April 26, 2022

Maharashtrian Dhapate – Spicy Flatbread

Dhapate is a healthy, delicious, and flavorful authentic Maharashtrian spicy flatbread. It is made with multigrain flours and flavorful spices. Super easy and nutritious dhapate makes an excellent choice for a quick meal option.

Traditionally, these dhapates are made with jowar flour, wheat flour, and besan for the flour mix. Onions, garlic, green chillies, cilantro, and some spices are combined to give an amazing flavor to the dish.

The process of making the dhapate is very simple and easy. Combine all the ingredients together into a dough, make equal sized balls, pat to form a round shape, and pan fry the dhapate with some oil. You can enjoy spicy dhapate on their own or with some fresh butter, yogurt, chutney, or pickle.

I have learnt this amazing recipe from my mother in law who makes some of the best Dhapates in the world! My family enjoys this recipe especially on cold or rainy days when we feel like having something delicious and healthy at the same time 🙂

This is a basic dhapate recipe with some cilantro and onions. You can definitely play around with some ingredients. Check out my variations section for more options which I have tried over so many years.

What Is Dhapate?

Dhapate is a savory multigrain flatbread which is popular in the state of Maharashtra, India.

This dish is very similar to the famous Maharashtrian breakfast recipe called Thalipeeth. The main difference between these two recipes is the flour.

Thalipeeth Bhajani (flour) is made with various roasted grains into powder and later they are combined with onions and cilantro. The mixture of the flours in dhapate is not roasted, loads of garlic and ajwain is added in the dough to form an amazing taste.

In the Marathi language, “beating” means dhapate. The dish got its name due to beating or patting the dough to form into a disc shape 🙂

Ingredients

Sorghum flour
Wheat flour
Chickpea flour
Red onion
Garlic
Green chili
Cilantro leaves
Carom seeds
Cumin seeds
Coriander powder
Turmeric powder
Red chili powder
Salt
Oil

Dhapate Step By Step Recipe

Making The Dough

In a large bowl, mix together all the flours, spices, and salt.

Using a mortar and pestle, crush the carom and cumin seeds, transfer them to the bowl.

Next, add grated chili, garlic, chopped red onions, and loads of cilantro.

Mix together the mixture and add little water at a time to form a smooth dough – I used little less than ¾ th cup of water. Cover the dough with a kitchen towel and set aside for 10 minutes.

Shaping And Frying

Knead the dough for 2 minutes and divide the dough into 8 equal balls.

Heat an iron skillet on medium heat.

Grease a plastic bag or parchment paper with some oil and place a ball on it.

Gently press the ball with your fingers to form a round disc.

Carefully lift the plastic bag, flip it onto your palm, and slowly separate the bag from the disc.

Transfer the disc to the skillet, drizzle a few drops of oil from the sides and at the center, and cover the pan with a lid.

Cook the dhapata for 2 minutes, remove the lid, flip it, and drizzle a few drops of oil.

Let the other side cook for about 2-3 minutes.

Flip to the other side and cook for another 1-2 minutes or until golden brown from both sides.

Finish making all the dhapates in a similar way.

Tips For Making Spicy Dhapate

While making the dough, always add a little water at a time. You will need to add the quantity of water depending on the stickiness in the dough mix.
Shape the balls into a medium disc – they shouldn’t be too thin or too thick.
If you are a beginner then divide the dough into 10-12 balls for smaller sized dhapate.
Always keep the heat on medium while making the dhapate so they will get cooked from inside very well.
If you want to take them with you on a road trip then skip adding onions to increase their shelf life for 3-4 days.

Variations

You can add mixed millet flours like pearl millet and finger millet in the recipe if you like.
Add a few leafy vegetables like spinach and methi in the recipe to make it more healthy.
You can add 2 tbsp of sesame seeds in the dough as well.

How To Store Spicy Dhapate?

Dhapates taste best when served fresh.

Once they cool down, you can store them into an airtight container for 1 day on a countertop.

Make them in advance and store in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 8 days.

How To Serve Spicy Dhapate?

Enjoy them on their own! You can serve dhapate with plain dahi or fresh butter.

Serve them with your favorite pickle, dry garlic chutney, or dry peanuts chutney.

Serve roasted veggies or cucumber slices along with dahi, pickle or chutney to make it a wholesome meal.

You can enjoy them along with some curd rice for a wholesome meal.

These are perfect to take with you on road trips but don’t add onions in the dough as they will decrease its shelf life.

DID YOU LIKE THIS RECIPE?

If you’ve tried the Maharashtrian Dhapate recipe then don’t forget to rate it.

I will love to hear from you!