Satiate your dhokla cravings with this easy recipe
Dhokla, a beloved Indian vegetarian dish, hails from Gujarat and is known for its light texture and tangy flavor. A staple at teatime and often served at breakfast, this steamed savory cake has made its way into the hearts of food enthusiasts across the globe. It's a perfect example of India's rich culinary diversity, so grab your apron and let's get cooking!
Step 1: Gather the following ingredients
You will need one cup of gram flour (besan), two tablespoons of semolina (suji), one cup of yogurt, 3/4 cup of water, one teaspoon of green chili-ginger paste, two tablespoons of lemon juice, one teaspoon of Eno fruit salt, and some salt to taste. For tempering, arrange for mustard seeds, sesame seeds, chopped green chilies, curry leaves, grated coconut, and chopped coriander.
Step 2: Prepare the batter
Whisk gram flour, semolina, yogurt, and water until you achieve a smooth consistency. Let this mixture ferment for about four hours. After fermentation, stir in the green chili-ginger paste, lemon juice, and salt to taste, and finally add Eno fruit salt right before you are ready to steam. This reaction will make your batter light and fluffy - the secret to perfect dhokla!
Step 3: Time to steam
The next step is to pour the batter into a greased steaming tray or thali. Steam in a preheated steamer for about 15-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. It's crucial not to open the steamer frequently as it might affect the cooking process. Once done, let it cool slightly before cutting into squares or desired shapes.
Step 4: Make a tempting tempering
For that irresistible tempering (tadka), heat a small amount of oil in a pan; add mustard seeds and let them splutter. Once done, add sesame seeds, green chilies, and curry leaves. Let them fry until they are briefly aromatic. Pour this sizzling tadka over the steamed dhokla pieces ensuring even coverage for that extra zing.
Step 5: Garnish and serve
Finally, it's time to garnish and serve as your dhokla is almost ready! Sprinkle grated coconut and chopped coriander over your dhokla for a fresh burst of flavor and color. Serve this delightful dish with green chutney or tamarind sauce to enhance its taste. Dhokla can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature - either way it's deliciously satisfying!
