When it comes to Gujarati cuisine, thepla instantly comes to mind. These spiced flatbreads are a beloved travel snack, breakfast staple, and tea-time companion. Traditionally made with whole wheat flour, theplas are flavored with spices, herbs, and sometimes vegetables, giving them a unique taste and versatility.
But today, let’s take this humble dish up a notch with Pearl Millet Thepla (Bajra Thepla). By using bajra flour instead of wheat, we make this Gujarati favorite even more wholesome, gluten-free, and diabetic-friendly.
Perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner — this millet-based thepla is soft, filling, and packed with nutrients. Serve it with curd, pickle, or chutney, and you have a complete meal that is both healthy and delicious.
🌟 Why Pearl Millet Thepla?
- Rich in fiber – Keeps you full for longer and supports digestion.
- High in iron & magnesium – Boosts energy and strengthens bones.
- Gluten-free – A safe choice for those with gluten sensitivity.
- Diabetic-friendly – Helps manage blood sugar levels.
- Travel-friendly – Stays fresh longer, perfect for tiffins or journeys.
This makes Bajra Thepla a perfect blend of tradition and health.
📝 Ingredients for Pearl Millet Thepla
For 8–10 theplas:
- 🌾 Bajra (Pearl Millet) Flour – 1 ½ cups
- 🌾 Whole Wheat Flour – ½ cup (helps with binding, optional if fully gluten-free)
- 🥬 Fenugreek Leaves (Methi) – ½ cup, finely chopped
- 🧅 Onion – 1 medium, finely chopped (optional)
- 🌶️ Green Chilies – 2, finely chopped
- 🌿 Coriander Leaves – 2 tbsp, finely chopped
- 🧄 Garlic Paste – 1 tsp
- 🥄 Cumin Seeds – 1 tsp
- 🧂 Salt – to taste
- 🌶️ Red Chili Powder – ½ tsp
- 🌿 Turmeric Powder – ¼ tsp
- 🌿 Coriander Powder – ½ tsp
- 🛢️ Oil – 2 tbsp (plus extra for cooking)
- 💧 Water – as needed
Optional: grated carrot, bottle gourd, or spinach for extra nutrition.
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Preparation
1️⃣ Preparing the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, add bajra flour, wheat flour, fenugreek leaves, onions, green chilies, garlic paste, coriander leaves, and all spices.
- Drizzle in 2 tbsp oil and mix well.
- Add water little by little and knead into a soft, pliable dough.
- Rest the dough for 10–15 minutes.
👉 Bajra flour doesn’t have gluten, so mixing with wheat flour helps in binding. For a fully gluten-free version, you can skip wheat and use boiled mashed potato for binding.
2️⃣ Rolling the Thepla
- Divide the dough into small balls.
- Roll each ball into a thin circle (about 6–7 inches). Use a little dry flour for dusting.
- The rolled thepla should not be too thick.
3️⃣ Cooking the Thepla
- Heat a tawa (griddle) on medium flame.
- Place the rolled thepla and cook until light brown spots appear.
- Flip and drizzle a few drops of oil around the edges.
- Press lightly with a spatula to ensure even cooking.
- Cook until both sides are golden and slightly crisp.
Repeat for all theplas.
🍴 Serving Suggestions
Serve hot Pearl Millet Theplas with:
- 🥗 Plain Yogurt/Curd – cooling and creamy
- 🥒 Pickle – tangy and spicy
- 🥭 Chhundo (Sweet Mango Pickle) – a Gujarati favorite
- 🧈 Homemade Butter/Ghee – for a rustic touch
- 🍵 Masala Chai – perfect for breakfast or evening snack
💡 Tips & Tricks for Perfect Theplas
- Always use fresh fenugreek leaves for authentic flavor.
- If methi is unavailable, substitute with spinach or grated zucchini.
- Adding a spoonful of yogurt while kneading makes softer theplas.
- Store cooked theplas wrapped in a cloth or foil — they stay soft for hours.
- Perfect for travel — add a little extra oil while cooking to keep them fresh longer.
🌿 Health Benefits of Pearl Millet Thepla
- Boosts immunity – Rich in iron and zinc.
- Supports digestion – High fiber content improves gut health.
- Controls blood sugar – Low glycemic index is great for diabetics.
- Strengthens bones – Good source of calcium and magnesium.
- Weight management – Keeps hunger away for longer.
This makes Bajra Thepla a power-packed, everyday food that is good for all age groups.
🎉 Conclusion
Pearl Millet Thepla (Bajra Thepla) is a perfect example of how traditional Indian foods can be both delicious and healthy. With its earthy flavor, soft texture, and aromatic spices, this millet thepla adds variety to your meals while boosting your nutrition.
Whether you enjoy it for breakfast with chai, pack it in your lunchbox, or carry it while traveling, this dish never disappoints.
So next time you crave something wholesome yet flavorful, try making Bajra Thepla — a traditional Gujarati flatbread with a healthy millet twist. 🌿✨