Lasan ni Chutney Thepla
Spicy, savory Gujarati flatbreads infused with a fiery garlic chutney. These soft, flavorful theplas are perfect for travel, breakfast, or enjoying with a hot cup of tea.
For 4 servings
6 steps. 25 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Garlic Chutney Paste
- b.In a small grinder or mortar and pestle, combine the peeled garlic cloves and Kashmiri red chili powder.
- c.Add 1-2 teaspoons of water and grind to a smooth, vibrant red paste. Set aside.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Mix and Knead the Dough
- b.In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of whole wheat flour, turmeric powder, coriander powder, cumin seeds, and salt. Mix well.
- c.Add the prepared garlic chutney paste, plain yogurt, and 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil.
- d.Using your fingertips, rub the wet ingredients into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
- e.Gradually add warm water, a little at a time, and knead for 7-8 minutes to form a soft and pliable dough. It should be softer than standard roti dough but not sticky.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Rest the Dough
- b.Apply a few drops of oil over the surface of the dough to prevent it from drying out.
- c.Cover the bowl with a damp kitchen towel or a lid and let the dough rest for at least 20-30 minutes. This step is crucial for soft theplas.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Roll the Theplas
- b.After resting, knead the dough for another minute.
- c.Divide the dough into 8 equal-sized balls and roll them smoothly between your palms.
- d.Take one ball, flatten it slightly, and dip it in the dry flour for dusting.
- e.On a clean, flat surface, roll it out into a thin circle, about 6-7 inches in diameter. Dust with more flour as needed to prevent sticking.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Cook the Theplas
- b.Heat a tawa (griddle) over medium-high heat.
- c.Carefully place the rolled thepla onto the hot tawa. Cook for about 30 seconds, or until you see small bubbles forming on the surface.
- d.Flip the thepla. Drizzle about 1/2 teaspoon of oil on the top surface and spread it evenly with a spatula.
- e.Flip again after another 30-40 seconds. Drizzle oil on this side as well.
- f.Gently press the thepla with a spatula, especially around the edges, to ensure even cooking. Cook until both sides have golden-brown spots. Each thepla should take about 2 minutes to cook.
- g.Repeat for all remaining dough balls, stacking the cooked theplas in a casserole dish or wrapping them in a kitchen towel to keep them soft.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Serve
- b.Serve the Lasan ni Chutney Theplas warm with plain yogurt, aam chunda (sweet mango pickle), or a hot cup of masala chai.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Using warm water and yogurt is the secret to making exceptionally soft theplas.
- 2Do not skip the resting time for the dough; it helps relax the gluten, making the theplas soft and easy to roll.
- 3Roll the theplas evenly and as thinly as you can without tearing them for the best texture.
- 4Cook on medium-high heat. If the heat is too low, theplas will become dry and hard. If it's too high, they will burn before cooking through.
- 5For travel, allow the theplas to cool completely on a wire rack before packing them in foil or an airtight container to prevent them from becoming soggy.
Adapt it for your goals.
Herbs
Add 1/4 cup of finely chopped fresh cilantro (coriander) or fenugreek (methi) leaves to the dough for extra flavor and nutrition.
SpicesSpices
Incorporate 1/2 teaspoon of ajwain (carom seeds) and a pinch of asafoetida (hing) into the flour mix for a more traditional flavor and to aid digestion.
Flour BlendFlour Blend
For a multi-grain version, replace 1/2 cup of the whole wheat flour with besan (gram flour) or bajra (pearl millet) flour. You may need to adjust the water quantity.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Fiber
Whole wheat flour is an excellent source of dietary fiber, which aids digestion, promotes a feeling of fullness, and helps maintain stable blood sugar levels.
Heart-Healthy Garlic
Garlic, the star ingredient, contains allicin, a compound known for its potential to help lower cholesterol and blood pressure, contributing to overall cardiovascular health.
Provides Sustained Energy
The complex carbohydrates from whole wheat provide a steady release of energy, making these theplas a great and fulfilling meal for breakfast or lunch to power you through the day.
Frequently asked questions
One Lasan ni Chutney Thepla contains approximately 120-140 calories, depending on the amount of oil used for cooking.
