DIY Khapli Wheat

Paratha Station

For Sunday Brunches

Quick Summary

Khapli wheat has been making its way to mainstream conversations, with more and more people adopting, or at least experimenting, with this ancient grain for daily staples and modern dishes. If your friends and family have joined the trend or are open to experimenting, it’s time to host a Sunday brunch with a khapli wheat paratha station. Sounds strange? Read ahead to know why this is the healthy, trendy secret to an interactive and fun brunch! 

Deep Dive

Khapli wheat, or emmer wheat, is an ancient grain known for its high nutrient content, low glycemic index, and high protein and fibre. It also tends to have a lower gluten content than modern wheat varieties. The nutritional composition and benefits have made khapli more common in modern cooking and urban households. And if it’s reached the modern Indian kitchen, it’s only a few steps away from reaching the party menu. That’s the focus here: setting up a DIY urban paratha counter with khapli wheat, for Sunday brunch.

What Makes Khapli Parathas Brunch-Worthy

Brunch is a low-pressure setting that strikes the perfect balance between casual and formal. It is designed for easy conversations and interactive elements, making it the perfect opportunity to experiment with a different grain like khapli without committing to it for everyday cooking. 

It adds just enough of a twist to make the meal feel thoughtful and elevated, without straying too far from comfort food.

Khapli Wheat Parathas vs Whole Wheat Parathas: An Overview

DIY Stations at Brunch: How Do They Work?

When it comes to Sunday brunch, you can serve a mix of appetisers and drinks before sitting down for the main course. That’s the usual approach. Or you can shake things up a bit and make the weekend gathering a little more interactive. One way to do this is to set up a DIY station. 

A DIY station isn’t restricted to art and craft at school fairs and backyard parties. It can also be an excellent way to prepare food; one where customisations are easier to incorporate, and cooking becomes a shared, fun activity (and not a chore). It also makes it easier to accommodate varied dietary preferences. 

Here are some common DIY stations for Sunday brunch: 

• Savoury DIY stations: From avocado toasts to omelettes, sliders, and even parathas, savoury DIY stations can be set up for most items on a brunch menu. 

• Sweet DIY stations: These are bars offering sweet dishes, like mini waffles or pancakes, warm chocolate fondue, yoghurt, granola bars, and more. These can be a great way to end (or even begin) the Sunday brunch!

• DIY Drink Stations: DIY drink stations are a hit at every brunch, no matter the theme. The core drink remains the same, with additions or toppings available for customisations. For example, a mimosa bar with champagne or sparkling wine paired with different juices (orange, grapefruit, cranberry) and berries.

How to Set Up a DIY Khapli Paratha Station

A good brunch spread is about ensuring a smooth flow. You don’t need more ingredients, just a better planned setup, especially when it comes to a DIY Khapli paratha station. Think of this as setting up a relaxed, interactive meal where everything is within reach, and nothing feels chaotic.

Dough Prep

Start with a well-rested dough made using high-quality Aashirvaad Chakki Khapli Atta. This sets the foundation right. 

How to knead: Knead 2–3 cups of atta with water, a pinch of salt, and a teaspoon of oil into a soft, pliable dough. Let it rest for at least 20–30 minutes, so it becomes easier to roll.

How to serve: Before serving, divide the dough into equal, medium-sized balls and keep them covered with a damp cloth. This small step ensures the dough doesn’t dry out and keeps the process smooth once you begin cooking. 

Important: Choosing the right atta is key, especially with khapli, which requires longer resting and hydration than modern wheat varieties. 

Stuffing Bowls

Instead of overwhelming the table, pick 2–4 fillings that offer variety. The idea is to keep it curated (and intentional), not crowded (and chaotic): 

• A classic like spiced aloo or paneer

• A green option like methi or spinach

• A protein-rich mix like sattu or egg bhurji

• One wildcard (beetroot, broccoli, or mixed veggies)

• Simple spices: keep a mix of ajwain, jeera, and chopped chillies for anyone who wants a plain, simple paratha with minimal spices and no stuffing. 

Prep these in advance and place them in small bowls with spoons. The idea is to make it easy for anyone to assemble their paratha without second-guessing combinations.

Cooking Zone

This is your live station, which means it must be safe and simple. 

How to set up: Set up a tawa, rolling pin, board, and a small bowl of ghee or oil nearby. If you’re hosting, you can take charge of cooking. You could let guests roll and customise their own parathas, but ensure proper hygiene and safety measures are in place.

How to cook: Cook each paratha on a hot tawa, flipping until golden brown spots appear, then finish with a light brush of ghee for flavour. Keep a plate or casserole ready to stack and retain warmth.

Sides and Add-Ons

A paratha isn’t complete without the right sides. Yes, even an urban paratha with khapli wheat! Sides don’t just add variety or complete the meal; they also lend an air of familiarity to the dish, ensuring the more wary eaters try the khapli parathas. 

Here are a few essentials to consider: 

• Pickles (like mango or chilli): have clean spoons, so people can scoop the achaar and add it to their plates. 

• Butter (homemade or store-bought): Place it in a clean butter dish with a lid. Keep it pre-sliced, or have a butter knife alongside it. 

• Green chutney or garlic chutney: For a touch of spicy flavour that can elevate any dish, including parathas. 

• Fresh curd or raita: Both act as cooling sides, especially on hot summer days. 

Keep these in small containers across the table so everyone can build their plate as they like. This adds contrast—cool, spicy, tangy—to the warm, hearty parathas.

Important: Lay everything out in a way that feels intuitive—dough and fillings close to the cooking zone, sides slightly spaced out. The goal is to create a brunch that feels interactive but not effortful.

Smart Hosting Tips

A DIY brunch station toes the line between effortless and chaotic, especially because you can’t control how the guests will interact with the elements on the table. The key is to guide the experience just enough so guests feel involved, not confused.

• Strategic Location: Position stations against walls or on separate tables away from the kitchen to encourage mingling. This also prevents DIY stations from interrupting regular service.

• Logical Flow: Arrange items in order of use: cups/plates, base items (drinks/foods), then garnishes/toppings. With a paratha station, start with dough rolling, then stuffing, then cooking, and finally sides. 

• Limited Choices: Too many fillings, especially for a paratha station, can slow things down and overwhelm guests. Stick to 3–4 well-prepped options that offer contrast without clutter

• Control Heat (For live cooking): A tawa that’s too hot will burn the parathas before they cook through, while a low flame dries them out. This is especially true of khapli atta. Maintain a steady medium heat for consistent results.

• Prep Extra: Parathas are deceptively filling, but they also disappear fast. Keep extra dough balls and stuffing ready in the kitchen for quick refills without interrupting the flow. 

• Label Everything: Use charming ingredient labels so guests know what is in each dispenser, especially for dietary restrictions.

• Add Signage/Recipes: Include simple, handwritten recipe cards or a "how-to" guide for building the item to inspire guests. This is especially important for khapli parathas, which may not be familiar to everyone on the guest list. 

Underrated Tip for Paratha Stations: Divide and Backup 

If guests are participating, gently guide the process: one person rolls, one stuffs, one cooks. It keeps things interactive without turning into a bottleneck. Additionally, always have a few pre-cooked parathas ready. This ensures no one is waiting too long, especially during the first round when everyone is figuring things out.

Ancient Grain, Modern Brunch

Khapli wheat works particularly well for a Sunday brunch because it adds a sense of novelty without being unfamiliar; it’s still a paratha, just with a slightly nuttier flavour and a heartier bite. It also feels slower, more intentional, and satisfying, which aligns with the relaxed pace of a weekend meal.