Entree: India – Gujarat – થેપલા ➤ Thepla (Savory Gujarati spiced flatbreads made from whole wheat and fenugreek)
Serving Size: 6
Approximate Time
Prep
20 min
Cook
20 min
Additional
15 min
Total
55 min
Ingredients
- 3 cups (360 g) whole wheat flour (atta)
- 1/2 cup (60 g) besan (gram/chickpea flour)
- 1 cup (30 g) fresh fenugreek leaves, finely chopped, or 2 tbsp (6 g) dried fenugreek (kasuri methi)
- 1/2 cup (120 g) plain yogurt
- 3 tbsp (45 ml) vegetable oil, plus more for cooking
- 1 tsp (5 g) turmeric powder
- 1 tsp (5 g) red chili powder or to taste
- 1/2 tsp (2 g) ajwain (carom seeds)
- 1 tsp (5 g) sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp (8 g) salt, adjust to taste
- 1/2 tsp (2 g) baking powder (optional, for softer theplas)
- 2–4 tbsp (30–60 ml) water, as needed to form a soft dough
- Additional wheat flour for dusting, as needed
Instructions
1. In a large mixing bowl combine whole wheat flour, besan, turmeric, red chili powder, ajwain, sugar, salt and baking powder if using. Stir to mix.
2. Add the chopped fresh fenugreek leaves (or dried fenugreek) and gently toss with the dry ingredients so they are evenly distributed.
3. Make a well in the center and add the yogurt and 3 tbsp (45 ml) oil. Mix with your fingers to incorporate, then add 2 tbsp (30 ml) water and knead into a soft but not sticky dough, adding up to 2 more tbsp (30 ml) water if necessary. Rest the dough covered for 15–30 minutes.
4. Divide the dough into 8–10 equal balls. On a lightly floured surface, roll each ball into a thin circle about 6–7 inches (15–18 cm) across, dusting with flour as needed.
5. Heat a heavy skillet or tawa over medium-high heat. Place a rolled thepla on the hot skillet and cook until small bubbles form, about 30–45 seconds. Flip and drizzle a little oil, pressing lightly; cook the other side until golden spots appear, about 30–45 seconds. Flip again and cook until both sides are cooked through and slightly charred in spots.
6. Stack cooked theplas and keep wrapped in a clean cloth to stay soft. Serve warm with yogurt, pickles or chutney, or pack for travel.
