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Quick and Easy Dhokla

Instant Dhokla


  • Author: Hina K Batra
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 5-6 1x

Description

Instant Dhokla is the go-to dish for anyone looking for a quick, flavorful snack. With a simple mix of gram flour, yogurt, and spices, it’s steamed to a soft, spongy texture. This delightful snack requires no preparation time, making it ideal for busy days when you need something tasty in a flash.


Scale

Ingredients

For the Dhokla:

  • 1 cup gram flour (besan)

  • ½ cup sour curd

  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

  • 1½ tablespoons sugar

  • Salt to taste

  • 1 sachet Eno (fruit salt)

  • Water as required

For the Tempering:

  • ½ tablespoon mustard seeds

  • 57 curry leaves
  • 2-3 green chilies, finely chopped

  • 5-6 tablespoons tamarind pulp

  • A little water


Instructions

For Dhokla Batter:

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of gram flour (besan), ½ cup of sour curd, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 1⁄2 tablespoons sugar, and salt to taste.
  • Mix everything thoroughly to form a smooth batter. If the batter feels too thick, add a little water to adjust the consistency to a pourable but thick batter.
  • Just before steaming, add Eno to the batter. Mix gently to avoid overmixing the batter.
  • Grease a steaming tray or a round dhokla pan with a little oil.
  • Pour the prepared batter into the tray or pan, spreading it evenly.
  • Heat water in a steamer or a large kadhai with a lid. Once the water begins to steam, place the batter-filled tray into the steamer and cover it.
  • Steam the Dhokla for about 10-12 minutes on high flame or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

For the Tempering:

  • While the Dhokla is steaming, in a small pan with a little oil, heat ½ tablespoon mustard seeds, 5-7 curry leaves, 2-3 finely green chilies, slit.   Stir until they crackle.
  • Add 5-6 tablespoons tamarind pulp,  and water to the pan. Stir well and cook for 2-3 minutes.
  • Once the Dhokla is steamed, remove it from the steamer and let it cool for a few minutes.
  • Pour the tempering mixture evenly over the steamed Dhokla. Allow it to rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing it into squares.

Serve:

Serve the freshly made Instant Dhokla with the tangy Guava Chutney as a delicious side.

 


Notes

  • When mixing the batter for Dhokla, make sure the gram flour (besan) is properly sieved to avoid any lumps, ensuring a smooth batter.
  • If your batter feels too thick, adding water gradually will help achieve the right consistency. Aim for a batter that is thick but pourable—this ensures the Dhokla will have the right texture once steamed.
  • If you want to add more flavor to the batter, you can include a pinch of asafoetida (hing) or a few chopped herbs like cilantro to enhance the aroma.
  • Be sure to add Eno to the batter just before steaming. Stir gently to activate the bubbles and create a fluffy Dhokla. Overmixing can deflate the batter and lead to a denser texture.
  • If using a regular steamer or kadhai, ensure the water is boiling and producing steam before placing the batter-filled tray. This helps to cook the Dhokla evenly.
  • For best results, steam the Dhokla on a high flame. If your steamer has a tight-fitting lid, it will help trap the steam, giving the Dhokla a soft and fluffy texture.
  • Check the Dhokla by inserting a toothpick or fork in the center. If it comes out clean, your Dhokla is ready. If not, steam it for a couple of more minutes.
  • If you don’t have fresh tamarind pulp, you can substitute it with store-bought tamarind concentrate or tamarind paste. Adjust the quantity based on your taste preference.
  • Although Dhokla is best enjoyed fresh, you can store the leftover Dhokla in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat the pieces in the steamer for a few minutes to restore their softness.
  • Category: Snack, Breakfast
  • Cuisine: Gujarati

Keywords: Instant Dhokla, Gujarati Snack, Quick Dhokla, Healthy Snack, Steamed Snack, Dhokla Recipe, No-Fermentation Dhokla