by Doodhi Thepla is a wholesome Gujarati flatbread made from whole wheat flour and grated bottle gourd (doodhi or lauki), spiced with aromatic flavors. This variation of the classic thepla incorporates the mild, nutritious doodhi, making it a healthy and delicious option for breakfast, lunch, or travel. Whether you’re seeking a veggie-packed meal or a flavorful snack, this detailed Doodhi Thepla recipe will guide you to create this soft, spiced flatbread at home. Let’s roll out some goodness!
Prep Time
- 15 minutes
(Includes grating doodhi and preparing dough)
Cook Time
- 20 minutes
(Cooking the theplas)
Total Time
- 35 minutes
(A quick and healthy flatbread!)
Detailed Nutrition Facts (For the Entire Recipe)
This recipe makes approximately 10-12 theplas (serves 4-5 people). Nutritional values are approximate and based on the ingredients listed below:
- Calories: 1000 kcal
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 150g
- Dietary Fiber: 25g
- Sugars: 5g (from doodhi and optional sugar)
- Sodium: 1800mg (varies based on salt content)
- Cholesterol: 5mg (minimal, from yogurt)
- Vitamins and Minerals:
- Vitamin A: 20% of Daily Value (DV) (from doodhi)
- Vitamin C: 15% of DV (from doodhi and chilies)
- Iron: 30% of DV
- Magnesium: 35% of DV
Note: Values may vary based on portion size and specific ingredient brands.
Ingredients
For the Doodhi Thepla Dough:
- 2 cups whole wheat flour (atta) – plus extra for dusting
- 1 cup grated doodhi (bottle gourd/lauki) – peeled and finely grated
- 1/4 cup yogurt (curd) – for softness
- 1 teaspoon ginger paste – or grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon green chili paste – or 1-2 chopped green chilies (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder – for color
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder – adjust to taste
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon salt – or to taste
- 1 teaspoon sugar – optional, for balance
- 1 tablespoon oil – for binding
- Water – as needed to knead a soft dough (about 2-3 tablespoons, as doodhi releases moisture)
For Cooking:
- Oil or ghee – 2-3 tablespoons, for roasting
Equipment Needed:
- Mixing bowl
- Grater
- Rolling pin and board
- Tawa or flat skillet
Step-by-Step Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- Peel and grate 1 cup of doodhi finely. Squeeze out excess water lightly if it’s too moist, but retain some moisture for the dough.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups whole wheat flour, grated doodhi, 1/4 cup yogurt, 1 teaspoon ginger paste, 1 teaspoon green chili paste, 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder, 1 teaspoon red chili powder, 1 teaspoon coriander powder, 1 teaspoon cumin powder, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon sugar (if using), and 1 tablespoon oil.
- Mix well with your hands until the ingredients are evenly distributed. The doodhi’s moisture will help bind the dough.
- Gradually add water (start with 1 tablespoon) and knead into a soft, pliable dough – slightly softer than chapati dough but not sticky. Adjust water based on doodhi’s moisture content.
- Cover with a damp cloth and let it rest for 10-15 minutes.
Step 2: Shape the Theplas
- Divide the dough into 10-12 equal balls (about the size of a golf ball).
- Dust a rolling board with flour. Take one ball, flatten it slightly, and roll it into a thin circle (about 6-7 inches in diameter). Use extra flour if it sticks.
- Repeat for the remaining balls, keeping them covered to prevent drying.
Step 3: Cook the Theplas
- Heat a tawa or flat skillet over medium heat.
- Place a rolled thepla on the tawa and cook for 1-2 minutes until small bubbles appear. Flip it over.
- Drizzle 1/2 teaspoon oil or ghee around the edges and spread a little on top. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, pressing gently with a spatula, until golden-brown spots appear on both sides.
- Remove from the tawa and keep warm in a casserole or cloth. Repeat for the remaining theplas.
Step 4: Serve
- Serve hot with green chutney, pickle, yogurt, or a cup of chai for a nutritious meal or snack.
- Doodhi theplas can be stored in an airtight container for 2-3 days, making them great for travel or lunchboxes.
Benefits of Doodhi Thepla
Doodhi Thepla is a flavorful flatbread with impressive health perks! Here’s why it’s a smart choice:
- High in Fiber: Whole wheat flour and doodhi support digestion and fullness.
- Low-Calorie Veggie: Bottle gourd is hydrating and low in calories, aiding weight management.
- Vitamin Boost: Doodhi provides vitamins A and C for immunity and skin health.
- Protein Touch: Yogurt adds a bit of protein and probiotics for gut health.
- Portable Nutrition: A convenient, veggie-packed option for on-the-go meals.
- Balanced Flavors: Spices enhance taste while offering antioxidants!
