Lauki Thalipeeth (Bottle Gourd Thalipeeth)

 A wholesome and nutritious Maharashtrian-style flatbread, Lauki Thalipeeth is a great way to incorporate vegetables into your meals. Made with bottle gourd, jowar flour, wheat flour, and aromatic spices, this soft and flavorful flatbread is perfect for breakfast, lunch, or a light dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 lauki (bottle gourd) - grated
• 2 cups jowar flour
• 2 cups whole wheat flour
• 2 tbsp besan (gram flour)
• 1 tsp ajwain (carom seeds)
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 tsp cumin powder
• 1 tsp red chilli powder (adjust to taste)
• 2 tbsp sesame seeds
• 1 tsp salt, or to taste
• 1 tbsp grated jaggery
• 2 tbsp finely chopped coriander leaves (optional)
• 1–2 green chillies, finely chopped 
• Water, as required
• Oil or ghee for cooking

Instructions

Prepare the Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated lauki, jowar flour, wheat flour, and besan.
2. Add ajwain, cumin seeds, cumin powder, chilli powder, sesame seeds, salt, and jaggery.
3. Mix well and knead into a soft dough. The moisture from the lauki will help bind the dough together.
4. Add a little water when required.

Shape and Cook Directly on the Tawa

1. Heat a tawa on low heat and lightly grease it.
2. Take a portion of the dough and place it directly onto the tawa.
3. Wet your fingers with water and gently pat the dough into a round thalipeeth about 5–6 inches wide.
4. Make a few small holes in the centre and around the thalipeeth.
5. Drizzle oil or ghee into the holes and around the edges.
6. Cover and cook on medium-low heat for 3–4 minutes.
7. Flip carefully and cook the other side until golden brown and fully cooked.
8. Repeat with the remaining dough.

Serving Suggestions

Serve hot with yogurt, butter, pickle, or green chutney.

Tips

• Keep a small bowl of water nearby to wet your fingers while patting the dough on the tawa.
• Cooking directly on the tawa gives the thalipeeth a rustic texture and eliminates the need for parchment paper.
• Adjust the consistency of the dough so it is soft but not sticky.
• The jaggery adds a subtle sweetness that balances the spices beautifully.

This Lauki Thalipeeth is soft, flavourful, and packed with wholesome ingredients, making it an excellent choice for a healthy breakfast or light meal.