Recipe for Sabudana Thepla: A Delicious Twist on a Traditional Gujarati Dish

Thepla is a popular Gujarati flatbread typically made with wheat flour and spices, but if you're looking for something unique and gluten-free, Sabudana Thepla is the perfect choice! Made with soaked sabudana (tapioca pearls), this variation brings a soft, chewy texture combined with the signature flavors of traditional thepla. It's an ideal dish for fasting (especially during Navratri), breakfast, or a healthy snack.
In this blog, we'll walk you through an easy and delicious recipe for Sabudana Thepla that you can enjoy with curd, chutney, or even on its own!

Ingredients:

To prepare Sabudana Thepla, you’ll need the following ingredients:
● Sabudana (Tapioca pearls) – 1 cup (soaked overnight or for 4-5 hours)
● Boiled Potatoes – 2 medium-sized (mashed)
● Peanut Powder – ¼ cup (roasted peanuts, coarsely ground)
● Fresh Coriander Leaves – 2 tablespoons (finely chopped)
● Green Chilies – 2-3 (finely chopped)
● Ginger – 1 teaspoon (grated)
● Cumin Seeds – 1 teaspoon
● Sesame Seeds – 1 tablespoon
● Turmeric Powder – ½ teaspoon
● Red Chili Powder – ½ teaspoon
● Garam Masala – ½ teaspoon (optional)
● Salt – to taste
● Lemon Juice – 1 tablespoon
● Ghee or Oil – for cooking
Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Soak the Sabudana
● Wash the sabudana under cold water until the water runs clear. Soak it in just enough water to cover the pearls. Let it sit for at least 4-5 hours or overnight, so the sabudana absorbs the water and becomes soft.
● After soaking, drain any excess water, and ensure that the sabudana is soft and not sticky.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough
● In a mixing bowl, add the soaked sabudana, mashed boiled potatoes, peanut powder, and fresh coriander leaves.
● Next, add finely chopped green chilies, grated ginger, cumin seeds, sesame seeds, turmeric powder, red chili powder, garam masala, salt, and lemon juice.
● Mix all the ingredients well to form a soft, dough-like consistency. If the mixture feels too sticky, you can add some roasted peanut powder or a little gluten-free flour (like amaranth or buckwheat) to bind the dough.

Step 3: Rolling the Thepla
● Divide the dough into small, equal-sized balls.
● Grease your hands with a little oil and flatten each ball into a small disc.
● Place the disc between two sheets of parchment paper or on a rolling board dusted with a little flour (if needed) and gently roll out the dough into a round shape. Since sabudana thepla is delicate, avoid rolling it too thin.

Step 4: Cook the Thepla
● Heat a tawa or non-stick skillet over medium heat and drizzle some oil or ghee.
● Place the rolled thepla on the hot tawa and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden brown and crispy. Add a little oil or ghee around the edges while cooking to get a nice, crisp texture.
● Once done, remove the thepla from the pan and repeat the process with the remaining dough.

Step 5: Serve
● Serve the hot and crispy Sabudana Thepla with a side of yogurt, mint chutney, or even a simple pickle for an added flavor boost.
● You can also enjoy it with a cup of masala chai for a complete, satisfying meal!
Tips for Perfect Sabudana Thepla:
● Right Soaking: Make sure to soak the sabudana well, but not in too much water. The pearls should remain soft and separate after soaking.
● Binding the Dough: If the dough feels too loose or sticky, adjust by adding a little more peanut powder or some gluten-free flour like buckwheat.
● Cooking on Low Flame: Sabudana thepla tends to cook quickly, so make sure to keep the flame on medium to avoid burning while ensuring a crispy texture.

Conclusion:
Sabudana Thepla is a nutritious, gluten-free alternative to the traditional thepla, packed with energy from sabudana and the goodness of peanuts and potatoes. It's perfect for a quick snack or a fulfilling meal during fasting seasons like Navratri. This versatile recipe can be enjoyed with various sides, making it a tasty and healthy addition to your recipe collection.
Give this recipe a try and relish the delightful flavors of Sabudana Thepla with your loved ones!