegetables
      Air Fryer Noodles
    • Instant Pot Pickled Jalapeños
    • Front view of Papdi Chaat Dip
      Papdi Chaat Dip
    • Top view of chaat
      Khasta Kachori Chaat
    • glass with rose boba tea
      Rose Boba (Bubble) Tea

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Accessibility Policy

    Contact

    • Contact
    • About Me
    • Work with Me

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2023 Herbivorecucina.com