Dhokla

Ingredients:

For the Dhokla Batter:

• 1 cup besan (chickpea flour)
• 1/2 cup rice flour
• 1/4 cup yogurt (preferably sour)
• 1 tablespoon ginger-green chili paste
• 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda (or ENO fruit salt)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 cup water (or as needed to make a smooth batter)
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional, for extra fluffiness)
• 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, for slight sweetness)

For Tempering (Tadka):

• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds (optional)
• 8-10 curry leaves
• 2-3 green chilies, slit
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional)
• 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, for sweetness)
• 1/4 cup water

For Garnishing:

• Fresh coriander leaves, finely chopped
• Grated coconut (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dhokla Batter:

• Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine besan (chickpea flour), rice flour, turmeric powder, and salt.
• Add Wet Ingredients: Add yogurt, ginger-green chili paste, sugar, and lemon juice (if using). Mix well to form a thick batter.
• Adjust Consistency: Gradually add water to the batter, mixing continuously to ensure it is smooth. The batter should be of a pourable, thick consistency, similar to cake batter.
• Fermentation: Let the batter rest for about 15-20 minutes in a warm place. This allows it to ferment slightly, which contributes to its sponginess.

2. Prepare the Steamer:

• While the batter is resting, prepare the steamer. Fill a large steamer or pressure cooker with water (about 1-2 cups) and bring it to a simmer. Grease a round or square steaming dish with a little oil to prevent the dhokla from sticking.
• If using a pressure cooker, do not add the weight (whistle), as the dhokla needs to be steamed, not pressure-cooked.

3. Add Baking Soda or ENO:

• Once the batter has rested, add baking soda or ENO fruit salt to the batter. Mix gently and quickly, as this helps the batter rise and become fluffy.
• Immediately pour the batter into the prepared steaming dish.

4. Steam the Dhokla:

• Carefully place the steaming dish in the preheated steamer or pressure cooker. Cover and steam for 15-20 minutes on medium heat.
• After 15 minutes, check by inserting a toothpick or knife into the center of the dhokla. If it comes out clean, the dhokla is ready. If not, steam for an additional 5 minutes.
• Once done, remove the dish from the steamer and let it cool for a few minutes.

5. Prepare the Tempering (Tadka):

• While the dhokla is cooling, heat oil in a small pan on medium heat.
• Add mustard seeds and let them splutter. Then add cumin seeds, curry leaves, green chilies, and sesame seeds (optional). Fry for a minute.
• Add water and sugar (optional) to the pan. Let it simmer for a minute to make a sweet, tangy tempering.

6. Serve the Dhokla:

• Once the dhokla has cooled slightly, cut it into squares or diamond shapes.
• Pour the tempering (tadka) evenly over the steamed dhokla.
• Garnish with chopped coriander leaves and grated coconut (optional).

7. Enjoy:

• Serve the dhokla warm with green chutney, tamarind chutney, or yogurt. It’s a perfect snack for any time of the day.

Tips:

• For extra fluffiness: Ensure that the batter is not too thick. Add water gradually to achieve the right consistency.
• ENO vs. Baking Soda: ENO fruit salt works better than baking soda for making dhokla fluffy and light. It reacts quickly with the batter, creating air pockets.
• Steaming without a Steamer: If you don’t have a steamer, you can use a large pot with a lid and a makeshift rack (such as an empty tuna can with both ends removed) to elevate the dhokla dish above the water.

Variations:

• Methi Dhokla: Add finely chopped fenugreek leaves (methi) to the batter for a slightly bitter flavor.
• Khatta Dhokla: Add extra yogurt for a tangy version.
• Rava Dhokla: Instead of besan, you can use semolina (rava) to make a different kind of fluffy dhokla.
• Stuffed Dhokla: You can add a stuffing, such as grated carrots or spiced mashed potatoes, inside the dhokla batter before steaming.

Dhokla is a healthy, steamed, and tasty snack that’s perfect for breakfast, tea-time, or as an appetizer. With its delicate texture, rich flavor, and refreshing tempering, it’s sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it! Enjoy!