Are you looking for the traditional Gujarati thepla recipe? This delicious Gujju dish is prepared with healthy whole wheat flour, multiple aromatic spices, and chopped vegetables. Thepla can be stored for a long time, which makes it a favourite snack for long tours and outings.
In every Gujarati household, thepla is a versatile item. From a quick breakfast item to a warm, comforting tea-time snack, you can enjoy the delicious theplas. The little trick to keep it super soft without adding heavy cream is the type of fat you use. Groundnut oil is the traditional way because it mixes very well with the wheat dough.
Groundnut oil is very smooth and light, so it binds the flour molecules perfectly, which helps to stop gluten formation. Choosing groundnut oil means the flavour of the thepla will be more interesting, along with the subtle flavour of fresh fenugreek leaves. This particular groundnut oil recipe will help you to understand the details very clearly. Are you up to turning your kitchen into a traditional Gujarati home? Then, let's get going with the pan!
Why Should You Use Groundnut Oil for Thepla?
If you want to use any regular oil to prepare thepla, you will miss the original taste of it. Here are the reasons why you must use groundnut oil for theplas.
- Long-Lasting Tenderness: It seals the dough so effectively that even after several days, the bread will be quite soft.
- Aromatic Flavour Synergy: When groundnut oil is used for cooking, it nicely highlights the sharpness of fresh herbs and the roastiness of cumin.
- Excellent Griddle Treatment: No other oil is better than this one if you want to fry or shallow-fry flatbreads on a very hot iron tawa.
- Health Benefits of Groundnut Oil: Besides a clean, non-greasy taste, it generously supplies your body with good-for-the-heart Monounsaturated Fats that are the source of constant energy.
Ingredients Required for Gujarati Thepla
Check the list before you want to cook soft and tasty theplas.
- Whole wheat flour (atta)
- Groundnut oil
- Fresh fenugreek leaves: 1 cup
- ½ cup fresh curd
- ½ tablespoon turmeric powder
- ½ teaspoon kashmiri red chilli powder
- ½ tablespoon carom seeds
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- Salt
Recipe of Gujarati Thepla: How to Cook
Now, as you have picked all the items, it is time to make delicious thepla. Here is the detailed recipe.
- Clean the fresh methi leaves under running water. Now chop them finely, and keep them aside to dry out well.
- Now, take a bowl. Mix the flour, all the spices, methi leaves, and curd. Also, add one tablespoon of groundnut oil. Knead the dough properly so that there is no lump of flour or any spices.
- Make sure that you do not add too much water. Once done, cover the dough and set it aside for 15 minutes.
- Prepare small balls of equal size from the dough. Roll each one out into very thin circles.
- Now, take a thin circle and keep it on a preheated tawa on a medium-high flame. The heat plays a vital role in this preparation. You have to prepare the plates one by one.
- Turn the thepla over after about 30 seconds when you see small bubbles appearing on the surface.
- Pour 1 tsp of oil over the top and flip the thepla for the opposite side to cook. Press it lightly with a spatula so that there is no space untouched by oil and equal heat is spread.
- Once the golden colour is visible, take off the heat and put the thepla on a plate.
- Serve them hot, or you can keep them in proper storage for later usage.
If you love South Indian breakfasts, don’t miss our Masala Dosa Recipe with Groundnut Oil for a crispy, flavorful, and authentic restaurant-style experience—read the full recipe here.
Gujarati Tips for Perfect Theplas Every Time
To make perfect thepla, you can follow these tips.
- Theplas should be very thin, unlike parathas. This will help to keep the thepla soft as well.
- Keep the flame medium to high. In this way, theplas will not dry out completely.
- Do not cook for a long time. You have to make this very fast to avoid bringing crunchiness.
- Always use fresh groundnut oil for preparing theplas. Used oil can ruin the original flavour and taste.
Benefits of Groundnut Oil
Using groundnut oil daily helps with physical well-being. Here are the benefits of this oil
- Support Cardiovascular Health: The oil is naturally rich in Unsaturated Fatty Acids, which are known to beneficially affect cholesterol levels.
- Extend the Shelf Life Naturally: Groundnut oil can keep food fresh for longer without the use of artificial substances. That means your food will stay healthy for a long time.
- Loaded with Vitamin E: Vitamin E is a natural antioxidant required in the human body. This vitamin is present in the oil, and it safeguards your body's cells against oxidative damage.
- Withstands Heat Up to a High Level: The oil does not get converted into harmful compounds when it is heated to a temperature for baking.
You can read our article to learn how to maintain good health: Groundnut Oil Health Benefits You Must Know.
Different Types of Thepla You Must Try
- Doodhi Thepla: Mixing grated bottle gourd into the dough transforms the theplas into thick and ultra-moist, fiber-rich foods.
- Mooli Variant: You can blend finely grated mooli and add a few carom seeds to the dough. It will help to make a yummy recipe, especially in winter.
- Garlic Flavour: Mix one spoonful of garlic paste into your dough. It is another tasty and healthy thepla option.
- Multi-Grain Mix: Add gram flour and millet flour along with wheat flour. This will be a protein-packed thepla recipe.
4 Ways to Serve Theplas
Thepla is a classic Gujarati food, so you need some Gujarati and Other culture twists when serving hot theplas. Here’s how you can serve:
- Gujarati Chundo: This is basically the grated mangoes. It pairs well with thepla with its tangy, spicy, and slightly sweet flavours.
- Athela Marcha: Another best option is pickled green chillies. Gujarati food is incomplete without the special kick of “tikha mirchis".
- A Bowl of Curd: Freshly churned and unflavored yogurt, which will counterbalance the strong spices.
- Hot Masala Chai: An inevitable choice of drink when you’re having a meal in western India.
Are you thrilled to whip up a yummy, aromatic pack of thepla for your upcoming family picnic journey? Just wait until you see how amazing the groundnut oil helps to soften every layer of this timeless thepla! These little kitchen tips given here for thepla preparation will surely be your favourite. Try this easy recipe now. Happy cooking!