Want a guilt-free snack that’s both healthy and delicious? This Gluten-Free Dhokla Recipe is perfect for weight watchers. Get the recipe now! While traveling during a vacation in Western India I found a very popular snack called Dhokla. I tasted it and found very tasty and interesting, then I decided to make Dhokla at home. So I collected Dhokla recipes from different sweet shops to make our own Dhokla. I m excited to share this recipe with you. This recipe is easy to follow and uses simple ingredients to create a guilt-free treat that’s both satisfying and nutritious
How to Cook Healthy and Gluten-Free Dhokla Recipe
What is Dhokla?
Dhokla is a popular snack from the state of Gujarat as well as in Western India. It is a steamed cake made with gram flour (besan) and spices, topped with a tempering of mustard seeds, curry leaves, green chilies and sesame seeds. Dhokla is light, fluffy, spongy, and moist, and has a slightly tangy and sweet taste.
It is usually served with green chutney or garlic chutney and can be enjoyed as a breakfast, snack or appetizer. Dhokla is typically made from fermented batter made from rice and chickpeas. It is a steamed dish that is often served with chutney or a spicy dipping sauce. Dhokla is a great option for those who are looking for a Gluten-Free Snack that is also low in calories and high in protein.
Types of Dhokla
- Dhokla is also known as Khaman Dhokla Recipe, but there is a difference between the two. Khaman is made with chana dal (split black chickpeas) that are soaked, ground, and fermented overnight.
- Dhokla is made with gram flour that is mixed with water, curd, sugar and a leavening agent like fruit salt or baking soda. Both are steamed and tempered in a similar way, but khaman is denser and darker in color than dhokla.
Why is this recipe healthy and gluten-free?
This recipe is healthy and Gluten-Free because it uses Chickpea Flour instead of regular flour, making it a great option for those who are gluten intolerant or have celiac disease.
Chickpea flour is also high in protein and fiber, which can help keep you feeling full and satisfied. Additionally, this recipe is steamed instead of fried, making it a low-calorie snack option for weight watchers.
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Dhokla Recipe Ingredients and Preparation Instructions.
Making dhokla is easy and quick, and does not require any soaking, grinding or fermenting. You just need to prepare a batter with Chickpea Flour and other ingredients, steam it in a mould or tray, and then add a flavorful tempering on top.
The key to making soft and fluffy dhokla is to whisk the batter well for at least 5 minutes and to add the leavening agent just before steaming.
You also need to make sure that the water in the steamer is boiling before placing the batter, and that the dhokla is cooked for at least 30 minutes on medium heat.
This recipe makes about 4 servings of dhokla, and takes about 45 minutes to make. You can also make variations of this recipe by adding different ingredients like grated coconut, coriander leaves, spinach, cheese or paneer to the batter.
You can also use different kinds of flours like rice flour, semolina or oats instead of chickpea flour.
Dhokla Recipe Ingredients
For the dhokla batter:
- 2 cups of chickpea flour
- 1/2 cup of curd (dahi)
- 1/4 cup of water (or more if required)
- 1 teaspoon of salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon of turmeric powder (haldi)
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- 1 tablespoon of oil
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons of eno fruit salt (or 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda)
- 2 green chilies (chopped)
- 1 inch of ginger (chopped)
For the tempering:
- 2 tablespoons of oil
- 1 teaspoon of mustard seeds (rai)
- 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds (jeera)
- 1 teaspoon of white sesame seeds
- 10-12 curry leaves
- 2 green chilies (slit)
- 2 teaspoons of sugar
- 3 tablespoons of lemon juice
- Salt to taste
- Water as needed
For garnishing:
- Fresh coconut (grated)
- Coriander leaves (chopped)
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Dhokla Recipe Method & Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the steamer
Before you start making the batter, you need to get the Steamer ready. Add water in the steamer, cover it and bring it to a boil. Alternatively, you can place a ring or stand in a large pot or kadai, fill it with water until it reaches the ring, and cover it with a lid.
Grease an 8-inch round tin or tray with some oil on the sides and bottom. You can also line it with butter paper or parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Make the batter
In a large bowl, sift the chickpea flour to remove any lumps. Add salt and turmeric powder to it and mix well.
