My Fitness Transformation: From Lazy Days to Healthy Habits

🫓 Lauki Thepla with Homemade Dahi – A Gut-Friendly Indian Delight

If you're looking for a healthy, fiber-rich Indian meal that's easy to digest and packed with flavor, Lauki Thepla is your answer. This Gujarati-inspired flatbread combines the hydrating properties of bottle gourd (lauki) with the wholesomeness of atta and Indian spices. Paired with cooling homemade dahi, it makes for a balanced and nourishing meal that suits all ages.

📝 Ingredients

For Lauki Thepla (makes 6–8 theplas):

• 1 cup whole wheat flour (atta)

• 1 cup grated lauki (bottle gourd)

• 1–2 green chilies, finely chopped

• 1 tsp ginger paste

• 2 tbsp chopped fresh coriander leaves

• 1 tsp ajwain (carom seeds)

• ½ tsp turmeric powder (haldi)

• ½ tsp red chili powder (optional)

• Salt to taste

• 1 tbsp curd (optional, for softness)

• 1–2 tsp oil (for dough)

• Water (as needed to knead)

• Ghee or oil (for roasting)

For Homemade Dahi:

• ½ liter full cream milk

• 1 tbsp dahi (as starter culture)

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👩‍🍳 Method

🍽️ How to Make Lauki Thepla:

1. Grate & Squeeze: Grate the lauki and lightly squeeze to remove excess water. Don’t discard the water; you can use it to knead the dough.

2. Mix Dough: In a large bowl, add atta, grated lauki, green chilies, ginger paste, coriander, ajwain, turmeric, chili powder, salt, and a spoon of curd. Add the lauki water gradually and knead into a soft dough. Add a teaspoon of oil and let it rest for 10 minutes.

3. Roll Theplas: Divide the dough into equal-sized balls. Dust with dry flour and roll into thin, round theplas.

4. Roast on Tawa: Heat a tawa or flat pan. Cook each thepla on both sides with a bit of oil or ghee until golden brown spots appear.

5. Keep Warm: Stack them in a roti box or cover with a cotton towel to keep them soft.

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🥣 How to Set Homemade Dahi:

1. Boil the Milk: Heat the milk till it comes to a boil. Let it cool down to lukewarm.

2. Add Starter: Add 1 tablespoon of dahi into a bowl and pour the lukewarm milk over it. Mix gently.

3. Let it Set: Cover and keep it in a warm place (like inside the microwave or an insulated box) for 6–8 hours.

4. Ready to Serve: Once set, refrigerate if you prefer it chilled.

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🍴 Serving Suggestion

Serve hot lauki theplas with a bowl of creamy homemade dahi, a spoon of mango pickle, and a sprinkle of roasted jeera powder on the curd. This is comfort food that supports digestion, hydrates the body, and keeps your gut happy.

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💡 Namaste Healthy Tip

Lauki is 96% water, low in calories, and excellent for detox. This recipe is perfect for weight-watchers, diabetics, and anyone who wants a healthy Indian meal without compromising on taste.