Dhokla Sandwich with Capsicum and Paneer Recipe
Dhokla is a beloved Indian snack, typically enjoyed for breakfast or as a tea-time treat. In this unique twist, we transform traditional dhokla into a flavorful sandwich with a filling of sautéed bell peppers and paneer (cottage cheese), all elevated by a burst of fresh chutney and aromatic spices. A perfect fusion of savory, soft dhokla combined with the richness of paneer and a crunch of colorful bell peppers, making it a delightful and wholesome dish.
Ingredients
For Dhokla Batter:
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Poha (Flattened Rice) – ground to powder | 1 cup |
Curd (Dahi/Yogurt) | 1 cup |
Sooji (Semolina/Rava) | 1/2 cup |
Gram Flour (Besan) | 1/2 cup |
Green Chilli – chopped | 1 |
Cumin Seeds (Jeera) | 1 tsp |
Ginger – chopped | 1 inch |
Enos Fruit Salt | 1 tsp |
Salt | To taste |
Sunflower Oil | For greasing and frying |
For the Stuffing:
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Sunflower Oil | 1-2 tbsp |
Cumin Seeds (Jeera) | 1 tsp |
Mustard Seeds | 1 tsp |
Curry Leaves | 1 sprig |
Asafoetida (Hing) | A pinch |
Red Bell Pepper (Capsicum) – chopped | 1 |
Yellow Bell Pepper (Capsicum) – chopped | 1 |
Green Bell Pepper (Capsicum) – chopped | 1 |
Paneer (Homemade Cottage Cheese) – crumbled | 1 cup |
Green Chutney (Coriander & Mint) | 1/2 cup |
Red Chilli Sauce | 2 tbsp |
Preparation Time:
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Servings: 4
Instructions
Preparing the Dhokla Batter:
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Prepare Steamer: Begin by filling your steamer with water and grease the dhokla plates to prevent sticking. Set these aside for later use.
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Grind the Poha: In a mixer grinder, grind the poha to a fine powder and set aside.
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Prepare the Spice Paste: Add chopped green chilies, ginger, and cumin seeds into the mixer. Grind these ingredients to form a coarse paste.
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Mix the Batter: Transfer the paste into a mixing bowl and combine it with semolina (sooji), gram flour (besan), powdered poha, salt, and enos fruit salt. Mix everything together. Add the yogurt to the mixture and gradually add water to form a smooth, thick batter. Let the batter rest for about 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Steaming the Dhokla:
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Prepare to Steam: Pour the prepared dhokla batter into the greased dhokla plates. Preheat the steamer to medium-high heat, then carefully place the plates into the steamer.
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Steam the Dhokla: Steam the batter for approximately 10 minutes or until a tester inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Cool the Dhokla: Once steamed, remove the dhokla from the steamer and let it cool for about 5 minutes. After cooling, set it aside.
Preparing the Stuffing:
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Sauté the Bell Peppers: Heat some oil in a pan, add the chopped bell peppers (red, yellow, and green), and sauté them for about 10 minutes, until they soften.
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Add Crumbled Paneer: To the same pan, add crumbled paneer and sauté together with the peppers until the paneer is well-cooked and lightly golden.
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Add Spices and Chutney: Stir in the green chutney (a blend of coriander and mint), red chili sauce, and check for seasoning, adjusting salt as needed. Mix well until everything is evenly coated and set aside to cool.
Assembling the Dhokla Sandwich:
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Cut the Dhokla: Once the dhokla has cooled, cut it into your desired shape, either triangles or rectangular pieces. Flip the pieces over so that the flat side is facing up.
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Grill the Dhokla: Heat a grilling pan or tawa, drizzle with a little oil, and place the dhokla pieces on the hot pan. Grill them for a few minutes on each side, ensuring that golden grill marks form on top.
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Stuff the Sandwich: Take two grilled pieces of dhokla and carefully stuff them with the bell pepper and paneer mixture. Press them gently together to form a sandwich. Repeat for the remaining pieces.
Final Touch:
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Seasoning: In a separate small pan, heat oil and add cumin seeds, mustard seeds, curry leaves, and asafoetida (hing). Allow the spices to crackle for a few seconds. Once done, remove from heat and pour this seasoning over the prepared dhokla sandwiches.
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Serve and Enjoy: Serve the Dhokla Sandwich with Capsicum and Paneer hot, with a side of apple almond date smoothie, masala chai, or a fresh fruit bowl to make it a wholesome breakfast or a delightful evening snack.
Tips:
- Resting the batter is an important step, as it allows the dhokla to rise properly while steaming.
- You can adjust the stuffing by adding other vegetables like carrots, peas, or even a little cheese for a richer filling.
- For a tangier taste, use a spicier chutney or add a squeeze of lemon juice to the stuffing.
Enjoy this vibrant and nutritious Dhokla Sandwich as a snack or light meal. It is an ideal choice for vegetarians looking for a satisfying, healthy, and flavorful dish!