Authentic Dhokla Recipes: A Culinary Adventure

Introduction

Dhokla is a popular Indian snack that originated from the state of Gujarat. It’s a steamed savory cake made from fermented rice and split chickpeas (gram flour). Dhokla is not only delicious but also healthy and easy to make. Here, we’ll explore three unique variations of this classic dish.

1. Traditional Dhokla

Ingredients:

• 1 cup gram flour (besan)
• 1/2 cup yogurt
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon chopped coriander leaves
• Salt to taste
• 1 teaspoon baking soda

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Batter: a. In a mixing bowl, combine gram flour, yogurt, and water to form a smooth batter. Allow it to ferment for 4-5 hours or overnight.
2. Seasoning: a. In a small pan, heat oil and add mustard seeds and cumin seeds. Let them splutter.
3. Add Flavors: a. Add turmeric powder, sugar, and salt to the fermented batter. Mix well.
4. Steaming: a. Grease a steaming tray or a round pan. Add baking soda and lemon juice to the batter and mix vigorously. b. Pour the batter into the greased tray and steam it for 15-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
5. Tempering: a. Heat oil in a pan and add mustard seeds and curry leaves. Once they splutter, pour this tempering over the steamed dhokla.
6. Garnish and Serve: a. Garnish with chopped coriander leaves and serve with green chutney.

2. Khaman Dhokla

Ingredients:

• 1 cup gram flour (besan)
• 1/4 cup semolina (rava)
• 1/2 cup yogurt
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 teaspoon ginger-green chili paste
• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon eno fruit salt
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Mix the Batter: a. In a mixing bowl, combine gram flour, semolina, yogurt, water, ginger-green chili paste, oil, lemon juice, sugar, turmeric powder, and salt to form a smooth batter. Allow it to rest for 30 minutes.
2. Preheat and Prepare: a. Grease a steaming tray or pan and preheat the steamer.
3. Add Eno Fruit Salt: a. Just before steaming, add eno fruit salt to the batter and mix gently in one direction.
4. Steaming: a. Pour the batter into the greased tray and steam it for 15-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
5. Tempering: a. Heat oil in a pan and add mustard seeds. Allow them to splutter.
6. Season the Dhokla: a. Pour this tempering over the steamed dhokla.
7. Garnish and Serve: a. Garnish with chopped coriander leaves and serve with tamarind chutney.

3. Instant Dhokla

Ingredients:

• 1 cup gram flour (besan)
• 1/2 cup water
• 2 tablespoons yogurt
• 1 teaspoon ginger-green chili paste
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1 teaspoon eno fruit salt
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Batter: a. In a mixing bowl, combine gram flour, water, yogurt, ginger-green chili paste, turmeric powder, and salt to form a smooth batter. Allow it to rest for 10-15 minutes.
2. Add Eno Fruit Salt: a. Just before steaming, add eno fruit salt to the batter and mix gently in one direction.
3. Grease and Preheat: a. Grease a steaming tray or pan and preheat the steamer.
4. Steaming: a. Pour the batter into the greased tray and steam it for 15-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
5. Tempering: a. Heat oil in a pan and add mustard seeds. Allow them to splutter.
6. Season the Dhokla: a. Pour this tempering over the steamed dhokla.
7. Cut and Serve: a. Cut the dhokla into squares and serve with mint chutney.

Enjoy making these delicious Dhokla variations and impress your family and friends with your culinary skills!