Bajri methi dhebra (Methi dhebra)

Recipe for Bajri Methi dhebra
(Methi dhebra)

While I was frying  methi dhebra, the aroma of methi spread  in  my whole house and my husband couldn’t wait to have a bite of it.

Well for those who don't know about this snack, this delicious tea time snack comes from state of Gujarat and is very popular in Gujarati household.
Use of  fresh methi leaves enhances its flavor. That is the reason, these dhebras are  made more during winters when we get  fresh green methi leaves
in India. Methi Dhebra is crispy outside and soft inside.

Do you know winters is the perfect season for enjoying  Bajri methi dhebra ? 

Because our digestion is naturally so strong during winter months than any other seasons. It’s an iron and fiber-rich snack prepared with fenugreek leaves and bajra flour.
Now, both bajra and fenugreek leaves are the ingredients that are generally
consumed during winter as they keep warm and give energy.

What are the different ways  to make dhebra?

These can be made like small poori or can be rolled  and made like thin thepla or paratha. If you  make like poori then you have to deep fry  or shallow fry them and if you are making  like thepla then roast them on pan with ghee or oil . Both ways it taste awesome. Adding yogurt  in dough is optional. You can add lemon juice for a vegan version. You can also  try substituting methi with palak(spinach) leaves.

What is difference between Theplas and Dhebra ?

Dhebra is made from  bajra flour where as thepla is made from wheat flour and
chickpea flour or besan. Dhebra is patted with hand and thepla is rolled out  thinly using  rolling  pin. Dhebra is fried and thepla  roasted on pan with ghee or oil.
And yes because we use Bajra flour for Dhebras, the dough tends to get a bit  sticky as compared to Thepla dough. Also Theplas last longer in comparison with  dhebras.
In this recipe I have added other flours along with bajra flour while making dhebra.

What are the these dhebra made of?

They can be also made using different flours like jowar (white millet) flour, bajra (pearl millet ) flour, maize flour. They are generally thick in size. The ratio of flour used can be adjusted according to your preference and availability. You Can also add some jowar and besan in it along with bajra and wheat flour.

Can  methi dhebra be made without fresh methi leaves?

If fresh methi is available then do use the fresh chopped methi leaves else you can add kasoori methi also. Fresh methi is always better and adds a deep aroma to this dish. If you don’t have  fresh  methi leaves, soak some kasuri methi in water, squeeze  it nicely and roughly chop and use them instead.

Did you know  you could grow methi easily at home?

Yes, Fenugreek is one of the easiest herbs to grow.  It’s easy to think of fenugreek as something you're more likely to find in a spice rack than in a garden, but with almost no effort, it's easy to keep in both places. 

You can use the fenugreek seeds from your Indian grocer, there is no need to pay more for a packet of seeds, and simply sprinkle them onto damp soil or compost.  Lightly cover with more soil or compost and germination will occur within days, particularly if the weather is warm. You can harvest them within 3 - 4 weeks of sowing, and if you sow a small amount regularly you will have a supply all through the summer. So now you have reason  enjoy dhebras even in summer. 

Health benefits of methi leaves (fenugreek leaves) -

 Methi leaves has  many benefits like lowering blood sugar levels, boosting testosterone, and increasing milk production in breastfeeding mothers. Fenugreek leaves  may also reduce cholesterol levels and are also responsible  for lowering blood sugar levels.

Health  benefits of different flours used in dhebra - 

Bajra flour 

Bajra flour is high in protein.It also stabilizes the level of cholesterol in the body.  It also helps in digestion because bajra is rich in insoluble fiber that aids digestion.

Besan (gram flour)

 Besan  is gluten free flour that has binding nature.
Lowers diabetes. Including besan in food in some form  is one of the best home remedies to control Diabetes. Besan is high in folic acid.

Wheat flour 

It is  widely considered healthier. It's a good source of protein, fiber, and a variety of vitamins and minerals.

Sesame seeds 

During winter season they can keep you warm naturally. Helps you fight winter related health issues. They help you boost bone heath and lowers blood pressure.

How do you store dhebras ?

These can stay good for  2 to 3 days in air tight containers. 

How to serve dhebra?

Serve the dhebra with curd, pickle , ketchup in dinner or  it can also be served as tea time snacks with hot cup of tea.

How to make  Bajri methi dhebra   (Methi dhebra)

Ingredients 

• 1 cup  Fenugreek leaves (methi leaves) washed and chopped finely
• 1/4cup corn flour or makai ka aata
• 1/4  cup bajra aata
• 1 cup  wheat flour 
• 1/4 cup rawa
• 1/4 cup besan
• 1/2 tsp ajwaain /carom seeds
• 1/2 tsp haldi
• 1/2 tsp red chili powder 
• 1 tsp grated ginger
• 2 tbsp curd
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 tbsp oil in dough
• 1 tbsp white sesame seeds
• Salt to taste 
• Water to knead the dough
• Oil for deep frying 

Instructions

 

1) In a large bowl mix fenugreek leaves, grated ginger, sesame seeds, chili powder, 

     turmeric powder and ajwain.  Add oil, salt , sugar and mix well. Set aside for 5 minutes.

 2) Now Add corn flour,  wheat flour, bajra flour, gram flour, semolina and salt.

3) Mix well using your finger so fenugreek leaves  mixture will incorporate well with flours.

 4) Now add  yogurt  little  by little and knead the  dough.

5) Add water if you need and  make semi smooth dough.

6) Divide them into  small equal lemon size balls.

7) Roll each  ball between your palm and press into 1” cm thick size circle.

8) Heat  the oil in the skillet on medium heat. Once  oil is hot place dhebra on the skillet. 

9) Cook both the sides nicely till golden brown. 

10) Repeat same procedure for rest dhebra.

Total time -40 minutes 

Servings-2