Quick Thepla Recipe: Craft Authentic Gujarati Theplas in Minutes

Who doesn't enjoy a warm, spiced thepla straight from the tawa served alongside some tangy pickle or creamy yogurt? 

For those who think that making Gujarati theplas at home is extremely complicated or time consuming, we are here to expose the truth. Kneading, rolling, and sweating in the kitchen over traditional recipes like thepla is indeed a truth, but not the only one. 

Do you know how easy it is to make theplas? All you need is a food processor, and with a few basic steps you can make a batch of soft, flavorful theplas in minutes. 

Thepla is healthy, portable, sustains its quality for days, and is ideal for practical food lovers. Are you prepared to wow your friends and family with your thepla prowess?

 Let’s get started!

Ingredients for Perfect Gujarati Theplas

To make perfect Gujarati theplas, you’ll need ingredients that are probably already in your pantry. Here’s the list:

• 2 cups whole wheat flour (atta)
• 1/4 cup besan (gram flour)
• 1 cup finely chopped fresh methi (fenugreek) leaves
• 2 tablespoons yogurt
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
• 1 teaspoon ajwain (carom seeds)
• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
• 2 tablespoons oil (for the dough)
• Salt to taste
• Water as needed
• Oil or ghee for cooking

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Theplas

Credits: Glen India

Here’s how to make perfect Gujarati theplas in minutes:

1. Prep the methi leaves

Rinse 1 cup of methi leaves very well in cool running water. Then drain them thoroughly and dry with a kitchen towel or paper towel. Chop the leaves finely or use a food processor and set them aside.

2. Make the dough

In a Atta Kneader add the whole wheat flour, besan, chopped methi leaves, turmeric, red chili powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, sesame seeds, ajwain, ginger-garlic paste, yogurt, oil, and salt. 

Slowly add water (start with 1/4 cup) through the feed tube while the processor runs. Keep adding water gradually until the dough comes together into a soft, slightly sticky ball. This usually takes about 1-2 minutes.

3. Check the dough

Pinch a small portion of the dough. It should be soft and pliable, not too dry or too wet. 

Po tip: If it’s too sticky, add a tablespoon of flour and pulse again. If it’s too dry, add a teaspoon of water and pulse.

4. Let the dough rest

Change dough into a bowl while covering it with a wet cloth. Allow it to sit for 10-15 minutes. This step allows the flavors to blend together and makes the dough easier to roll.

Credits: Glen India

5. Roll the theplas

Split the dough into 10-12 equal portions, roughly the size of a golf ball. Sprinkle a little flour on the surface. Take a single ball, flatten it slightly, and roll it into a thin circle with a 6 inch diameter. Don’t worry if it’s imperfect, you might even find the charm in its rustic nature.

6. Cook the theplas

In a separate pan, set the temperature to medium and heat a tawa or flat skillet. Put the rolled thepla on the tawa. Cook for around 1 minute or until the surface begins to bubble. Then flip it and drizzle some oil or ghee on top and cook it for another minute. Take it off the tawa, and add a little more oil. You can take credit for keeping the golden-brown spots on both sides. Repeat with any leftover dough balls.

7. Serve or store

You can serve theplas hot while having them with pickles, a yogurt dip, or even a cup of chai. To store, let theplas cool completely, and then place them in an airtight container. Thepla will stay fresh at room temperature for 2-3 days and in the fridge for a week.

The Lifestyle Benefits of Theplas

Let us discuss why this recipe is a win in terms of lifestyle. For starters, it’s cost-efficient. The majority of its ingredients can be found in the pantry, while methi is easy to find and inexpensive. It is also a time-saver. 

Thanks to the food processor, prep time is under five minutes, allowing you to enjoy more free time, whether it’s catching up with friends, binge-watching shows, or just unwinding. Lastly, theplas are flexible. Use them with curry for dinner, smear some cream cheese for an easy snack or sprinkle atop a salad for added crunch. They are like flatbread’s swiss army knife!

Tips for Thepla Newbies

Don't fret over achieving the perfect theplas the first time round. If this is your first time making theplas, take a deep breath. This recipe's splendid quality is how straightforward it is. Thanks to the food processor, all the intensive work is done, and all that is left is rolling, cooking, both of which require more practice than skill. For those thick or uneven theplas, rest assured they are still delicious. And with repetition, you will only improve.

Pro tip: The theplas won't turn out hard and flaky if you keep the tawa on medium heat to prevent burning. Also, use just enough oil to lubricate, without making the theplas oily.

The Health Perks of Theplas

Credits: Canva

In case you did contemplate how theplas influence health, there’s no problem, they are good for health. You cannot go wrong with whole wheat flour and besan, partnered with methi leaves, ranging from fiber, protein, vitamins, to powerful antioxidants - so you get a little of everything. 

Even the flavoring ingredients like turmeric and ajwain serve their purpose beyond taste - for counteracting digestive issues and inflammation. So, that delectable treat you just munched on isn’t as bad for you as you might have thought. You can indulge-like feelings while maintaining light and full of energy.

Conclusion: Theplas Simplified and Made Mouth-Watering

As I mentioned above, anyone can prepare these theplas without requiring any skill. Glen India food processors make these theplas in no time at all. I bet the bajri and whole wheat rays will please any family member or horde. 

Best of all, these theplas are not oil-intensive and have a soft bite so they’ll satisfy even the little ones. No longer do we have the luxury of stepping away from our busy cooking area and having the choice of doing so instantly. Embrace the sink and get ready to enjoy the light, delicious, and healthy theplas.