If you’re like me, tea time is incomplete without some tasty snacks to enjoy alongside. And while there are many delectable options like crunchy chaklis or hot, fresh batata vada, Gujarat’s pillowy dhoklas just can’t be equalled. A delicate balance between sweet and savoury the steamed gram flour snack has become a favourite across the country.
The science at work behind a dhokla is as appealing as the dish itself. The batter is whipped to aerate it and rising agents like baking soda and Eno react with the citric acid in the batter to make it rise into a soft smooth and puffy consistency.
Although they’re quite easy to make at home, the trouble is that sometimes you might not want a full batch and instead just need a quick afternoon snack. That’s where this simple mug recipe comes in. Since all the mixing can be done in the mug itself, it’s a great option for a single serve dhokla made in the microwave.
Ingredients
For Batter
- 1 Cup gram flour (besan)
- 1 tbsp powdered white sugar
- 1 ¼ tsp salt or to taste
- ¼ tsp hing (asafoetida)
- ¼ Cup curd
- ¼ Cup water
- 1 tsp ginger paste
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp refined oil
- ½ tsp Eno fruit salt
For Tadka
- 2 tbsp refined oil
- 1 tsp mustard seeds (rai)
- 1 tbsp curry leaves
- 2 green chillies, sliced (discard seeds and pith)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 4 tbsp water
For Garnish
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh coriander
- 1 tbsp grated coconut
Method:
- Sift the gram flour into a bowl or directly into the mug and add the powdered sugar, salt, and asafoetida, and mix them together.
- Add curd, water, ginger paste, and lemon juice. Whisk the mixture gently for 2 minutes to make a smooth, lump-free, spoon-dropping consistency batter.
- Cover the batter and let it sit at room temperature for 2 – 3 minutes.
- Meanwhile, prepare the tadka. Heat oil in a small pan. Once it’s hot, add mustard seeds, curry leaves, and green chillies.
- Fry for about 30 seconds being careful not to burn the spices and then turn off the heat.
- Carefully squeeze in some lemon juice and water. Stir to combine.
- Once resting time is over, get your mugs ready for pouring dhokla batter. Combine fruit salt with oil in a bowl and mix till well combined.
- Add the fruit salt and oil to the dhokla batter. Gently cut and fold the batter. The dhokla batter should become light, airy, and double in volume.
- Immediately pour the dhokla batter into mugs. Tap the mugs gently on the kitchen counter to remove the trapped air.
- Microwave mug dhokla for 2 – 3 minutes. Bring it out and insert a toothpick. If it comes out clean, the dhokla is ready. Place it on the counter to cool down.
- Poke tiny holes using a toothpick in the mug dhokla. Pour the tadka over the mug dhokla.
- Serve it with green chutney and enjoy!