Fluffy Gujarati Khaman Dhokla – Savory Steamed Lentil Cakes Recipe

Gujarati Khaman Dhokla Recipe – Savory Steamed Lentil Cakes

A delightful treat from the heart of Gujarat, Khaman Dhokla is a popular, savory steamed snack that features a fluffy and soft texture with a perfectly balanced blend of spices. Made from chana dal (Bengal gram), this traditional farsan is a staple at many Gujarati gatherings, festivals, and even served as a breakfast dish or light snack. The batter is fermented naturally, which adds to its distinct flavor and lightness. This vegetarian delicacy is complemented by a tangy and spicy tempering and garnished with fresh coconut and coriander, making it absolutely irresistible.

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Ingredients

For Khaman Dhokla	Quantity
Chana dal (Bengal Gram Dal)	1 cup
Curd (Dahi / Yogurt)	1/4 cup
Green Chillies, chopped	2
Ginger, chopped	1 inch
Lemon juice	1 tbsp
Oil	1 tsp
Turmeric powder (Haldi)	1/4 tsp
Sugar	1 tsp
Salt	To taste
Enos Fruit Salt	1 tsp

For Seasoning	Quantity
Mustard seeds (Rai / Kadugu)	1/2 tsp
Sesame seeds (Til seeds)	1 tsp
Green Chilli, slit	1
Sugar	2 tsp
Lemon juice	1 tsp
Curry leaves	5
Oil	1 tsp
Water	1/4 cup

For Garnish	Quantity
Fresh coconut, grated	1 tbsp
Coriander (Dhania) Leaves, freshly chopped	1 tbsp

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Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Servings: 4-6

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Instructions

1. Soaking and Grinding the Chana Dal:

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   • Begin by soaking the chana dal (Bengal gram) in water for about 4 to 6 hours. This allows the dal to soften and become easier to grind.
   • Once soaked, drain the excess water and transfer the dal to a blender. Add chopped green chillies, chopped ginger, and salt to the dal.
   • Blend everything into a smooth batter, adding a little water if needed. You want the batter to be thick but pourable.

2. Fermenting the Batter:

   • Allow the ground batter to rest in a warm place for about 3 to 4 hours for fermentation. The batter should rise and develop a mild tangy aroma, signifying that it has fermented well.

3. Preparing the Steamer and Dhokla Batter:

   • Once the batter is ready, stir in turmeric powder, oil, sugar, and enos fruit salt. Mix everything well. The enos fruit salt helps the batter rise, creating the soft and spongy texture typical of dhoklas.
   • Preheat your steamer by boiling 2 cups of water in the bottom tray. Grease the dhokla plates or a flat steaming pan with a little oil to prevent sticking.

4. Steaming the Dhoklas:

   • Pour the prepared khaman batter into the greased plates, filling them only halfway to give the dhoklas room to rise.
   • Steam the batter for about 12 to 15 minutes over high heat. To check if the dhoklas are cooked, insert a clean knife or toothpick into the center of a dhokla. If it comes out clean, they are done.
   • Once cooked, turn off the heat and allow the dhoklas to rest for 5 minutes in the steamer.

5. Cooling and Cutting the Dhoklas:

   • After the dhoklas have cooled slightly, remove the plates from the steamer. Allow the dhoklas to cool completely before cutting them into square or diamond pieces.
   • Arrange the cut pieces on a serving platter, ready for seasoning and garnishing.

6. Seasoning the Dhoklas:

   • Heat 1 tsp oil in a small pan on medium heat. Add the mustard seeds, sesame seeds, and slit green chilli. Let them crackle for a few seconds.
   • Add curry leaves, stir for another 10 seconds, and then turn off the heat.
   • Carefully stir in 2 tsp sugar, 1 tsp lemon juice, and 1/4 cup water into the pan, creating a flavorful seasoning syrup.
   • Pour this seasoning evenly over the cut dhokla pieces.

7. Garnishing:

   • Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves and a generous sprinkle of grated coconut.

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Serving Suggestions

Serve Gujarati Khaman Dhokla fresh with a side of Dhania Pudina Chutney (Coriander and Mint Chutney) or Tomato Onion Chutney. Pair it with a cup of Masala Chai (Indian spiced tea) for the perfect breakfast or evening snack experience. This dish is not only delicious but also a great way to enjoy a light, healthy, and vegetarian treat that is packed with flavor.

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Tips for Perfect Khaman Dhokla

• Fermentation is Key: Ensure the batter is fermented well for the dhoklas to turn out light and fluffy. In colder climates, you can place the batter in a warm oven or wrap it in a warm cloth to aid fermentation.
• Adjust Spice Levels: Feel free to modify the number of green chillies based on your spice preference. You can also use mild chillies if you prefer a more subdued flavor.
• Use Fresh Enos Fruit Salt: Ensure your Enos fruit salt is fresh for the best rise and texture. If it’s expired, your dhoklas may not be as fluffy.
• Customize the Tempering: If you love the flavor of curry leaves, feel free to add more, as they bring a unique, aromatic touch to the seasoning.

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Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	150 kcal
Protein	6g
Carbohydrates	25g
Fat	4g
Fiber	3g
Sodium	220mg
Sugars	6g
Vitamin C	10% DV
Calcium	4% DV

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Conclusion

The Gujarati Khaman Dhokla is an iconic snack that showcases the rich and varied flavors of Gujarat. With its delicate texture, spicy-sweet seasoning, and tangy yogurt-based batter, this recipe is perfect for anyone seeking a healthy, vegetarian treat. Whether served for breakfast, as a snack, or even at festive occasions, these savory steamed lentil cakes will surely delight everyone at the table.