Introduction:
Thepla is a popular Gujarati flatbread that is loved for its soft texture, fragrant aroma, and versatility. This nutritious and delicious bread is made from whole wheat flour and packed with flavorful ingredients like fenugreek leaves, spices, and herbs. Thepla is not only a staple in Gujarati households but also a great option for picnics, travel, or as a part of a wholesome meal. In this blog post, we'll guide you through a simple and easy-to-follow recipe for making flavorful theplas that will leave your taste buds craving for more.
Ingredients:
2 cups whole wheat flour
1 cup fenugreek leaves (methi), finely chopped
2 tablespoons yogurt (curd)
1 tablespoon ginger-green chili paste
1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
1/2 teaspoon coriander powder
1/4 teaspoon cumin powder
1/4 teaspoon ajwain (carom seeds)
Salt to taste
Water (as needed)
Oil (for cooking)
Step 1: Prepare the dough
In a mixing bowl, combine whole wheat flour, fenugreek leaves, yogurt, ginger-green chili paste, turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, ajwain, and salt. Mix well to incorporate the ingredients. Gradually add water while kneading to form a soft and pliable dough. Cover the dough and let it rest for about 15-20 minutes.
Step 2: Roll the theplas
Divide the dough into small lemon-sized balls. Take one ball at a time and roll it into a round disc, approximately 6-8 inches in diameter, using a rolling pin and a dusting of flour if needed. Make sure the theplas are neither too thick nor too thin.
Step 3: Cook the theplas
Heat a griddle or tawa over medium heat. Place the rolled thepla on the hot griddle and let it cook for a minute or until small bubbles start to appear on the surface. Flip the thepla and apply a little oil on the cooked side. Cook for another minute until both sides are golden brown and cooked evenly. Repeat the process for the remaining dough balls.
Step 4: Serve and enjoy
Once the theplas are cooked, remove them from the griddle and stack them on a plate. Serve theplas hot with yogurt, pickle, chutney, or any accompaniment of your choice. They are perfect for breakfast, lunchboxes, or as a snack. You can also pack them for picnics or travel as they stay fresh for a couple of days.
Tips:
If fresh fenugreek leaves are not available, you can use dried fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi) as a substitute.
Adjust the spice levels according to your preference by increasing or decreasing the amount of chili powder and green chilies.
For variations, you can add other ingredients like grated carrots, spinach, or grated bottle gourd to the dough.
Conclusion:
With this easy-to-follow thepla recipe, you can now bring the flavors of Gujarat into your own kitchen. Theplas are not only delicious but also a healthy option packed with nutrients. So, try your hand at making these flavorful flatbreads and enjoy them as a part of a wholesome meal or on their own. Get ready to savor the aromatic and mouthwatering goodness of homemade theplas!
