Methi na thepla or Methi Thepla is a popular flatbread from Gujarat, prepared using whole wheat flour along with spices and fenugreek leaves.
What is Thepla?
Thepla is a popular spiced flatbread from Gujarat. Normally, thepla dough is prepared using wheat flour, a portion of gram flour, mix of spices and little bit of curd or yogurt. This sounds quiet similar to masala paratha except the presence of gram flour and curd. You can also use millet flours to prepare thepla.
You can prepare different types of theplas by adding different vegetables such as fenugreek leaves, carrot, zucchini, cabbage, bottle gourd and so on. Among different types of thepla, most popular is Methi Na Thepla. Here the fresh methi (fenugreek) leaves are added in the dough which makes the thepla flavorful.
Family Recipe using Fenugreek aka Methi Leaves
In my growing up years methi leaves were not available throughout the year in my hometown in West Bengal. It was only available during winters and people of Bengal were not so familiar with methi leaves. Being an agriculture student my father knew the benefits of methi leaves and he used to bring it whenever available. My Ma created her own methi recipe with brinjal and potato with a dash of garlic tadka. We loved it with plain rice. When I came down to Bangalore I saw methi leaves are in abundant almost throughout the year except couple of weeks when it is expensive.
I used to bring methi often and started trying different recipes and first tried paratha and later when I became familiar with food blogging world I came to know about Methi Thepla. Since then it became our favourite. But unfortunately it was not in my blog for so long time. I realized it when I wrote my lauki thepla post last year. Have read my Lauki Thepla post where I accidentally got introduced to thepla in a train journey?
Normally we do not add vegetables in our flatbreads except stuffed parathas. But thepla is different! Here the vegetables are directly added to the dough instead of stuffing them. This makes the thepla fibrous and addition of curd makes it soft. I have also prepared another interesting thepla with zucchini. Here is the recipe of Zucchini Thepla.
Methi Na Thepla: A Good Lunchbox Recipe
As our daughter started elementary schooling, everyday I have to prepare two boxes for her in the morning. I prefer giving flatbread in one of the boxes as she is comfortable with it. At least once in a week I prepare thepla. Believe me you don't need any sides with it except pickle or curd. At times, I prepare simple stir fried jeera aloo which goes really good with it. Methi thepla is a very good lunchbox recipe for kids as well as adults.
If you are planning methi thepla for next day lunchbox, you can prepare the dough in advance and keep it in refrigerator and next day roll the dough balls and slightly roast with oil and pack it.
Important Tips for Methi Thepla Preparation
Only take the leaves and avoid the green stalks of methi. If you add the stalks it becomes difficult to roll the dough as you should roll bit thin for thepla compared to stuffed paratha. Stalks you can chop and use in dal for flavour instead of throwing away.
While preparing the dough do not add water at first. Most of the time moisture from the leaves and water from curd will be enough to knead the dough. If required, you can add water spoon by spoon, not at once to avoid sticky dough.
How long can I store Methi Theplas?
Thepla has a longer shelf life than any other Indian flatbread and can be preserved at least for 3 to 4 days at room temperature. You can refrigerate thepla for upto 3 months. Traveler who does not prefer to eat outside food, can carry along theplas. While making theplas for a traveler it is better to avoid adding curd to increase the shelf life of thepla. Traveler's thepla should be prepared without curd and dough should be kneaded with enough water.
Methi Na Thepla
Equipment
- Skillet
Materials
- 1 cup, tightly packed Methi or Fenugreek Leaves
- 1.5 cups Whole Wheat Flour
- 3 tablespoon Besan or Gram Flour
- 2 tablespoon Yogurt add little more if required while kneading the dough
- ¼ teaspoon Red Chilli Powder
- ¼ teaspoon Turmeric Powder
- ½ teaspoon Cumin Powder
- ½ teaspoon Ginger (grated)
- ½ teaspoon Green Chilli Paste (optional)
- Salt to taste
- 1 tablespoon Refined Oil + more for frying the theplas
Instructions
- Take the clean leaves from methi stalks and wash them and allow to drain the water and later chop them. Keep aside.
