Spinach Foxtail Millet Dhokla Recipe
Delve into the flavors of North Indian cuisine with a healthy twist in this Spinach Foxtail Millet Dhokla Recipe. Combining the goodness of foxtail millet and spinach, this vegetarian dish is perfect for breakfast or as a nutritious snack. Packed with fiber, protein, and essential vitamins, this dish is also a fantastic choice for kids’ lunch boxes. The soft, fluffy texture of dhokla paired with aromatic seasoning will surely make it a family favorite.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Foxtail Millet (ground) | 1 cup |
| Gram Flour (Besan) | 1 cup |
| Curd (Dahi/Yogurt) | 1 cup |
| Enos Fruit Salt | 1 teaspoon (or ½ tsp baking powder) |
| Sunflower Oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Sunflower Oil (for seasoning) | 1 teaspoon |
| Curry Leaves (finely chopped) | 1 sprig |
| Mustard Seeds | 1 teaspoon |
| Sesame Seeds (Til Seeds) | 1 tablespoon |
| Coriander Leaves (chopped) | 2 sprigs |
| Salt | To taste |
| Spinach | 2 cups |
| Green Chilli | 1 |
| Ginger | 1-inch piece |
| Cumin Seeds (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Approximate Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 kcal |
| Protein | 6 g |
| Carbohydrates | 28 g |
| Fat | 5 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Iron | 2.5 mg |
| Calcium | 60 mg |
Preparation and Cooking Time
| Task | Time Required |
|---|---|
| Preparation Time | 20 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 45 minutes |
| Total Time | 65 minutes |
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Equipment
- Begin by preparing a dhokla steamer.
- Fill the steamer with water and grease the dhokla plates with a small amount of sunflower oil. Set them aside.
2. Make the Spinach Puree
- In a blender, combine:
- 2 cups of spinach,
- 1 green chilli,
- 1-inch ginger, and
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds.
- Add a small amount of water and blend until smooth.
3. Prepare the Batter
- In a large mixing bowl, combine:
- 1 cup foxtail millet flour,
- 1 cup gram flour (besan),
- the spinach puree, and
- 1 cup yogurt.
- Add salt to taste and mix well. Gradually add water (approximately 1½ cups) to form a thick, smooth batter.
- Let the batter rest for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
4. Activate the Batter
- Just before steaming, stir in 1 teaspoon Enos fruit salt (or ½ teaspoon baking powder). Gently mix to incorporate air into the batter, ensuring the dhoklas will be light and fluffy.
5. Steam the Dhokla
- Pour the batter into the greased dhokla plates and place them in the preheated steamer.
- Steam on high heat for about 10 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Once cooked, remove the dhokla plates and let them cool for 5 minutes.
6. Prepare the Tadka (Seasoning)
- Heat 1 teaspoon sunflower oil in a small pan.
- Add:
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds,
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, and
- 1 sprig curry leaves (finely chopped).
- Allow the seeds to crackle and the curry leaves to become aromatic.
7. Finish and Serve
- Pour the tadka over the steamed dhoklas.
- Cut the dhoklas into squares or diamond shapes.
- Garnish with finely chopped coriander leaves.
8. Serving Suggestions
- Serve the Spinach Foxtail Millet Dhokla warm or at room temperature alongside:
- Green Chutney, or
- Idli Milagai Podi (a spicy South Indian condiment).
- This dish can also be packed for a school lunch box, where it remains soft and flavorful even after a few hours.
Tips and Variations
- Substitute Spinach: If spinach isn’t available, you can use other leafy greens like kale or fenugreek leaves for a unique flavor twist.
- Make it Vegan: Replace yogurt with a plant-based curd like almond or coconut yogurt for a vegan-friendly version.
- Enhanced Nutrition: Add grated carrots or finely chopped bell peppers to the batter for additional color and nutrition.
- Spice it Up: For those who enjoy heat, increase the quantity of green chillies or add a pinch of red chilli powder to the batter.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Wholesome Ingredients: Foxtail millet and spinach make this a powerhouse of nutrients.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute gram flour with chickpea flour to make it suitable for gluten-free diets.
- Kid-Friendly: The soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture is loved by kids, and the vibrant green color is visually appealing.
- Versatile: Perfect as a light breakfast, a quick snack, or even a party appetizer.
Experience the delicate balance of nutrition and flavor with this Spinach Foxtail Millet Dhokla. Let it become a staple in your kitchen and a cherished addition to your family’s healthy eating journey!
