Khaman Dhokla
Dhokla or Dhokra is a vegetarian food item that originates from the Indian state of Gujarat. It is made with a fermented batter derived from rice and chickpea splits. Dhokla can be eaten for breakfast, as a main course, as a side dish or as a snack
Basic Info
Prep Time: 1 to 2 hours
Cook Time: Under 15 min
Serves: 4 people
Yield: Makes one 8 inch (2" deep) pan worth
IngredientsFor Batter:
Bengal Gram flour / Besan/ Chickpea flour - 250 gms (1 & 1/2 cup)
Curd/Yogurt - 1/2 cup (not very sour)
Water - 1/2 cup
Cooking/Baking Soda - 1/2 tsp
For seasoning to be mixed to the batter (to be added just before cooking)
Oil - 1 tbsp
Turmeric a pinch
Green Chili paste - 1 - 2 (or as per taste)
Sugar - 1 tsp
Citric acid - quarter tsp (or lemon juice)
Eno - 1 packet (green colour fruit lime) + some more for sprinkling on the plate
(Note: I dint know how much a sachet contains since I have a bottle so I assumed 1-1/4 tsp of Eno fruit salt)
Salt to taste
For tempering
Mustard Seeds
Curry leaves
Grated coconut
Coriander leaves
Little water + Oil to be topped on dhoklas
Method
1 Mix first 1/2 cup curds with 1/2 water.
2 To this add the besan and mix well to get a lump less batter, the consistency should be of idli batter, more of dropping not pouring consistency.
3 Slowly add more water if needed else, add the soda. Keep it aside to rise for 1 hour. If you are using a pressure cooker, fill the pan with water, place a plate over which you will have use a plate for steaming the dhoklas. Thali plate can be used for steaming To the batter mix in the citric acid, oil, salt, sugar, green chili paste and turmeric powder. Mix well. This has to be done just before pouring to the plate.
4 Meanwhile have the pan on stove, and let the water start boiling. When the water reaches the rolling stage, you can mix the eno to the batter (Save little of eno for dusting on the plate), mix gently, you will see bubbles coming out.
5 Notes : If you don't have a thali plate which would fit your pressure cooker and those who would were too deep and narrow for making a proper Dhokla. You can use your Baking tin which fit perfectly in your Rice Cooker and steam cooked the batter.
Dust or sprinkle the plate with eno. Then immediately pour the batter to the plate. Place the plate carefully inside the pressure pan and cover with lid. You need not use the whistle. After covering you will find steam coming out of the outlet, simmer and don't disturb for almost 5 -7 minutes. The batter should be filled to only 1/2 as it will rise up. After adding eno the batter should not rest. Amount of sugar can be increased on preference. Dhokla can also be steamed in kadai filled with water and a plated titled over it.
6 After 5 -7 minutes, remove the lid and proof it using toothpick or knife. If the knife comes out clean and
7 In a bowl, mix 3 tsp of water along with a tsp of oil. Remove the plate from the pan, pour the water and oil mix over the top. For seasoning, heat a pan with oil, add curry leaves, sesame seeds, mustard seeds and finely chopped green chilies. When mustard starts popping, remove and pour over the dhokla
8 If you want perfect shaped ones and not the crumbling, cut and handle gently
9 Notes : Cut them out, after slightly cooling them, into squares.
Serve them with Tamarind Chutney and Green chutney. They are good on their own too.
