Food Blog India

Gujrati Dhokla Recipe

The Story Behind Dhokla Recipe

Dhokla originated in the Indian state of Gujarat, where it has been a common dish for centuries. It’s something beyond a bite, it’s a piece of Gujarati culture, frequently served during celebrations, family social events, and festivities. What makes Dhokla so exceptional is its flexibility, it’s ideally suited for breakfast, as a lunch time tidbit, or even as a light supper.

Each time I make Dhokla, I recollect my grandma’s kitchen in Ahmedabad. The fragrance of newly steamed player, the sizzle of the treating, and her grin as she served it to us — it was her approach to showing love. And Dhokla is exactly that: a means of bringing people together because of its light texture and flavor combination of tang and sweetness.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To create this fluffy delicacy, you’ll need a few simple ingredients that are likely already in your pantry –

For the Batter	For the Tempering	For Garnishing
1 cup gram flour (besan)	2 tablespoons oil	Freshly chopped coriander leaves
1 tablespoon semolina (rava/suji)	1 teaspoon mustard seeds	Grated coconut (optional)
1 teaspoon ginger-green chili paste	1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder	1 tablespoon sesame seeds
1 teaspoon sugar	A pinch of asafoetida (hing)
1 tablespoon lemon juice or 1/2 teaspoon citric acid	2-3 green chilies, slit lengthwise
1 teaspoon ENO fruit salt (or baking soda)	Fresh curry leaves
Salt to taste
Water (as needed)

Step-by-Step Recipe – Crafting the Perfect Dhokla

Making Dhokla might seem like a delicate art, but with these steps, you’ll have a plate of fluffy, golden light yellow squares that will make your taste buds dance.

1. Prepare the Batter	2. Steaming the Dhokla
In a large mixing bowl, add gram flour, semolina, turmeric powder, and salt.	Grease a steaming tray or a plate with a little oil to prevent the batter from sticking.
Gradually pour in water, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. The batter should have a smooth, thick, pouring consistency.	Just before you’re ready to steam, add ENO fruit salt to the batter. This is the magic ingredient that makes the Dhokla rise and become fluffy.
Add the ginger-green chili paste, sugar, and lemon juice (or citric acid). Mix well to combine all the ingredients.	As soon as you add the ENO, you’ll see bubbles forming in the batter. Stir gently in one direction to mix evenly, then pour the batter immediately into the greased tray.
Let the batter rest for about 10-15 minutes. This helps the semolina to absorb water and makes the Dhokla soft and spongy.	Steam the Dhokla for about 15-20 minutes on medium heat. To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick or knife into the Dhokla. If it comes out clean, your Dhokla is perfectly cooked.

3. The Flavorful Tempering	4. Final Touches
While the Dhokla is steaming, prepare the tempering. In a small pan, heat oil on medium flame.	Once the Dhokla has cooled slightly, pour the prepared tempering evenly over it.
Add mustard seeds and let them splutter, followed by cumin seeds, sesame seeds, asafoetida, green chilies, and curry leaves.	Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves and grated coconut for that authentic touch.
Fry this mixture for a minute until the aroma fills your kitchen. This tempering will add a burst of flavor and a hint of spice to the soft Dhokla.	Cut the Dhokla into squares or diamond shapes and serve with green chutney or tamarind chutney.

Tips for the Fluffiest Dhokla

– Continuously add ENO or baking soft drink without a second to spare, not long prior to steaming. This assists the Dhokla with rising better.

– In the event that you need a better variant, you can substitute gram flour with a blend of lentil flours.

– To make the Dhokla extra springy, ensure you utilize sufficient lemon juice or citrus extract.

Final Thoughts: A Tradition in Every Bite

Dhokla is more than just a Gujarati food item for a reason. It’s about the recollections it brings, the adoration it addresses, and the delight of sharing a plate of this flavorful nibble with your friends and family. Although the recipe may appear straightforward, the genuine effort put into its preparation is what truly distinguishes it.

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