How To Make Locho: The Amazing Accidental Creation From Gujarat
Image Credit: Photo: Only vegetarian-Rana Bhavik ⁠

This street food from the state of Gujarat is called “locho” which means mistake. Word has it that it is called “locho" because the vendor was trying to make khaman dhokla when the batter fell apart. So when he made a mistake, that’s when the vendor said, ”arre aa to LOCHO thai gayo”, which means this was a mistake. However, the vendor still decided to keep the batter and do something more to it. So he sprinkled some chaat masalas, sev, onions and green chutney on top. Clearly, it might just be because he was trying to not waste food, but the popularity of the dish speaks volumes about what can be achieved when we are left to our own devices.

   

According to another story, it was a chef who created the locho. The other details remain as they are. That’s the story of locho which today, is eaten across Gujarat as a light meal or snack. If you want to make it yourself, here’s what you need — 

INGREDIENTS 

1 cup chana dal 

2 tablespoons poha 

1/4 cup urad dal 

2 teaspoons ginger-chilli paste 

1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder 

1/4 teaspoon baking soda 

1/2 teaspoon chilli powder 

1/2 teaspoon black pepper powder 

1 teaspoon cumin powder 

1 tablespoon sev 

1/2 cup diced onion 

1/2 tablespoon green chutney  

1 1/4 tablespoon oil 

INSTRUCTIONS  

  • Soak the dals for 5-6 hours.  
  • Soak the poha for 20 minutes.  
  • Using a blender, make a paste out of the dals, poha and one cup of water.  
  • Take the batter into a bowl.  
  • Cover it and set aside for 5-6 hours.  
  • Now add ginger-chilli paste, cumin, black pepper, baking soda, turmeric, oil and salt in the batter. 
  • Add more water, until the batter is smooth.  
  • Steam the batter for 10 minutes, using a steamer basket or electric steamer.  
  • Top it with sev, onion and green chutney.  
  • Serve.  

We hope that you’ll enjoy the recipe!