DHOKLA: A Gujrati Dish

Dhokla is a popular savory snack from the Indian state of Gujarat. Here’s a recipe for making dhokla at home:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup gram flour (besan)
• 1/2 cup yogurt (dahi)
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 tsp ginger paste
• 1 tsp green chili paste
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• Salt to taste
• 2 tbsp oil
• 1 tsp mustard seeds
• 1 tsp sesame seeds
• A few curry leaves
• 2–3 chopped green chilies
• 2 tbsp chopped coriander leaves

Instructions:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine gram flour, yogurt, water, ginger paste, green chili paste, sugar, turmeric powder, and salt. Mix well to make a smooth batter.
2. Add baking soda and lemon juice to the batter and mix gently.
3. Grease a plate or a steamer container with oil and keep it ready.
4. Heat a steamer or a pot of water on the stove and let it come to a boil.
5. Pour the batter into the greased container and steam for 15–20 minutes or until the dhokla is cooked through. You can check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center of the dhokla — if it comes out clean, the dhokla is ready.
6. Once done, take the dhokla out of the steamer and let it cool for a few minutes.
7. In a small pan, heat oil and add mustard seeds. Once they start to crackle, add sesame seeds, curry leaves, and green chilies. Fry for a few seconds and turn off the heat.
8. Pour the tempering over the dhokla and spread it evenly.
9. Garnish with chopped coriander leaves and cut the dhokla into pieces.

Your delicious dhokla is ready to serve! Enjoy it with mint chutney or tamarind chutney.