Dal Dhokla is a savory snack that is a gift of Gujarati cuisine. It is a popular dish that is enjoyed as a breakfast or an evening snack. Dhokla is made with a fermented batter consisting of rice and split chickpeas (also known as chana dal). It is steamed and then tempered with mustard seeds, curry leaves, and green chilies to give it a unique flavor.
The dish is believed to have originated in the region of Kathiawad, which is in the southern part of Gujarat and has major cities like Porbandar and Jamnagar. The history of dal dhokla is not very well documented, but it is believed to have been created by the Koli community, an indigenous group of fishermen and farmers in Gujarat. The dish was originally made with a mixture of rice and lentil flour, which was then fermented overnight to make a batter. This batter was then steamed in small, round molds to create the small, fluffy cakes that we now know as dhokla.
The dish is not only delicious but also healthy. It is low in calories, high in protein, and easy to digest. The fermentation process also makes it rich in probiotics that promote a healthy gut. In addition, the dish is gluten-free and vegan, making it an excellent choice for people with dietary restrictions.
Dal Dhokla can be served with a variety of chutneys such as mint chutney, coriander chutney, or tomato chutney. It can also be served with a cup of hot tea, making it a perfect snack for a lazy afternoon. There are many variations of Dhokla, including Khaman Dhokla, which is made with gram flour instead of chana dal, and Rava Dhokla, which is made with semolina instead of rice and chana dal. However, Dal Dhokla is a favorite among many because of its unique flavor and health benefits.
In addition to being a delicious snack, Dal Dhokla can also be a part of a healthy meal. It can be served with a side of vegetables or a salad to make a complete meal. The high protein content of the dish also makes it an excellent choice for athletes or people looking to build muscle.
Dal Dhokla is a popular snack from the state of Gujarat in India. It is a steamed savory cake made from a batter of lentils and rice, seasoned with spices and herbs. Here's a recipe for making delicious and nutritious Dal Dhokla:
Ingredients:
For the batter:
- 1 cup chana dal (split chickpeas)
- 1 cup rice
- 1/4 cup urad dal (split black gram)
- 1/4 cup moong dal (split green gram)
- 1/2 inch ginger, grated
- 2 green chilies, chopped
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1 tsp coriander seeds
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- Salt to taste
- Water as needed
For the tempering:
- 2 tbsp oil
- 1 tsp mustard seeds
- 1 tsp sesame seeds
- 1/4 tsp asafoetida
- 2-3 green chilies, slit
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tbsp chopped coriander leaves
For garnish:
- Grated coconut
- Chopped coriander leaves
Method
- Wash and soak the chana dal, urad dal, and moong dal in enough water for at least 3-4 hours. Also, soak the rice separately.
- After 3-4 hours, drain the water from the dal and rice and grind them into a fine batter. You can use a food processor or a wet grinder to make the batter. Add water as needed to make a smooth batter. The consistency of the batter should be like that of idli batter.
- Add grated ginger, chopped green chilies, cumin seeds, coriander seeds, turmeric powder, and salt to the batter. Mix well and set aside for 15-20 minutes.
- Meanwhile, grease a dhokla plate or any steaming plate with oil.
- After 15-20 minutes, give the batter a good stir and pour it into the greased plate. Place the plate in a steamer and steam for 15-20 minutes or until the dhokla is cooked through. You can check if the dhokla is cooked by inserting a toothpick or a knife in the center. When it comes out clean, the dhokla is ready.
- Remove the plate from the steamer and let it cool for 5-10 minutes.
- Once the dhokla is cooled, cut it into small diamond-shaped pieces.
- For the tempering, heat oil in a small pan. Add mustard seeds, sesame seeds, asafoetida, and slit green chilies. Let the mustard seeds splutter.
- Add water to the pan and let it come to a boil.
- Pour the tempering over the cut dhokla pieces.
- Garnish with grated coconut and chopped coriander leaves.
- Serve the delicious and healthy Dal Dhokla with green chutney or tamarind chutney.
In conclusion, Dal Dhokla is a savory snack that is not only delicious but also healthy. It is a popular dish in Gujarat and is enjoyed by people all over India. Its unique flavor and health benefits make it an excellent choice for a snack or a part of a healthy meal. So, if you are looking for a healthy and delicious snack, give Dal Dhokla a try.