What is Dhokla?
Dhokla originated from Gujarat, a fluffy, steaming hot cake that's soft and spongy to the touch. It's yellow, with a tangy aroma that's both savory and slightly sweet. As you take a bite, you're greeted with a burst of flavors - a mix of chili, ginger, and mustard seeds on your tongue. Not only is dhokla delicious, but it's also a healthy snack option, perfect for those looking to indulge in a guilt-free treat. It's low in calories and high in protein, making it a satisfying snack that won't leave you feeling heavy or sluggish.
How to prepare Dhokla in Microwave?
It is made from a fermented batter of rice and chickpea flour, which is steamed to form a spongy cake. Dhokla can be flavored with cumin, green chillies, and ginger, and served with chutneys or fried green chilies. It is a vegetarian, gluten-free, low-fat dish often enjoyed as a healthy snack or light meal
Ingredients:
- 1 cup gram flour (besan)
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt (dahi)
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tsp ginger paste
- 1 tsp green chili paste
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp Eno fruit salt
For Tempering:
- 2 tbsp oil
- 1 tsp mustard seeds
- 1 tsp sesame seeds
- 1-2 green chilies, slit
- Few curry leaves
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Detailed Recipe:
- In a mixing bowl, add gram flour, yogurt, water, ginger paste, green chili paste, lemon juice, turmeric powder, sugar, and salt. Mix well to make a smooth batter without lumps.
- Grease a microwave-safe dish or a dhokla plate with oil and pour the batter into it, filling only half of the dish.
- In a separate bowl, mix Eno fruit salt with 1 tablespoon of water and add it to the batter. Mix gently and quickly until the batter becomes light and frothy.
- Place the dish in the microwave and cook on high power for 3-4 minutes until the dhokla is cooked and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let it cool for a few minutes and then cut into pieces.
- For the tempering, heat oil in a pan and add mustard seeds, sesame seeds, green chilies, and curry leaves. Saute for a few seconds until the seeds crackle.
- Add water, sugar, and lemon juice and bring to a boil. Pour this tempering over the prepared dhokla.
- Garnish with chopped coriander leaves and serve hot with mint chutney.
Tips for making Dhokla in Microwave
- Ensure accurate ingredient measurements: It's crucial to use the correct amount of each ingredient in your recipe. Use proper dry and liquid measuring tools to ensure you get the right amounts.
- Use fresh eno for optimal results: Make sure your eno packet is fresh and hasn't been opened before. Using stale eno may result in flat dhoklas. Additionally, opt for plain eno rather than flavored ones.
- Beat the batter thoroughly: For soft and spongy khaman, it's essential to beat the batter well. The more air you incorporate into the mixture, the softer and fluffier your dhokla will be.
- Whisk the batter in one direction: To ensure the batter is well-mixed, whisk it in either clockwise or anti-clockwise. This helps to ensure the batter has a consistent texture and results in evenly cooked dhokla.
Making Dhokla in the microwave is a quick and easy way to enjoy this delicious Indian snack. By following the steps outlined in this blog, you can make fluffy and spongy Dhokla in just a few minutes. Additionally, the use of the microwave makes the process faster and more convenient than traditional stovetop methods. With a few tips and tricks, anyone can master the art of making Dhokla in the microwave and impress their friends and family with this tasty treat.