Dhokla is a popular and savory steamed snack from the western Indian state of Gujarat. Known for its spongy texture and tangy flavor, dhokla is a favorite among those who enjoy Indian cuisine. This versatile dish can be enjoyed as a snack, appetizer, or even for breakfast. In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps to prepare delicious dhokla at home, so you can savor the authentic taste of India right in your kitchen.
Ingredients: To make dhokla, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Dhokla Batter:
- Gram Flour (Besan): 1 cup
- Semolina (Rava/Sooji): 2 tablespoons
- Yogurt: 1/2 cup
- Water: 1/2 cup
- Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon
- Green Chili Paste: 1-2 teaspoons (adjust to taste)
- Ginger Paste: 1 teaspoon
- Turmeric Powder: 1/4 teaspoon
- Salt: To taste
- Eno Fruit Salt: 1 teaspoon (or 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda)
For the Tempering:
- Mustard Seeds: 1 teaspoon
- Sesame Seeds: 1 teaspoon
- Curry Leaves: A few
- Green Chilies: 2-3 (slit)
- Asafoetida (Hing): A pinch
- Water: 2 tablespoons
- Sugar: 1-2 teaspoons (optional)
- Lemon Juice: 1-2 tablespoons
For Garnish:
- Fresh Coriander Leaves: Chopped
- Grated Coconut: Optional
Equipment:
- Steamer
- 7×7 inch square or round pan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Saucepan
- Spatula
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dhokla Batter:
- In a mixing bowl, combine gram flour (besan), semolina (rava), yogurt, water, lemon juice, green chili paste, ginger paste, turmeric powder, and salt.
- Whisk the mixture until it forms a smooth batter. Add more water if needed to achieve a thick but pourable consistency.
- Add Eno Fruit Salt (or Baking Soda):
- Just before steaming, add Eno fruit salt or baking soda to the batter. Mix gently and do not overmix; you’ll notice it will become frothy.
- Steam the Dhokla:
- Grease a square or round pan and pour the batter into it.
- Steam the batter in a steamer for approximately 15-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Prepare the Tempering:
- In a saucepan, heat oil. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter.
- Add sesame seeds, curry leaves, green chilies, and a pinch of asafoetida (hing).
- Pour 2 tablespoons of water, and if you prefer a slightly sweet flavor, add sugar at this stage.
- Remove from heat and add lemon juice.
- Cut and Temper the Dhokla:
- Once the dhokla is steamed, allow it to cool slightly.
- Cut it into squares or diamonds and pour the tempering evenly over the dhokla pieces.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish with chopped fresh coriander leaves and grated coconut if desired.
- Dhokla is typically served with green chutney or tamarind chutney.
Conclusion:
Dhokla is a delightful and healthy snack that’s simple to prepare at home. With its soft, spongy texture and zesty flavor, it’s a crowd-pleaser that can be enjoyed on various occasions. Try making this iconic Gujarati dish and treat yourself to the authentic taste of India.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Dhokla:
1. What is Dhokla?
- Dhokla is a steamed Indian snack made from gram flour (besan) and other ingredients. It’s known for its spongy texture and tangy flavor.
2. Is Dhokla gluten-free?
- Dhokla can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free eno fruit salt or baking soda and ensuring all ingredients are free of wheat or gluten.
3. Can I use a different flour instead of gram flour (besan)?
- While gram flour is traditional, you can experiment with other flours like rice flour or chickpea flour for variations in taste and texture.
4. How do I know when Dhokla is steamed perfectly?
- Dhokla is done when a toothpick inserted into it comes out clean. It should be soft and spongy, not sticky.
5. What can I serve with Dhokla?
- Dhokla is typically served with green chutney, tamarind chutney, or a sprinkle of grated coconut and fresh coriander leaves.