Masala Jowar Bhakri Recipe: A Healthy, Gluten-Free Delight
Masala Jowar Bhakri is a wholesome, traditional Maharashtrian breakfast that’s both nutritious and delicious. Made from Jowar (Sorghum), this gluten-free flatbread is packed with flavors from aromatic spices, fresh herbs, and crunchy sesame seeds. Popularly known as a “farmer’s breakfast,” itโs a comforting and filling dish, perfect for starting your day.
The best part about Masala Jowar Bhakri is that itโs easy to make with minimal ingredients, and the dough can be shaped by hand with a bit of practice. If you find it tricky to shape the bhakris directly on the tava, using a banana leaf or parchment paper to shape them first can make the process much smoother.
This recipe offers the perfect combination of wholesome grains, spices, and fresh vegetables, making it a great gluten-free alternative to regular wheat-based breads. Pair it with chutneys or tangy gravies for an absolutely satisfying breakfast or snack!
Cuisine: Maharashtrian
Course: Indian Breakfast
Diet: Gluten-Free
Ingredients for Masala Jowar Bhakri
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Jowar Flour (Sorghum) | 1 cup |
| Onion (finely chopped) | 1 |
| Green Chilli (finely chopped) | 1 |
| Coriander (Dhania) Leaves (finely chopped) | A handful |
| Curry Leaves (finely chopped) | 1 sprig |
| Sesame Seeds (Til seeds) | 1 teaspoon |
| Ajwain (Carom seeds) | ยฝ teaspoon |
| Oil | 2 teaspoons |
| Salt | To taste |
Preparation Time
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|
| 15 minutes | 20 minutes | 35 minutes |
Instructions for Making Masala Jowar Bhakri
-
Prepare the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, add the jowar flour and salt. Mix well to ensure even distribution of the salt.
- Add the finely chopped onion, green chilli, coriander leaves, and curry leaves into the bowl. Mix all the ingredients thoroughly.
- Gradually pour warm water into the mixture, a little at a time, to form a smooth and soft dough. The dough should not be too sticky; adjust the water quantity as needed.
- Once the dough is ready, divide it into equal-sized balls. Set them aside.
-
Shaping the Bhakri:
- Heat a tava (griddle) and grease it lightly with oil.
- Take one ball of dough and flatten it slightly with your fingers. You can shape the dough directly on the tava or use a greased banana leaf or parchment paper to shape the bhakri.
- Wet your fingers to help spread the dough into a round, flat shape, about 6-7 inches in diameter. If you used a banana leaf or parchment paper, invert the shaped dough onto the hot tava, and carefully remove the paper or leaf.
-
Cooking the Bhakri:
- Place the tava on medium heat and cook the bhakri. Drizzle some oil around the edges of the bhakri as it cooks.
- Once the sides begin to brown, flip the bhakri over to cook the other side.
- Cover and cook the second side for an additional 2-3 minutes until it’s golden brown and cooked through.
- Once done, remove the bhakri from the tava and place it on a plate.
-
Repeat:
- Hold the back of the tava under running water to cool it down before greasing it again for the next batch.
- Continue the process until all the dough balls have been shaped and cooked into bhakris.
-
Serving:
- Your healthy, nutritious, and flavorful Masala Jowar Bhakri is ready to be served. Enjoy it with chutneys such as Hurali Kalu Chutney or Paruppu Thogayal, or pair it with a tangy gravy like Senai Kizhangu Ghostu for an enhanced meal experience.
Health Benefits of Masala Jowar Bhakri
- Gluten-Free: Made with jowar flour (sorghum), which is naturally gluten-free, making it ideal for those with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease.
- Rich in Fiber: Jowar is a whole grain that provides a good amount of dietary fiber, which helps with digestion and promotes satiety.
- Packed with Nutrients: The addition of onions, green chillies, and curry leaves adds essential vitamins and minerals, while sesame seeds provide healthy fats and protein.
- Low in Calories: This dish is light yet filling, making it an excellent choice for those watching their calorie intake.
Tips for Perfect Bhakris:
- Consistency of Dough: Ensure the dough is soft but not sticky. You may need to adjust the water slightly depending on the humidity and the type of jowar flour you use.
- Shaping the Bhakri: Practice shaping the dough with your fingers. If you find it difficult, using parchment paper or banana leaves to shape them can be a great alternative.
- Cooking on Tava: Maintain medium heat to cook the bhakri evenly and prevent it from burning. Covering the bhakri helps cook it thoroughly.
Why Youโll Love This Recipe
Masala Jowar Bhakri brings the rustic flavors of Maharashtra right into your kitchen. Its unique combination of spices, fresh herbs, and the wholesome goodness of jowar makes it not only a nutritious choice but also a delicious one. Whether you’re looking for a gluten-free breakfast or a tasty snack, this bhakri is sure to satisfy your taste buds while keeping you energized throughout the day.
Pair it with your favorite chutney, pickle, or even a bowl of yogurt, and you have a truly satisfying meal that’s both simple and wholesome!
Enjoy making this delightful Masala Jowar Bhakri and bring a touch of traditional Maharashtrian cuisine to your breakfast table!
