Dudhi Dhokli Nu Shaak Recipe – Bottle Gourd and Steamed Dumplings Curry
This classic Gujarati dish, Dudhi Dhokli Nu Shaak, is a heartwarming vegetarian curry made with bottle gourd (lauki) and delicious steamed dumplings known as “dhokli.” Served with steamed rice or khichiya churi, this dish is perfect for a wholesome weekday lunch. The unique combination of flavors from the aromatic spices, gram flour dumplings, and the soft bottle gourd makes it a must-try recipe for anyone looking to enjoy a traditional Gujarati meal. Letβs dive into the ingredients and instructions for preparing this flavorful curry.
Ingredients for Dhokli (Steamed Dumplings):
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Bottle gourd (lauki) | 1 cup, grated |
| Gram flour (besan) | 1 cup |
| Salt | To taste |
| Turmeric powder (haldi) | A pinch |
| Red chilli powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Ajwain (carom seeds) | 1 teaspoon |
| Coriander leaves (chopped) | 1 teaspoon |
| Enos fruit salt | A pinch |
| Water | As needed |
Ingredients for Curry:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Sunflower oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Curry leaves | A few leaves |
| Cumin seeds (jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
| Mustard seeds | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Asafoetida (hing) | A pinch |
| Ginger garlic paste | 1 teaspoon |
| Tomato (chopped) | 1 |
| Salt | To taste |
| Garam masala powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Red chilli powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Gram flour (besan) | 1 tablespoon |
| Buttermilk | 1 cup |
| Coriander leaves (chopped) | For garnishing |
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: Gujarati
Course: Lunch
Diet: Vegetarian
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Making the Dhokli (Steamed Dumplings)
- Prepare the batter: In a mixing bowl, combine the grated bottle gourd (lauki), gram flour (besan), chopped coriander leaves, salt, red chili powder, turmeric powder, and ajwain. Gradually add water and mix to form a thick batter.
- Add the fruit salt: Once the batter is well-combined, add a pinch of fruit salt (Enos) and mix thoroughly. The fruit salt will help the batter rise and become fluffy while steaming.
- Steam the dhokli: Preheat a steamer with water filled halfway. Grease a dhokla plate or any steamer-safe dish. Pour the prepared dhokli batter into the plate and steam it for about 10-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool and cut the dhokli: Once steamed, remove the plate from the steamer and let it cool slightly. Once cooled, cut the dhokli into small bite-sized pieces.
2. Shallow Fry the Dhokli
- Fry the dhokli: Heat a shallow frying pan and add a little oil. Place the steamed dhokli pieces in the pan and shallow fry them on both sides until they turn golden brown and crispy. This step adds an extra layer of flavor and texture to the dish. Once done, set the fried dhokli aside.
3. Preparing the Curry
- Make the curry base: In a heavy-bottomed pan, heat sunflower oil over medium flame. Add mustard seeds. Once they splutter, add cumin seeds, asafoetida (hing), ginger garlic paste, and curry leaves. SautΓ© the spices for about a minute until they release a fragrant aroma.
- Cook the tomatoes: Add chopped tomatoes to the pan and cook them until they become soft and mushy. This may take around 3-4 minutes.
- Prepare the buttermilk mixture: In a separate bowl, mix one tablespoon of gram flour with the buttermilk and set it aside. This mixture will help thicken the curry.
- Add spices and simmer: Once the tomatoes are cooked, add the gram flour and buttermilk mixture, salt, red chili powder, and garam masala powder. Stir well and cook on low heat until the curry begins to simmer and thicken. This will take about 2-3 minutes.
4. Combine Dhokli with Curry
- Add the fried dhokli: Once the curry starts boiling, add the shallow-fried dhokli pieces to the curry. Stir gently and let it cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, allowing the dhokli to absorb the flavors of the curry.
- Garnish and serve: Switch off the flame and garnish the curry with freshly chopped coriander leaves.
5. Serving Suggestions
Serve the Dudhi Dhokli Nu Shaak hot with steamed rice for a delightful Gujarati lunch. Alternatively, you can pair it with Masala Khichiya Churi (crisped khichiya with masala) as a side dish to enhance the meal.
Enjoy this flavorful and nutritious curry, packed with the goodness of bottle gourd and gram flour dumplings, and savor the comforting flavors of traditional Gujarati cuisine!
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approximately 150-200 kcal |
| Protein | 4-5 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 30-35 grams |
| Fat | 5-7 grams |
| Fiber | 3-4 grams |
| Sodium | 250-300 mg |
| Vitamin A | 15% of daily value |
| Vitamin C | 10% of daily value |
This Dudhi Dhokli Nu Shaak is a healthy and satisfying dish, providing essential nutrients like protein, fiber, and vitamins, making it an excellent choice for a balanced vegetarian meal.
With its mild spiciness, rich textures, and refreshing flavors, Dudhi Dhokli Nu Shaak is the epitome of comfort food from Gujarat. Itβs a perfect dish for those looking to explore traditional Indian vegetarian cuisine. Enjoy!
