No protein bars. Salman Khan’s heroine, fit and radiant at 57, eats parathas for protein. One ingredient is India’s natural protein powder, can lower blood sugar

Salman Khan’s heroine Bhagyashree Dassani looks like a million bucks at 57. The Maine Pyaar Kiya star recently shared a delicious protein-rich recipe on her Instagram channel. Terming it “protein ka paratha”. Made with atta (wheat flour), sattu and ghee, this paratha is delicious and rich in nutrients.

She explained it’s not always necessary for parathas to be a guilty pleasure—they may also be healthful! Sattu, a coarsely ground roasted gram, is high in protein and fibre, which helps prolong feelings of fullness. Add some excellent fat, such as ghee, to make it easier to digest and to add flavour. Eating healthily doesn't have to mean giving up your favourite meals. Making better decisions with regular meals is the key to eating healthy.

To make the parathas, you will need:


3 cups of wheat flour

A pinch of kalonji

Some ajwain

A cup of buttermilk or curd

Mix these ingredients and knead the dough firmly. Set it aside.

In a separate bowl, combine three cups of sattu, a pinch of ajwain, kalonji, green chilli, chopped onions, coriander leaves, salt and pickle masala. Turn the atta mix into katori-sized shapes and fill them with the sattu mix. Roll them onto the rolling board and flatten them till you get a paratha-sized shape.

Heat ghee and oil on a pan and lightly fry the paranthas.

Sattu, or roasted gram flour, is the original protein powder of India. Here are some of its benefits:

Give You Stamina

According to recent nutritional research, about 20–25 g per 100 g of roasted gram flour can promote muscle growth and repair (Journal of Food Quality, 2023). Daily drinking may be beneficial for people with sedentary jobs, but high nutrient absorption requires physical exercise.

Supports Gut Health

Sattu has high fibre which can improve bowel movements and clean your gut.

Great For Diabetic Patients

Because of its high fibre and protein content and low glycaemic index, roasted gram flour delays the absorption of glucose and avoids spikes. According to the Journal of Food Science and Technology, this is because sattu contains resistant starch and protein.

High In Protein

The Journal of Food Quality (2023) states that roasted gram flour has 20 to 25 g of protein per 100 g, which can be adjusted based on daily needs based on activity levels and individual body weight.

Good For Your Heart

Having sattu is a good way to reduce bad cholesterol, enhance the body's ability to convert food into energy, and provide vital nutrients for heart health in general. The micronutrients found in roasted gram flour, such as iron, magnesium, and potassium, can nourish the body and reduce heart risk factors.