​5 nutritional foods to pair with paratha other than pickle or curd​

Parathas are loved all over the country. Whether they’re filled with aloo, gobhi or just cooked plain and crispy with a little ghee, they have that golden, flaky taste that makes mornings brighter and dinners more comforting. But when you keep picking the same bowl of curd or that usual spicy pickle, it can start to feel a little boring. So why not try something new? There are healthier and tastier ways to enjoy parathas without giving up on flavour. These pairings bring more variety to your plate and also add important nutrients your body needs. Here's how you can switch things up.

Skip the heavy gravies and try this earthy protein-rich option instead. Black chana cooked with ghee, jeera, garlic, onion, and a pinch of amchur turns into a tasty, dry sabzi full of fibre and iron. It keeps you full for hours and goes really well with a hot paratha brushed with ghee. It also adds a nice crunch, good flavour, and that familiar homely spice touch.

A quick sauté of spinach with laung (clove), garlic, and a hint of hing adds great flavour and nutrition to your plate. Iron, magnesium, and plant-based calcium make this mix a favourite for brain and bone health. It’s a light side that lowers the carb load without losing taste. Cloves also support digestion, so you don’t feel bloated after that second paratha.

Make your paratha plate more wholesome with a scrambled paneer bhurji that includes capsicum, tomato, onion and green peas. It’s soft, spicy, protein-rich, and adds colour and freshness. Paneer gives you good fats and calcium, while the veggies round it out with vitamins. This turns your breakfast into a balanced and satisfying mini meal.

Roasted pumpkin mashed with mustard seeds, curry leaves, green chili and a drizzle of mustard oil is sweet, spicy and very comforting. It’s full of vitamin A, low in calories, and adds a smooth contrast to the crispy bite of parathas. It’s gentle on the stomach and supports better digestion.

Instead of regular curd, try a tall glass of spiced chaas. Mix in fresh mint, ajwain, kala namak and roasted jeera. It cools the body, helps with digestion, and balances the heaviness of the paratha. It also keeps you hydrated and supports gut health. Enjoy it on the side or between bites, as it works even better than plain curd.