Step Into the World of Gujarati Cuisine with This Ultimate Dhokla Guide!
Experience the whole Gujarati cuisine world by using this definitive manual for preparing the ideal Dhokla. Steam-cooked from traditional ingredients such as besan (gram flour) semolina, yogurt, and spices it produces a soft delight with nutritious benefits. The multiple benefits of dhokla make it suitable food for any occasion starting from breakfast until dinner or serving as a snack between meals. A small fermentation period of the batter adds aromatic depth together with textural change to the finished dish.
The steamed dhokla receives its additional flavor profile from a topping made of mustard seeds combined with curry leaves, green chilies, and sesame seeds. This simple dish presents the gram flour protein benefits while maintaining its perfect lightness for any time of the day. People love dhokla because it combines the pleasures of flavor and traditional cooking techniques which simultaneously protect nutrients and allow you to savor a wholesome treat.
Making dhokla proves simple no matter your level of culinary experience. This dhokla recipe offers an elegant and nourishing snack option sure to delight everyone from your palate to your household visitors.
Ingredients (Serves 4):
For Batter:
- Gram flour (Besan): 1 cup
- Semolina (Rava): 2 tbsp (optionally)
- Yogurt (Slightly sour ): 1/2 cup
- Water: As needed
- Turmeric powder: 1/4 tsp
- Ginger-green chili paste: 1 tsp
- Lemon juice: 1 tsp
- Sugar: 1 tsp
- Salt as needed
- Eno fruit salt: 1 tsp (or half tsp baking soda)g soda)
For Tempering:
- Oil: 2 tablespoons
- Mustard seeds: 1 teaspoon
- Green chilies: 2, slit lengthwise
- Curry leaves: 8-10
- Sesame seeds: 1 teaspoon (optional)
- A pinch of asafoetida (hing)
For Garnishing:
- Freshly grated coconut: 2 tablespoons
- Fresh coriander leaves: 2 tablespoons, chopped
Step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
- To make the batter, take a large mixing bowl and add gram flour, semolina, and yogurt.
- Potter adds turmeric powder, ginger-green chili paste, lemon juice, sugar, and salt to the mixture.
- Slowly incorporate water as you whisk your mixture to ensure you have a batter that is smooth with no lumps.
- It will help the semolina to soften and swell up after the 10-15 min of resting time of the batter.
Step 2: Prepare the Steamer
- Place from a half to three-quarters full of water in a steamer or deep pan and put to boil.
- Usually, plump the serial stand or rack in the pan to raise the dhokla plate higher.
- It is recommended that the prospective baker uses oil, and olive oil to grease the round bicycle plate or tray so that the batter does not adhere to the plate.
Step 3: Add Eno and Steam the Batter
- Baking soda should be added a few minutes to the batter before steaming and the fruit salt should be gently stirred.
- Tip: Fold only from one direction so that they can trap air for forming the biscuit fluffy.
- To form the cake, pour the batter at once over the greased plate and level it.
- Put the plate in the steamer and cover it after that steam for 15-20 minutes on medium heat.
- Test the readiness of the dhokla by using a toothpick or a knife; if it’s ready the knife or toothpick should be clean.
- Take the plate out of the steamer and cool this for 5 minutes.
Step 4: Prepare the Tempering
- In a small pan heat 2 tablespoons of oil.
- Sauté mustard seeds and allow them to pop.
- Next put in slit green chilies, curry leaves, and sesame seeds and fry for a few seconds.
- Sprinkle a little asafoetida (hing) and again give it a good stir.
Step 5: Assemble and Garnish
- Pour the tempering all over the steamed dhokla.
- Allow the dhokla to soak up the tempering for a few minutes Now let the dhokla soak up the tempering for 2-3 minutes.
- With the help of a knife, take a square or diamond-shaped piece from the dhokla.
- For garnishing add the grated coconut and chopped coriander leaves on it.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Enjoy the dhokla hot accompanied by green chutney which complements the soft and crispy texture, or tamarind chutney.
Essential Tips for Perfect Dhokla
- Beat the batter until no lumps have formed so that the finished product will be evenly fluffy.
- When preparing slack idli-like dhokla, mix Eno at the last only when the batter is ready for steaming.
- When preparing the rice, use boiling water to ensure that all the rice is evenly cooked.
- Bake using steam for about 15 to 20 minutes; if baked for a long time, it becomes dry.
- Arrange tempering evenly for the improved flavors.
- These should ideally be consumed warm for best taste and texture on the mouth.
Nutritional Values for Steamed Dhokla
Nutritional Values (Per 100g)
Nutrients & Energy | Values | Units |
Energy | 120 | Kcal |
Protein | 5 | g |
Total Fat | 2.5 | g |
Carbohydrates | 20 | g |
Total Fiber | 3 | g |
Cholesterol | 0 | mg |
Total Sugars | 1.5 | g |
Vitamins
Vitamins | Values | Units |
Total Vitamin A | 100 | µg |
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) | 0.08 | mg |
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) | 0.04 | mg |
Vitamin B3 (Niacin) | 0.6 | mg |
Vitamin B6 | 0.1 | mg |
Vitamin B9 (Folate) | 35 | µg |
Vitamin B12 | 0 | µg |
Vitamin C | 5 | mg |
Vitamin D | 0 | µg |
Vitamin E | 0.3 | mg |
Vitamin K | 20 | µg |
Minerals & Trace Elements
Minerals | Values | Units |
Calcium | 25 | mg |
Copper | 0.05 | mg |
Iron | 1.2 | mg |
Magnesium | 20 | mg |
Manganese | 0.3 | mg |
Phosphorus | 35 | mg |
Potassium | 150 | mg |
Selenium | 2 | µg |
Sodium | 200 | mg |
Zinc | 0.4 | mg |
Starch & Sugars
Components | Values | Units |
Total Starch | 15 | g |
Total Sugars | 1.5 | g |
Total SFA | 0.4 | g |
Total MUFA | 1.2 | g |
Total PUFA | 0.9 | g |
Total Trans Fat | 0 | g |
Total Cholesterol | 0 | mg |
Other
Components | Values | Units |
Total Phytosterol | 5 | mg |
Saponins | 0 | g |
Facts:
- Dhokla is a low-calorie, high-protein snack, ideal for a balanced diet.
- It is rich in dietary fiber, aiding digestion and promoting satiety.
- The fermentation process enhances nutrient absorption and gut health.
- A versatile dish, it caters to gluten-free and vegan diets when modified.
- Perfect for meal prep, it stays fresh for 2-3 days in the refrigerator.
Life Lesson:
“Success, like dhokla, rises with patience, consistency, and the right ingredients.”