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Tucked in the western region of India, Gujarat is a gold mine of rich culinary creations that are enmeshed with the culture of the state. This state possesses a plethora of succulent and extraordinary dishes, including the hearty and lip-smacking undhiyu and dal dhokli as well as light snacks in the vein of melt-in-the-mouth dhoklas and crunchy patras that are perfect for any and every occasion. The state is also revered for its diverse array of flatbreads on offer.
From the humble fulka to the flavour-packed thepla, both of which will be covered in detail below, the flatbreads of Gujarat are a symbol of the state’s agricultural richness as well as colourful traditions. Despite originating in Gujarat, these breads are relished all over the country as they pair well with a variety of foods, be it chutneys, stews, dry vegetables, lentils, or thick gravies, pointing to their versatility. Expand your knowledge of Gujarati cuisine by taking a look at six prominent finger-licking Gujarati flatbreads.
Fulka
A simple wheat-based flatbread, the fulka is the equivalent of chapatti that is consumed in the majority of the country. It is crafted by rolling out small dough balls and cooking them till they become puffy. A fixture in Gujarati households, it can be consumed with a range of dishes, including curries and lentils. Being made of wheat, the fulka is a good source of dietary fibre, which helps in digestion and supports heart health; it is also loaded with carbohydrates, which provide one energy to get through the day, making it an excellent option for lunch.
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Thepla
A quintessentially Gujarati delicacy, the thepla is a flavour-packed flatbread that is beloved across the country. This delectable flatbread is prepared by blending wheat flour, gram flour, and spices with fenugreek leaves; the concoction is subsequently fried till it assumes a golden-brown colour. The thepla is strongly tied to Gujarati cultural idiosyncrasies as most Gujarati people frequently carry this dish with them as a snack while travelling. Thanks to the fenugreek leaves, which are known to stabilise blood sugar levels and boost metabolism, the thepla also packs a nutritional kick.
Also Read: Try These Lesser Known Gujarati Delicacies
Rotla
Also known as Bajru Nu Lot, the rotla is a big hit in the rustic locales of Gujarat. Made from millet flour or bajra, the dough is moulded into thick disc-like shapes and then cooked over an open flame. Typically loaded with lots and lots of ghee or butter, this earthy delicacy is best savoured with a spicy garlic chutney, curd, or most famously, a variety of urad dal stew. In accompaniment with the aforementioned foods, the rotla helps craft an authentic Gujarati meal that is simultaneously appetising, nourishing, and fulfilling.
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Puran Poli
Not only are the people of Gujarat notorious for being big foodies, but they are also known to have an insatiable sweet tooth. The puran poli is the perfect flatbread to satisfy any and all sugar cravings. A sweet flatbread, it is made from refined flour, which is moulded into a dough, and then pumped with a combination of ingredients, such as lentils, jaggery, and fragrant spices, including flavoursome nutmeg and cardamom. Typically served with ghee, this sweet flatbread is a fixture during Gujarati festivals and special events.
Bhakri
The bhakri is an unleavened flatbread that is made from wheat flour, utilising both regular and coarse flour. The dough is mixed with oil or ghee, and then rolled into small balls, and cooked, resulting in the formation of a flatbread that is smaller than a fulka while simultaneously being thicker and denser. The bread is usually smothered in ghee, and forms a dinner staple in most Gujarati households, where it is consumed with a traditional potato and eggplant-based gravy. Leftover bhakris are usually used up for breakfast the following day, tasting surprisingly good with tea.
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Farsi Puri
The Farsi puri is an exceptionally crispy Gujarati flatbread that can be consumed throughout the day, as a breakfast item, an evening snack, or a quick pick-me-up when one is plagued with sudden hunger pangs. Usually made from maida, these crunchy treats are similar to salted biscuits in taste. An added benefit of Farsi puris is that they need not be consumed immediately; they can be prepared and stored for a number of weeks, which makes them ideal snacks for travel. Apart from being snacks, they can also be enjoyed with rice or curry.
