Dhokla: Recipe

Dhokla Recipe: A Flavorful Treat

Dhokla is a delectable and nutritious Indian snack that hails from the western state of Gujarat. This steamed dish is not only mouthwateringly delicious but also incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re an experienced chef or a novice in the kitchen, you can whip up a batch of dhokla in no time. In this article, we’ll take you through the ingredients, preparation steps, and methods to make this delightful dish that’s perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even a light dinner.

Ingredients:

Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s gather all the ingredients you’ll need to make dhokla:

For the batter:

1. 1 cup of gram flour (besan): Gram flour is the main ingredient in dhokla, giving it a rich flavor and a soft texture.
2. 1/4 cup of fine semolina (sooji/rava): Semolina adds a slight grainy texture to the dhokla, making it more interesting.
3. 1/4 cup of yogurt: Yogurt helps to ferment the batter, making it fluffy and soft.
4. 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder: Turmeric not only gives the dhokla a beautiful yellow color but also adds a subtle earthy flavor.
5. 1 teaspoon of ginger-green chili paste: This paste adds a spicy kick and a hint of freshness to the dish.
6. 1 tablespoon of lemon juice: Lemon juice provides a tangy twist to balance the flavors.
7. Salt to taste: Season your batter with a pinch of salt to enhance the taste.

For the tempering:

1. 2 tablespoons of oil: Any neutral cooking oil will do.
2. 1/2 teaspoon of mustard seeds: Mustard seeds add a nutty flavor and a bit of crunch to the tempering.
3. 8-10 curry leaves: Curry leaves give a wonderful aroma and an authentic Indian touch to the dhokla.
4. 2-3 green chilies (slit): These chilies add a spicy kick, but you can adjust the quantity to your spice tolerance.
5. A pinch of asafoetida (hing): Asafoetida enhances the overall flavor and aids in digestion.
6. 1/4 cup of water: This is for making the tempering sauce.

For garnishing:

1. Fresh coriander leaves: Chopped coriander leaves add a burst of freshness and color to the dhokla.

Preparation Steps:

Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s move on to the step-by-step preparation process:

Step 1: Preparing the Batter

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the gram flour, semolina, yogurt, turmeric powder, ginger-green chili paste, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt.
2. Gradually add water while stirring to make a smooth and lump-free batter. Ensure that the batter is not too thick or too thin; it should have a pouring consistency, similar to pancake batter.
3. Let the batter sit for at least 20 minutes. During this time, the yogurt will help in fermenting the batter, making it light and fluffy.

Step 2: Steaming the Dhokla

1. Grease a shallow, microwave-safe dish or a dhokla steamer tray with some oil to prevent sticking.
2. Pour the batter into the greased container, filling it about halfway. Tap the container gently to remove air bubbles.
3. Place the container in a steamer or a large pot with a steaming rack. Cover it with a lid.
4. Steam the dhokla for approximately 15-20 minutes on medium heat. To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick or a knife into the dhokla; it should come out clean without any batter sticking to it.

Step 3: Tempering the Dhokla

1. In a small saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium heat.
2. Add mustard seeds to the hot oil. Once they start to splutter, add curry leaves, green chilies, and a pinch of asafoetida.
3. After a minute or so, pour 1/4 cup of water into the saucepan and let it simmer for a couple of minutes. This will create a flavorful tempering sauce.

Step 4: Slicing and Serving

1. Carefully remove the steamed dhokla from the container and let it cool for a few minutes.
2. Cut the dhokla into small squares or diamond shapes.
3. Pour the prepared tempering sauce evenly over the sliced dhokla.
4. Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves to add a burst of color and freshness.

Your delicious homemade dhokla is now ready to be served!

In Conclusion:

Dhokla is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed on its own or with chutney, like mint or tamarind, for an extra kick of flavor. It’s not only tasty but also healthy, thanks to its steaming method and use of gram flour and yogurt. You can also get creative by adding grated coconut, chopped vegetables, or even paneer to the batter for a unique twist.

So, the next time you’re in the mood for a savory snack or a light meal, give dhokla a try. With this simple recipe, you’ll be able to savor the authentic flavors of Gujarat in the comfort of your own kitchen.

Dhokla recipe(youtube)- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=97-Y-XeYN88