Gujarati Methi Thepla – Spiced Indian Flatbread with Fenugreek Leaves
Recipe for Love with Recipes
Gujarati Methi Thepla is an iconic and beloved dish from the vibrant state of Gujarat, India. Known for its comforting, savory flavor, this flatbread made with fenugreek leaves is enjoyed by families, trekkers, and travelers alike. Perfect for a healthy and filling lunch, it combines the goodness of fenugreek with a spiced, whole wheat base. Whether served with yogurt, pickle, or enjoyed on its own, Methi Thepla brings a touch of Gujarat to every meal.
Cuisine: Gujarati Recipes
Course: Lunch
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Whole Wheat Flour | 2 cups |
| Methi Leaves (Fenugreek Leaves), finely chopped | 1/2 cup |
| Curd (Dahi / Yogurt) | 1/4 cup |
| Turmeric Powder (Haldi) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Red Chilli Powder | 1/2 teaspoon (optional) |
| Asafoetida (Hing) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Oil | For cooking the thepla |
| Salt | To taste |
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving):
- Calories: 150-180 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 4g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 180mg
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 8-10 Theplas
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Dough:
- Start by adding the whole wheat flour, turmeric powder, red chili powder, asafoetida, and salt to a large mixing bowl. Mix everything thoroughly.
- Add the finely chopped methi leaves (fenugreek leaves) to the flour mixture. Mix the leaves in gently, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the flour.
- Now, add curd (yogurt) to the flour mixture. Begin to knead the ingredients into a dough. If needed, add a small amount of water, a tablespoon at a time, until the dough becomes firm but smooth. You want to avoid a sticky texture.
- Once the dough comes together, drizzle in two tablespoons of oil. Knead the dough again for a few minutes, ensuring that the oil is well incorporated and the dough remains smooth and elastic.
- Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for about 15 minutes. This resting time allows the dough to relax and become easier to roll out.
-
Roll Out the Thepla:
- While the dough is resting, preheat your iron skillet (tava) on medium heat.
- After the dough has rested, divide it into equal-sized portions (approximately the size of a golf ball).
- Roll each portion between your hands to form a smooth ball. Flatten the ball slightly with your palm.
- Dust the dough ball in a little dry whole wheat flour and begin rolling it out into a thin circle, approximately 6 inches in diameter. If the dough sticks to the rolling pin, dust it with a little more flour to prevent sticking.
- Continue rolling out all the dough balls into circles, setting them aside in a pile.
-
Cooking the Thepla:
- Once all the dough portions are rolled out, it’s time to cook the theplas. Place the first rolled-out thepla onto the preheated skillet. Let it cook for about 1-2 minutes or until you begin to see bubbles forming on the surface.
- Flip the thepla using tongs or a spatula, and cook the other side for another 1-2 minutes.
- At this point, add a teaspoon of oil around the edges of the thepla. Flip again and press gently with a spatula, allowing the thepla to cook evenly and crisp up slightly.
- Continue this process with the remaining rolled-out dough portions, adding oil as needed to ensure the theplas cook evenly and get a golden-brown color.
-
Serving Suggestions:
- Once the Gujarati Methi Theplas are ready, stack them on a plate, keeping them covered with a clean kitchen towel to maintain warmth.
- Serve hot with plain yogurt, pickle, or even curry. These theplas are a delicious addition to any lunch and can be stored in an airtight container for up to a couple of days.
Cooking Tips:
- If you prefer a spicier flavor, you can adjust the red chili powder as per your taste.
- For a variation, you can add a handful of sesame seeds or cumin seeds to the dough for an extra crunch.
- The dough can be prepared a few hours ahead of time and stored in the fridge. Just make sure to bring it to room temperature before rolling it out.
Why You’ll Love It:
Gujarati Methi Thepla is an ideal comfort food that brings together the rich flavors of fenugreek leaves with the warmth of Indian spices. It’s perfect for a lunch, as a snack, or even as a travel food due to its long shelf life. The combination of whole wheat flour, yogurt, and fenugreek makes it not only delicious but also nutritious, offering a good balance of protein, fiber, and healthy fats. Whether you’re a fan of Indian cuisine or just discovering it, Methi Thepla is a must-try recipe that never disappoints.
Enjoy this wonderful Gujarati flatbread as part of your meal, and let the flavors transport you to the heart of Gujarat!
