Malabar Paratha Recipe for Tea Time – Kerala Paratha Perfection

Evening chai calls for something special—that moment when flaky malabar paratha tears apart, steam rising to mingle with cardamom notes from your cup? This tea time malabar paratha recipe crafts Kerala paratha perfection: lighter layers, ghee-kissed crisp for snacking with banana halwa or ginger tea, without heavy dinner portions. Ideal 4 PM ritual straight from Malabar kitchens.​​

Tea time twist uses less dough per paratha for delicate handfuls, plus coconut oil option echoing Kerala shores. Refined this over countless chai sessions—balances indulgence with snack lightness perfectly.​

Ingredients (Makes 9 Tea Time Parathas)

• 2 cups maida (all-purpose flour)
• ¾ tsp salt
• 1 tbsp sugar
• ½ cup coconut water (or plain lukewarm)
• 1½ tbsp coconut oil (dough)
• ¼ cup coconut oil/ghee (light layering)
• Extra oil for cooking

Tea pairing hack: Coconut water adds subtle sweetness matching chai.​

Tea Time Malabar Paratha Steps

1. Light Dough Mix (8 mins + 45 mins rest)

Sift maida, salt, sugar. Rub coconut oil till fragrant crumbs. Add coconut water gradually, knead 7-8 mins to tender-soft dough (less sticky than mains). Oil lightly, cover, rest 45 mins. Gentler knead yields airy snack texture.​​

2. Small Snack Balls (4 mins + 15 mins rest)

Divide into 9 petite balls (50g each). Oil-roll smooth. Nestle oil-coated in bowl, rest 15 mins. Smaller size perfect for tea nibbles—no leftovers.​

3. Delicate Layer Pleats (Per Ball: 2 mins)

Oil surface. Pat ball to 8-inch thin disc. Brush scant ½ tsp oil, pleat accordion narrow (⅓ cm folds). Stretch minimally, coil into small tight spiral. Tuck end. Repeat; rest coils 10 mins oiled.​

4. Gentle Tawa Crisp (Per Paratha: 2½ mins)

Medium tawa (not screaming hot). Flatten coil softly to 5-inch disc. Drizzle ½ tsp oil rim, cook 45 secs bubbly. Flip light oil, press softly golden. Total 2 mins tender-crisp. Clap gently to fluff without shattering. Stack cloth-wrapped warm for tea.​

Tea Time Perfection Tips

• Dough dry? Coconut water splash mid-knead.
• Over-crisp? Lower heat for softer snack bite.
• Aromatic: Curry leaf-infused oil elevates.
• Serve warm: Tawa reheat 30 secs revives flake.
• Vegan win: All coconut oil shines coastal.

Chai tray transformed—pure Kerala bliss awaits your brew!​

Tea Time vs Main Meal Malabar Paratha

Nutrition (Per Tea Paratha)

FAQs

Best Malabar Paratha tweaks for tea time snacking?

Smaller balls + lighter oil = delicate Kerala paratha flakes perfect for chai dunking.​​

Coconut water in malabar paratha recipe—why?

Natural electrolytes tenderize dough subtly sweet, pairing heavenly with ginger tea.​

Malabar paratha vs Kerala paratha for tea time?

Same treat—Malabar paratha evokes flaky coastal layers ideal for evening nibbles.​

Keep tea time malabar paratha soft longer?

Cloth stack steams gently; airtight tin holds crisp 4 hours.