• Published on 20-Jun-2023
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Khaman Dhokla is a popular Gujarati snack known for its soft, spongy texture and tangy flavor. Made from gram flour (besan), it is steamed and then tempered with aromatic spices. This delightful dish is not only easy to make but also a perfect choice for breakfast, tea-time, or as an appetizer. In this recipe, we'll guide you through the step-by-step process of creating authentic Khaman Dhokla in your own kitchen.

INGREDIENTS

FOR DHOKLA BATTER:
  • 1 cup gram flour (besan) 
  • 1/4 cup semolina (rava/sooji) 
  • 2 tablespoons yogurt (curd) 
  • 1 tablespoon ginger-green chili paste 
  • 1 teaspoon sugar 
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice 
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder Salt to taste 
  • 1 teaspoon fruit salt (eno)
FOR TEMPERING:  
  • 2 tablespoons oil 
  • 1 teaspoon mustard seeds 
  • 1 teaspoon sesame seeds 
  • 1/2 teaspoon asafoetida (hing) 
  • 8-10 curry leaves 
  • 2 green chilies, slit

 FOR GARNISH:
  • Freshly grated coconut 
  • Chopped coriander leaves

INSTRUCTIONS

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine gram flour, semolina, yogurt, ginger-green chili paste, sugar, lemon juice, turmeric powder, and salt. Mix well to form a smooth paste. The consistency should be similar to pancake batter. Add water as needed. 
  • Set the batter aside and let it rest for about 15-20 minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to blend together. 
  • Prepare a steamer by bringing water to a boil. Grease a thali (a round, shallow dish) or a round cake pan with oil to prevent sticking. 
  • Just before steaming, add fruit salt (eno) to the batter and mix gently. The addition of fruit salt will make the batter frothy and increase its volume. 
  • Immediately pour the batter into the greased thali or pan. Tap the thali gently to spread the batter evenly. 
  • Place the thali or pan inside the steamer, cover it with a lid, and steam the batter for approximately 12-15 minutes on medium heat. To check if it is cooked, insert a toothpick into the center of the dhokla; if it comes out clean, the dhokla is ready. 
  • Once cooked, remove the thali or pan from the steamer and allow it to cool for a few minutes. 
  • Cut the steamed dhokla into desired shapes—traditionally, diamond or square-shaped pieces. You can also use a cookie cutter for different shapes. 
  • Now, let's prepare the tempering. Heat oil in a small pan. Add mustard seeds and let them crackle. Then, add sesame seeds, asafoetida, curry leaves, and slit green chilies. Sauté for a minute until the spices release their aroma. 
  • Pour the tempering evenly over the dhokla pieces. The tempering adds a burst of flavor and aroma to the dhokla. 
  • Garnish the Khaman Dhokla with freshly grated coconut and chopped coriander leaves. This enhances the presentation and adds freshness to the dish. 
  • Allow the dhokla to rest for a few minutes, allowing it to absorb the flavors of the tempering. 
  • Serve the Khaman Dhokla warm with green chutney or tamarind chutney. It can be enjoyed as a standalone snack or as part of a meal.

TIPS FOR PERFECT KHAMAN DHOKLA
1. Ensure that the batter is smooth and free from lumps. A well-mixed batter will yield a fluffy dhokla. 

2. The addition of fruit salt (eno) is essential for the spongy texture. Make sure to add it just before steaming the batter. 

3. Adjust the spiciness of the dhokla by increasing or decreasing the amount of ginger-green chili paste and green chilies in the tempering. 

4.  Steaming time may vary depending on the thickness of the batter and the steaming vessel used. Keep an eye on the dhokla to prevent overcooking.

5. The tempering adds a burst of flavors to the dhokla. Feel free to experiment with additional spices like cumin seeds or curry powder. 

Khaman Dhokla is a delightful Gujarati snack that is loved for its soft, spongy texture and tangy flavors. With this easy-to-follow recipe, you can recreate the authentic taste of this popular dish in your own kitchen. Enjoy the melt-in-your-mouth texture and savor the aromatic tempering that elevates the flavors of the dhokla. 

Serve it as a tea-time snack or as part of a festive meal, and relish the deliciousness of this traditional Gujarati delight!