Gujarati Palak Dhokla Recipe – A Nutritious and Flavorful Breakfast Delight
Dhokla is a beloved and iconic dish from Gujarat, cherished for its light, fluffy texture and savory flavors. It is commonly served as a snack or breakfast dish in every Gujarati household, and you’ll find it in every Farsan shop across Gujarat. In this recipe, we’re adding a unique twist to the classic Dhokla by incorporating spinach (palak) for a burst of color, taste, and nutrition. The spinach puree not only enhances the flavor but also makes this dish a more wholesome option, perfect for a high-protein vegetarian breakfast.
Cuisine: Gujarati Recipes
Course: North Indian Breakfast
Diet: High-Protein Vegetarian
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Gram flour | 1 cup (approx. 150 grams) |
| Spinach | 300 grams (fresh) |
| Hung curd (beaten) | 1/4 cup |
| Ginger | 1 inch piece |
| Green chillies | 3, finely chopped |
| Oil | 2 tbsp |
| Lemon juice | 1 tbsp |
| Sugar | 1 tbsp (optional) |
| Salt | To taste |
| Eno fruit salt | 1 tsp |
| For tempering | |
| Oil | 2 tsp |
| Mustard seeds | 1 tsp |
| Sesame seeds (white) | 2 tsp |
| Curry leaves | 5 leaves |
| Asafoetida (hing) | 1/4 tsp |
| Water | 3 tbsp |
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Serves: 4-5
Instructions
-
Prepare the Spinach Puree:
- In a saucepan, bring water to a boil. Once boiling, turn off the heat and add the fresh spinach leaves. Allow them to sit in the hot water for 4-5 minutes.
- After the spinach has softened, remove it and let it cool down. Once cool, transfer the spinach to a blender and grind it into a smooth puree. Set the spinach puree aside.
-
Make the Dhokla Batter:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the gram flour, spinach puree, hung curd, and 1 tbsp oil. Gradually add water to form a thick batter. Be careful not to make the batter too runny; it should be thick enough to hold its shape.
- Add salt, sugar (optional), and lemon juice to the mixture. Mix everything thoroughly, ensuring there are no lumps in the batter. Let the batter rest for about 5-10 minutes.
-
Steam the Dhokla:
- While the batter rests, prepare the steamer. Grease the steaming plate with ghee or oil to prevent the dhokla from sticking. Pour some water into the bottom of the steamer and bring it to a gentle simmer.
- After 10 minutes, add 1 tsp of Eno fruit salt to the dhokla batter and mix it gently. The Eno will help the dhokla become light and fluffy as it steams.
- Pour the batter into the prepared steaming plate and place it in the steamer. Steam the dhokla for 15-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Once steamed, remove the dhokla from the steamer and allow it to cool for about 10 minutes before cutting it into squares.
-
Prepare the Tempering:
- In a small tempering pan, heat 2 tsp of oil. Add 1/4 tsp of asafoetida (hing), 1 tsp mustard seeds, 2 tsp sesame seeds, and 5 curry leaves. Sauté the mixture until the mustard seeds begin to crackle, releasing a delightful aroma.
- Turn off the heat and carefully add 3 tbsp of water to the tempering to stop the cooking process. Stir well.
-
Serve:
- Pour the prepared tempering over the steamed dhokla. This will infuse the dhokla with a wonderful mustard-curry flavor that complements the spinach perfectly.
- Serve the Gujarati Palak Dhokla with fresh coriander-mint chutney and a cup of masala chai for a truly satisfying breakfast experience.
Tips for the Perfect Gujarati Palak Dhokla:
- Spinach Puree: Ensure the spinach is cooked lightly before blending. This helps maintain the vibrant green color and smooth texture of the puree.
- Eno Fruit Salt: Eno is crucial for making the dhokla soft and fluffy. Don’t skip this ingredient, as it reacts with the batter to produce the characteristic texture.
- Steaming: Keep the steaming time precise to ensure that the dhokla is neither undercooked nor overcooked. A perfectly steamed dhokla should be light, airy, and have a delicate texture.
- Tempering: The tempering adds a burst of flavor and a pleasant crunch to the dhokla. Adjust the level of spice by adding or reducing the number of green chilies as per your preference.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~140-160 kcal |
| Protein | ~5-6 grams |
| Carbohydrates | ~25-30 grams |
| Fiber | ~4-5 grams |
| Fat | ~4-6 grams |
| Iron | ~1.5-2 mg |
| Calcium | ~25-30 mg |
| Sodium | ~200-250 mg |
This Gujarati Palak Dhokla recipe is a delicious, healthy, and vibrant breakfast option that perfectly balances taste and nutrition. Packed with the goodness of spinach and gram flour, it’s a great choice for anyone looking for a wholesome start to their day. Enjoy this delightful treat with a cup of chai and share it with your loved ones for a truly delightful breakfast experience!