- Take whole wheat flour, besan, dry spices (cumin, red chilli, turmeric powder) and salt in a big bowl. Mix them with your fingers.
- Also add 1 tablespoon oil and curd into it.
- Now add chopped methi leaves along with its juices. Mix it well and knead a smooth dough.
- I did not add any extra water. Moisture from leaves and water from curd was enough to bind all of them together. If you require can add 1 or 2 tablespoon of water.
- Cover the dough with a damp cloth and allow to rest it for 15 minutes.
- Now make lemon size balls from the dough.
- Dust your kitchen platform and roll each ball into round shape like roti (5 to 6 inches of diameter).
- Keep the rolled thepla on a hot skillet and when brown spot appears, flip it.
- Cook on the preheated skillet until bubbles appear on the surface, apply a small amount of oil over the surface and then flip and cook the other side in similar manner.
Notes
- You can also add carom seeds or ajwain and chaat masala powder while kneading the dough for thepla.
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Seema Sriram
The teplas look so goo and soft. I love methi theplas in my meal prep too as they last easily for a week and there is food always in the fridge that way.
JollyHomemadeRecipes
Its one of our favorite breakfast during in all season, as you know in Bangalore methi leaves easily available all time. Perfect for breakfast option as well we enjoy any meal of the day at my place simply enjoy with curd n pickle. They looks so good!!
Preethicuisine
These methi theplas are so flavorful and nutritious. Irresistible breakfast. Perfect to carry when we are travelling too.
Sasmita Sahoo
Thepla looks so soft and yummy amrita !!
I always wait for winter to get fresh methi leaves to make many dishes like this
Swati
Methi the place looks so good.. I love to have it with chai and make it for kids when Methi is in season as it is very nutritious .. wonderful share
Jayashree T.Rao
Methos theplas are ideal for breakfast, lunch box or dinner. I often make this at home as it is liked by all.
Super duper kitchen
I love methi thepla and yours look soft and delicious. I too can have this with curs and pickle. Also I would love to know more about your mom's recipe with methi, potato and brinjal.
Pooja
Nice recipe.. I must plan this for my fiance. hope he will like this..
thanks for sharing this wonderful recipe.
motionsandemotions
Thank you Pooja... He will like it for sure...Do share your feedback 🙂
angiesrecipes
Wish I could get some methi and make this now! They look really good.
motionsandemotions
Thank you so much Angie
Archana
Methi theplas are my favorite ones. I used to throw out the stalks but now Thanks to you will use them in deals.
Praneetha
I absolutely love methi theplas, such wholesome and delicious meal they make. Enjoyed reading the post, especially the tips.
Lathiya
Methi thepla is one popular dish to take during travel time. Your thepla looks yum
cookingwithsapana
I love methi thepla and always search for fresh methi leaves to make it. Your thepla looks so soft and yummy.
Sophie
Believe it or not, I have never eaten or made methi thepla in my life. Now I know how to make it.
Sasmita
Its one of my favorite flatbread during winter as during those period fresh methi leaves are easily available. Perfect for breakfast option at my place simply with curd n pickle
Hayley Dhanecha
Oh we Gujju love methi thepla and our sweet pickles. I love these with masala chai. Can you believe, I am preparing this afternoon for my lunch 🙂
Anshu
Oh I love the methi theplas, and rightly said they are so loaded with flavours and nutrition. Loved your tips as well.
My Culinary Journey
Thepla is a staple food of Gujarat. Having stayed for many years in Gujarat, this cuisine is close to my heart.
Loved your tips and tricks to make perfect theplas. Lovely share.
Lata Lala
Hem lata srivastava
I love methi Thepla with aloo rassa .your thepla looks so inviting. In winters we often make it. Thanks for sharing .