Ingredients
Batter Ingredients
- 1 cup chickpea flour (besan)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons semolina (sooji)
- 1/8 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/8 teaspoon asafoetida
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 green chilli + 1" ginger (peeled and crushed together)
- Salt, to taste
- 1 1/2 cups + 1/8 cup water
- 1 teaspoon eno fruit salt (or 1 teaspoon baking soda with few drops lemon juice)
Tempering (Tadka) Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons oil
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 green chilli (sliced)
- 10-12 curry leaves
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- Optional: 2 teaspoons sesame seeds
Garnish
- Cilantro leaves, chopped
- Grated coconut
Instructions
- Prepare the Batter: Place a sieve over a large mixing bowl and sift 1 cup besan (chickpea flour) into it. Add 1 1/2 teaspoons semolina, salt, a pinch of asafoetida, 1/8 teaspoon turmeric powder, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, minced green chili and ginger, and a few curry leaves if desired. Gradually whisk in 1 5/8 cups water until the batter is thick but flowing and smooth with no lumps.
- Grease the Steaming Vessel: Grease a 6-inch cake pan or steamer plate with oil. Avoid using a steamer plate with holes to prevent batter leakage.
- Prepare for Steaming: Bring water to a rolling boil in a large pot or pressure cooker used for steaming. Just before steaming, add 1 level teaspoon of eno fruit salt to the batter and mix quickly; the batter will become frothy and rise.
- Steam the Dhokla: Pour the batter into the greased pan, level the surface by tapping the sides, and place inside the steaming vessel. Cover with a lid and steam for 15-20 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool and Slice: Once done, let it cool for 5 minutes, then invert the plate to remove the dhokla carefully. Cut into squares and set aside.
- Prepare the Tadka (Tempering): Heat 2 teaspoons oil in a small pan over medium heat. Add mustard seeds and let them crackle, then add cumin seeds, sliced green chilies, curry leaves, and optional sesame seeds. Sauté until aromatic.
- Make the Syrup: Pour in 1/4 cup water and bring to a boil. Add sugar and stir until dissolved. Turn off the heat and stir in 2 teaspoons lemon juice.
- Combine and Garnish: Pour this tempering evenly over the cut dhokla squares. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro leaves and grated coconut.
- Serve: Serve the khaman dhokla warm or at room temperature with green chutney or garlic chutney as a delightful snack or breakfast option.
Notes
- Use eno fruit salt or a combination of baking soda and lemon juice just before steaming to get a soft, fluffy texture.
- Do not over-steam; check doneness with a toothpick to avoid a soggy dhokla.
- Adding curry leaves to the batter is optional but adds authentic flavor.
- Ensure the batter is lump-free and has the right flowing consistency, thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still pourable.
- Use a steaming vessel without holes to prevent batter from leaking.
- Serve with green chutney or garlic chutney for a traditional experience.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Steaming
- Cuisine: Indian
- Diet: Vegetarian