Dhokla
Fluffy, steamed savory cakes made from fermented gram flour (besan), a popular and healthy snack from Gujarat, India. They are characterized by their light, spongy texture and are often tempered with a sweet and spicy mixture.
🧂 Ingredients
- 200 g Besan (gram flour)(Finely ground chickpea flour. Ensure it's fresh for best results.)
- 100 g Plain Yogurt(Full-fat yogurt works best for richness and fermentation. Can substitute with buttermilk or water if yogurt is unavailable, but fermentation might take longer.)
- 100-150 ml Water(Adjust for batter consistency. Start with less and add more as needed.)
- 1 tsp Ginger-Garlic Paste(Optional, for added flavor.)
- 1/2 tsp Turmeric powder
- 1 tsp Salt(Or to taste.)
- 1 tsp Eno Fruit Salt (or baking soda + citric acid)(This is a key leavening agent. If using baking soda, mix 1/2 tsp baking soda with 1/4 tsp citric acid. Add just before steaming.)
- 1 tbsp Oil(For greasing the pan and for the tempering.)
- 1 tsp Mustard seeds
- 10-12 leaves Curry leaves(Fresh curry leaves add a distinct aroma.)
- 2 Green chilies(Finely chopped. Adjust quantity based on spice preference. Slit them lengthwise for less heat.)
- 1 tbsp Sugar
- 4 tbsp Water(For the tempering mixture.)
- 1 tbsp Lemon juice(Optional, for tanginess in the tempering.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the Batter: In a bowl, combine besan, turmeric powder, salt, and ginger-garlic paste (if using). Gradually whisk in the yogurt and water until you achieve a smooth, lump-free batter with a consistency similar to pancake batter. It should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but pourable.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 2
Ferment the Batter: Cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and let it ferment in a warm place for 8-12 hours, or overnight. The batter will rise slightly and develop a pleasant sour aroma. If you are short on time, you can skip fermentation and rely solely on Eno for leavening, but the flavor will be less complex.
⏱️ 8-12 hours - 3
Prepare for Steaming: Grease a steaming pan or a shallow plate (about 6-7 inches in diameter) with oil. Fill a steamer or a large pot with enough water to create steam and bring it to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. The water should be about 1-2 inches deep.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 4
Add Leavening Agent: Just before you are ready to steam, add the Eno fruit salt (or the baking soda and citric acid mixture) to the fermented batter. Add about 1-2 tablespoons of water over the Eno to activate it. Whisk gently but quickly until the batter becomes frothy and increases in volume. Do not overmix.
⏱️ 1 minute - 5
Steam the Dhokla: Immediately pour the frothy batter into the greased pan. Place the pan in the preheated steamer. Cover the steamer tightly to prevent steam from escaping. Steam on medium heat for 15-20 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick or a knife into the center; it should come out clean.
⏱️ 15-20 minutes - 6
Cool and Cut: Once steamed, carefully remove the pan from the steamer and let it cool slightly for about 5-10 minutes. Then, invert the pan onto a plate or cutting board. The dhokla should release easily. Cut into desired shapes, typically squares or diamonds.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 7
Prepare the Tempering (Tadka): While the dhokla is cooling, heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a small pan over medium heat. Add the mustard seeds. Once they splutter, add the curry leaves and chopped green chilies. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the sugar and 4 tablespoons of water. Stir until the sugar dissolves. Let it simmer for a minute. Stir in the lemon juice (if using).
⏱️ 5 minutes - 8
Assemble and Serve: Pour the prepared tempering evenly over the cut dhokla pieces. Let it sit for a few minutes for the tempering to soak in. Garnish with fresh cilantro or grated coconut if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature.
⏱️ 5 minutes
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure your besan is fresh for a good texture and flavor.
- ✓The batter consistency is crucial; too thin or too thick can affect the steaming.
- ✓Add Eno fruit salt only just before steaming, as its leavening power diminishes quickly.
- ✓Do not open the steamer lid frequently while the dhokla is cooking, as this can cause it to deflate.
- ✓The tempering adds moisture and flavor; don't skip this step for authentic dhokla.
- ✓Dhokla should be light, airy, and spongy to the touch.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Khaman Dhokla: Made with only besan.
- Rava Dhokla: Made with semolina (rava) instead of or in addition to besan.
- Add finely chopped cilantro or mint to the batter for extra flavor.
- Include a pinch of asafoetida (hing) in the tempering for a pungent aroma.