Dhokla Sandwich with Capsicum and Paneer: A North Indian Twist to Your Snack Time
Description:
The Dhokla Sandwich with Capsicum and Paneer is an innovative and delicious take on the traditional Gujarati dhokla, making it an ideal snack or breakfast dish. This recipe combines the fluffy, steamed dhokla with a flavorful stuffing made of vibrant bell peppers, paneer, and a tangy green chutney. Perfect for those seeking a nutritious vegetarian meal, this dish offers a savory filling within the delicate steamed cake, creating a perfect balance of textures and flavors. Whether served as an appetizer or a snack, it promises to add a delightful twist to your everyday meals.
Cuisine: North Indian Recipes
Course: Snack
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Dhokla:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Poha (Flattened rice) | 1 cup, ground to powder |
| Curd (Dahi / Yogurt) | 1 cup |
| Sooji (Semolina / Rava) | 1/2 cup |
| Gram flour (besan) | 1/2 cup |
| Green Chilli | 1, chopped |
| Cumin seeds (Jeera) | 1 tsp |
| Ginger | 1-inch piece, chopped |
| Enos Fruit Salt | 1 tsp |
| Salt | To taste |
| Oil | For greasing and cooking |
For the Tempering:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cumin seeds (Jeera) | 1 tsp |
| Mustard seeds (Rai / Kadugu) | 1 tsp |
| Curry leaves | 1 sprig |
| Asafoetida (Hing) | A pinch |
| Oil | For cooking |
For the Stuffing:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Red Bell Pepper (Capsicum) | 1, chopped |
| Yellow Bell Pepper (Capsicum) | 1, chopped |
| Green Bell Pepper (Capsicum) | 1, chopped |
| Paneer (Homemade Cottage Cheese) | 1 cup, crumbled |
| Green Chutney (Coriander & Mint) | 1/2 cup |
| Red Chilli Sauce | 2 tbsp |
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dhokla Batter
- Begin by preparing a steamer filled with water. Grease the dhokla plates and keep them aside.
- Grind the poha to a fine powder using a mixer grinder. Set it aside.
- In the same grinder, add green chilies, chopped ginger, and cumin seeds. Grind these ingredients to form a coarse paste.
- Add the paste to a mixing bowl and incorporate the remaining ingredients: semolina, powdered poha, besan, salt, and Enos fruit salt. Mix well.
- Add curd (yogurt) and enough water to form a thick batter. Let the batter rest for 15 minutes while you prepare the stuffing ingredients.
Step 2: Steam the Dhokla
- Pour the prepared dhokla batter into the greased dhokla plates.
- Preheat the steamer and steam the dhokla batter on high heat for about 10 minutes. Use a tester to check if the dhokla is fully cooked; it should come out clean when inserted.
- After steaming, remove the dhokla from the steamer and let it rest for about 5 minutes to cool down.
Step 3: Prepare the Stuffing
- Heat oil in a pan and add the chopped bell peppers (red, yellow, and green). Sauté them for about 10 minutes until they soften.
- Add the crumbled paneer and continue sautéing until the paneer is cooked and slightly golden.
- Mix in the green chutney (coriander and mint) and red chili sauce. Stir everything well, ensuring the stuffing is evenly coated with the chutney and sauce. Check for salt and adjust to taste. Set the stuffing aside to cool.
Step 4: Grill the Dhokla
- Cut the steamed dhokla into triangular or rectangular pieces according to your preference. Flip the pieces over.
- Heat a grilling pan. Once hot, drizzle with oil and place the dhokla pieces to grill. Let them brown and develop grill marks on one side before flipping them over to grill the other side.
- Remove the grilled dhokla pieces from the pan and set them aside.
Step 5: Assemble the Dhokla Sandwiches
- Take two grilled dhokla pieces and stuff them with the prepared filling of bell peppers, paneer, and chutney. Press the pieces gently together to form a sandwich.
- Repeat the process for the remaining dhokla pieces and stuffing.
Step 6: Temper the Dhokla Sandwiches
- In a separate pan, heat oil and add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, hing, and curry leaves. Allow them to crackle.
- Turn off the heat and pour the seasoning over the stuffed dhokla sandwiches.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Dhokla Sandwich with Capsicum and Paneer hot, accompanied by a side of Apple Almond Date Smoothie or Masala Chai for a complete breakfast experience. Alternatively, enjoy it with a fruit bowl for a lighter, refreshing snack.
This delightful twist on traditional dhokla will surely become a favorite for breakfast or snack time in your household.
