Dhokla
Dhokla is a soft, spongy steamed cake made from fermented chickpea flour, which is a popular snack or breakfast option in India. It's light, fluffy, and packed with flavor, making it a delicious choice to enjoy with tea or as a healthy afternoon snack.
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Illustrated cooking guide
Step-by-step visual method
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Written method
Instructions
Read through once, then cook at your own pace with the illustrated guide above.
- 1
In a bowl, combine 1 cup chickpea flour (besan), 1 teaspoon ginger paste, 1 teaspoon green chili paste, ½ teaspoon turmeric powder, 1 teaspoon sugar, ½ teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon lemon juice.
- 2
Gradually add 1¼ cups of water to the dry ingredients while stirring to make a smooth batter.
- 3
Add 1 teaspoon baking soda to the batter, mix well, and let it rest for about 15 minutes.
- 4
Grease a steaming tray or a round cake pan with 1 tablespoon oil.
- 5
Pour the batter into the greased tray and steam for 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- 6
Meanwhile, heat a small pan and add 2 tablespoons oil. When hot, add 2 tablespoons mustard seeds and let them splutter.
- 7
Next, add 2 tablespoons sesame seeds, 2-3 slit green chilies, and a few curry leaves to the pan. Sauté for a minute.
- 8
Once the dhokla is steamed, pour the tempering over the top evenly and let it sit for a couple of minutes before cutting it into squares.
Cook notes
Tips
Ensure the batter is smooth for a fluffy dhokla.
Check the water level in the steaming pot to ensure it doesn't dry out during steaming.
Cook smarter
Helpful notes
Practical storage, serving, swap, and troubleshooting notes for a better first try.
Storage Tips
- Keep leftover Dhokla refrigerated in an airtight container.
- Reheat leftover Dhokla by steaming to keep it soft.
Substitutions
- Use split yellow lentils (moong dal) if chickpea flour is not available.
- Replace fresh ginger paste with dried ginger powder.
What to Serve With
- Green chutney
- Sweet tamarind chutney
- Masala tea
Common Mistakes
- Not allowing the batter to rest before steaming can lead to dense texture.
- Adding too much water to the batter may result in a soggy dhokla.
Recipe FAQ
What can I serve with Dhokla?
Dhokla pairs well with green chutney or sweet tamarind chutney.
Can I make Dhokla in advance?
Yes, you can prepare Dhokla ahead of time and steam it before serving.
How do I store leftover Dhokla?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Kitchen tools
Helpful Tools for This Recipe
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Rice cooker
Good for steady rice, grains, and meal-prep bowls.
Blender
Helpful for smooth sauces, soups, marinades, and purees.
Saucepan
Useful for simmering sauces, soups, grains, and small-batch stews.
Chef knife
A basic prep tool for vegetables, herbs, aromatics, and proteins.
Cutting board
Keeps prep organized for chopping, slicing, and staging ingredients.
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