Winter mornings call for a breakfast that is both comforting and nourishing. For many, the versatile and beloved Gujarati thepla fits this role perfectly. It's a dish that can be transformed with seasonal ingredients, offering a light yet satisfying start to the day, often enjoyed with a side of curd, pickle, or a hot cup of chai.
Dietitian Shares Nutritious and Low-Calorie Thepla Variations
In a recent Instagram post dated December 4, 2025, clinical dietitian Ruchhi Chawda shared seven unique thepla recipes, each containing under 100 calories. She emphasized that when made with the right ingredients, theplas are far more than just comfort food. They can be a powerhouse of nutrition, rich in protein and easy to digest.
By incorporating whole grains, fresh vegetables, and seeds, these recipes offer a perfect balance of flavor and health benefits. According to the post, these theplas are low in calories, nutrient-dense, high in fibre, and support metabolism. They are also beneficial for skin and hair health, simple to include in daily meals, and contribute to strong bones.
Simple and Wholesome Thepla Recipes to Try at Home
Here are the seven simple recipes shared by Ruchhi Chawda, designed for health-conscious individuals looking for a warm winter meal.
Bajra Thepla (90 calories for 2 pieces): Combine 3 tablespoons of bajra flour, 2 tablespoons of wheat flour, 1 tablespoon of curd, 1/4 teaspoon each of ajwain and turmeric, salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of oil. Knead into a soft dough using a little water, roll out, and cook on a tawa with the specified oil.
Beetroot Thepla (100 calories for 2 small pieces): Mix 4 tablespoons of wheat flour, 2 tablespoons of grated beetroot, 1/2 teaspoon of ginger-chilli paste, 1/4 teaspoon each of sesame seeds and turmeric, salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of oil. Knead with water, roll, and cook.
Doodhi (Lauki) Thepla (90 calories for 2 small pieces): Use 4 tablespoons of wheat flour, 3 tablespoons of grated bottle gourd, 1/4 teaspoon turmeric, 1/2 teaspoon green chilli paste, salt, and 1/2 teaspoon oil. Knead using the moisture from the lauki, roll, and cook on a tawa.
Carrot Thepla (90 calories for 2 pieces): Blend 4 tablespoons of wheat flour, 2 tablespoons of grated carrot, 1/2 teaspoon green chilli-ginger paste, 1/8 teaspoon turmeric, salt, and 1/2 teaspoon oil. Add water to form a dough, roll into theplas, and cook.
Karela Thepla (90 calories for 2 pieces): Combine 4 tablespoons of wheat flour, 2 tablespoons of grated karela (bitter gourd), 1/4 teaspoon each of turmeric and ajwain, 1/2 teaspoon green chilli paste, salt, and 1/2 teaspoon oil. Knead with water, roll out, and cook.
Methi Sesame Thepla (95 calories for 2 pieces): Mix 4 tablespoons of wheat flour, 1/2 cup of chopped methi (fenugreek leaves), 1/4 teaspoon sesame seeds, 1/4 teaspoon jeera (cumin), 1/8 teaspoon turmeric powder, 1 tablespoon curd, salt, and 1/2 teaspoon oil. Knead into a soft dough, roll, and cook with minimal oil.
Palak Thepla (90 calories for 2 pieces): Use 4 tablespoons of wheat flour, 1/4 cup of palak (spinach) puree, 1/2 teaspoon green chilli paste, 1/4 teaspoon cumin, 1/8 teaspoon turmeric, salt, and 1/2 teaspoon oil. Mix all ingredients into a dough, roll out theplas, and cook.
Embracing Wellness with Traditional Foods
These recipes demonstrate how traditional Indian foods like thepla can be easily adapted to modern health and wellness goals. By smartly choosing ingredients such as bajra, beetroot, and leafy greens, one can enjoy flavorful meals without compromising on nutritional value or calorie count. This approach makes healthy eating sustainable and enjoyable, especially during the colder months when our bodies crave hearty, warm food.
Integrating such dishes into your winter routine can provide essential nutrients, keep you full for longer, and support overall digestion and metabolism. It's a delicious way to celebrate seasonal produce while taking care of your health.
