Instant Makai Dhokla – Savory Steamed Corn Cake Recipe

Makai Dhokla Recipe – Savory Steamed Corn Cake

Makai Dhokla, also known as Corn Dhokla, is a delightful and nutritious Gujarati snack made with fresh corn kernels and corn meal. This instant dhokla recipe combines the natural sweetness of corn with the aromatic spices of the tempering, creating a deliciously light and fluffy snack. The addition of corn dalia (crushed corn) adds texture and richness, making it a perfect option for breakfast, evening tea, or as a snack in lunchboxes. The best part? This recipe is simple to prepare with ingredients that are easy to find in most kitchens, and it doesn’t require any advance preparation.

Recipe Overview

Recipe Name	Makai Dhokla – Savory Steamed Corn Cake
Cuisine	Gujarati
Course	Snack
Diet	High Protein, Vegetarian
Preparation Time	20 minutes
Cooking Time	45 minutes
Total Time	1 hour 5 minutes
Serving Size	Serves 4-6 people

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

Ingredient	Quantity
Sweet Corn	1 cup
Corn Meal	1 cup
Curd (Dahi / Yogurt)	1/2 cup (whisked)
Green Chillies	2-3 (chopped)
Ginger	1 inch (sliced)
Asafoetida (Hing)	1/4 teaspoon
Turmeric Powder (Haldi)	1/4 teaspoon
Enos Fruit Salt	1 teaspoon
Lemon Juice	1/2 teaspoon
Sugar	1/2 teaspoon
Salt	To taste
Coriander (Dhania) Leaves	Chopped, for garnishing
Oil	For greasing plates/moulds

For the Tempering (Tadka)

Ingredient	Quantity
Oil	2 tablespoons
Mustard Seeds (Rai/Kadugu)	1/2 teaspoon
Cumin Seeds (Jeera)	1/2 teaspoon
Curry Leaves	1 sprig (torn)
Asafoetida (Hing)	1/4 teaspoon
Red Chilli Powder	1/2 teaspoon

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dhokla Batter

1. Crush the Sweet Corn: Begin by washing the sweet corn kernels and placing them in a blender. Add the chopped green chilies and sliced ginger to the corn and blend until you have a smooth paste. The texture should be thick but spreadable.

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2. Mix the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the crushed corn paste with corn meal and whisked curd (yogurt). Add the asafoetida (hing), turmeric powder (haldi), salt, sugar, and lemon juice. Mix everything thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are well incorporated.

3. Add Water to the Batter: Gradually add water to the mixture, a little at a time, to create a thick batter with a dropping consistency. Be sure not to make it too runny. Set this batter aside and allow it to rest for about 30 minutes.

Step 2: Steam the Dhokla

1. Prepare the Steamer: While the batter is resting, set up a steamer to heat. Grease two 8-inch steel plates or any other moulds of your choice with a thin layer of oil to prevent sticking.

2. Add Fruit Salt: After the resting time, add the Enos fruit salt to the batter. Quickly mix the batter to activate the fruit salt. You will notice the batter will begin to rise slightly.

3. Steam the Dhokla: Immediately pour the batter into the greased plates or moulds. Place the plates in the steamer and steam for 12-15 minutes. Check if the dhokla is cooked by inserting a knife or tester – it should come out clean. If not, steam for an additional 2-3 minutes.

Step 3: Prepare the Tempering (Tadka)

1. Heat the Oil: In a small pan, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium heat.

2. Add the Spices: Once the oil is hot, add the mustard seeds and allow them to crackle. Then, add the cumin seeds, torn curry leaves, asafoetida, and red chili powder. Stir for about 30 seconds, making sure the spices are well toasted and aromatic.

3. Drizzle the Tempering: Remove the pan from the heat and immediately pour the hot tempering over the steamed dhokla using a spoon, ensuring that the spices are evenly distributed.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

1. Garnish: Once the dhokla is steamed and tempered, allow it to cool slightly. Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves for a fresh, herbaceous note.

2. Serving Suggestions: Makai Dhokla is best served with a side of Dhaniya Pudina Chutney (coriander-mint chutney) and a hot cup of Masala Chai. This combination adds a lovely contrast of flavors, making it the perfect tea-time snack or party appetizer.

Tips & Variations

• Substitute Corn Dalia: If you cannot find corn dalia, you can substitute it with regular semolina (sooji) or wheat dalia for a similar texture.
• Vegan Option: To make this dish vegan, substitute the curd (yogurt) with a dairy-free alternative such as coconut yogurt or almond yogurt.
• Spice Level: Adjust the number of green chilies to your desired spice level. You can also increase the red chili powder in the tempering if you prefer a spicier kick.
• Steamer Alternative: If you don’t have a traditional steamer, you can use a large pot with a lid and a steaming rack, or even a pressure cooker without the pressure weight.

Nutritional Information (Approximate per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	150 kcal
Protein	5 g
Fat	7 g
Carbohydrates	20 g
Fiber	3 g
Sugar	2 g
Sodium	150 mg

Conclusion

Makai Dhokla is a delightful, savory snack that is both light and filling. The combination of sweet corn and spicy tempering makes it a perfect snack for any occasion. Whether served for a quick breakfast, as a healthy snack for kids, or as a savory treat for your tea party, this easy-to-make Gujarati dish will surely impress your guests with its flavor and texture. Try this recipe and enjoy the delicious, wholesome goodness of homemade Dhokla!