In another bowl or jug, whisk together water, curd, sugar, oil and lemon juice until well combined.
Pour this mixture over the chickpea flour and whisk well for about 5 minutes in one direction. This will make the batter light and fluffy.
Add the chopped green chilies and ginger to the batter and mix well.
Just before steaming, add the eno, fruit salt or baking soda to the batter and mix gently in one direction. You will see bubbles forming in the batter.
Step 3: Steam the Dhokla
Pour the batter into the prepared tin or tray and spread it evenly. Tap it lightly to remove any air bubbles.
Place the tin or tray in the steamer and cover it with a lid. Steam the Dhokla on medium heat for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Turn off the heat and let the Dhokla sit in the steamer for another 10 minutes.
Step 4: Make the Tempering
In a small pan, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add mustard seeds and let them crackle. Then add cumin seeds, sesame seeds, curry leaves and green chilies and fry for a few seconds.
Add water, sugar, lemon juice and salt to the pan and bring it to a boil. Simmer for a few minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 5: Serve the Dhokla
Carefully remove the Dhokla from the steamer and let it cool slightly. Run a knife along the edges of the tin or tray and invert it onto a large plate or platter.
Cut the dhokla into square or diamond-shaped pieces and arrange them on a serving dish.
Pour the tempering evenly over the dhokla pieces and let them soak up the syrup.
Garnish with grated coconut and chopped coriander leaves.
Once done, cut into pieces and serve with green chutney. Enjoy your guilt-free dhokla snack!
Dhokla Recipe Serving Suggestions and Variations.
This Gluten-Free Dhokla Recipe can be served as a snack or a light meal. It pairs well with mint chutney or tamarind chutney. You can also add toppings like chopped cilantro, grated coconut, or sesame seeds for extra flavor and texture.
To make it more filling, you can add steamed vegetables like carrots, peas, or broccoli to the batter before steaming. You can also experiment with different spices and herbs to customize the flavor to your liking. Enjoy!
Dhokla Recipe Tips and Tricks
- To make sure that your dhokla is soft and fluffy, whisk the batter well for at least 5 minutes in one direction. This will incorporate air into the batter and make it rise while steaming.
- Do not overmix the batter after adding the eno fruit salt or baking soda. This will deflate the batter and make it dense.
- Make sure that the water in the steamer is boiling before placing the batter. This will ensure even cooking and prevent soggy dhokla.
- Do not open the lid of the steamer while the dhokla is cooking. This will cause steam to escape and affect the texture of the dhokla.
- Let the dhokla rest in the steamer for 10 minutes after turning off the heat. This will help it set and prevent it from collapsing.
- To check if your dhokla is done, insert a toothpick or a knife in the center. If it comes out clean, your dhokla is ready.
- You can also use a microwave to make dhokla. Just pour the batter in a microwave-safe dish and cook on high for 4 to 5 minutes or until done.
- You can also use different kinds of flours like rice flour, semolina or oats instead of gram flour. Just adjust the water quantity accordingly to get a thick but pourable batter.
- You can also add different ingredients like grated coconut, coriander leaves, spinach, cheese or paneer to the batter to make variations of dhokla. Just mix them with the batter before steaming.
Dhokla Recipe Nutritional Information.
This gluten-free Dhokla Recipe is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Chickpea flour is a great source of protein, fiber, and iron, while yogurt provides probiotics and calcium.
Ginger and green chili paste add flavor and anti-inflammatory properties, while turmeric powder is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
Lemon juice adds a tangy taste and vitamin C. Overall, this snack is a healthy and satisfying option for weight watchers.
Faqs:
1. What is dhokla batter made of?
Dhokla Batter is made of Chickpea Flour with salt and turmeric powder to mix.
2. What makes dhokla fluffy?
Whisking the batter well for at least 5 minutes in one direction. This will incorporate air into the batter and make it rise while steaming to make Dhokla Fluffy.
3. What is the recipe for dhokla?
In this blog I have shared a detailed Recipe of Dhokla.
4. Is dhokla healthy or unhealthy?
What I experienced about Chickpea flour is high in protein and fiber, which can help keep you feeling full and satisfied. Additionally, dhokla is steamed instead of fried, making it a low-calorie with healthy snack option.