Rasawala Dhokla Recipe
Rasawala Dhokla is a flavorful, aromatic dish from Gujarat, known for its soft, spongy texture and tangy, sweet-sour sauce. This dish is an exciting variation of the traditional Dhokla, served with a spicy, tangy “rasa” (sauce) that adds a burst of flavors. A perfect choice for a delightful North Indian breakfast, this dish combines fermented gram flour batter with a vibrant, aromatic tempering and is served steaming hot for an unforgettable experience. Hereโs how you can recreate this delicious recipe at home!
Ingredients
For Dhokla:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Gram flour (besan) | 2 cups |
| Curd (Dahi/Yogurt) | 1/2 cup |
| Green Chilies (paste) | 2 |
| Ginger (paste) | 1 inch |
| Lemon juice | 1 tablespoon |
| Enos fruit salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Sunflower Oil | 1 tablespoon |
For Rasa (Sauce):
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Mustard seeds | 1 teaspoon |
| Cumin seeds (Jeera) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Asafoetida (Hing) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Green Chilies | 2 |
| Red Chilli powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Jaggery (grated) | 2 tablespoons |
| Tamarind paste | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Fresh coriander leaves (chopped) | 4 sprigs |
| Sunflower oil | 1 tablespoon |
Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: Gujarati
Course: North Indian Breakfast
Diet: Vegetarian
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Dhokla Batter
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the gram flour (besan) with curd (yogurt), salt, and a bit of water to make a smooth, thick batter. Ensure there are no lumps.
- Let the batter sit aside for about 3-4 hours to ferment. This will help the batter to rise and develop a light, fluffy texture.
- After the fermentation period, add the lemon juice, ginger-garlic paste, and Enos fruit salt to the batter. Whisk well until the mixture is well combined and slightly aerated.
Step 2: Steaming the Dhokla
- Prepare the steamer by preheating it with 1 cup of water in the bottom section.
- Grease the Dhokla plates or any steaming dish with a bit of oil to prevent sticking.
- Pour the prepared batter into the plates, filling only up to half their level to allow room for the batter to rise while steaming.
- Steam the Dhokla on high heat for about 12-15 minutes with the lid covered. To check if the Dhokla is done, insert a clean knife or toothpick into the center โ it should come out clean.
- Once cooked, turn off the heat and let the Dhokla rest for 5 minutes before removing the plates from the steamer.
Step 3: Preparing the Rasa (Sauce)
- In a heavy-bottomed pan, heat 1 tablespoon of sunflower oil over medium heat.
- Add mustard seeds and cumin seeds. Let them splutter and release their aroma.
- Add the asafoetida (hing) and green chilies. Stir for a few seconds.
- Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, tamarind paste, jaggery, and salt. Stir to combine all the ingredients and let the flavors blend.
- Pour in a little water, adjusting the consistency of the sauce to your liking. Let the sauce simmer on low heat until it comes to a boil.
- Once it has thickened slightly, remove from heat.
Step 4: Assembling the Rasawala Dhokla
- Once the Dhokla has cooled slightly, cut it into square or diamond shapes and arrange them on a serving platter.
- Pour the prepared Rasa over the Dhoklas, allowing them to soak in the sauce for about 3-4 minutes. The Dhoklas will absorb the tangy, spicy sauce and take on all the rich flavors.
- Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves for a burst of color and aroma.
Step 5: Serving
Serve the Rasawala Dhokla immediately for the best experience. This dish pairs beautifully with a hot cup of Masala Chai and Gujarati Methi Thepla, making for a perfect and filling breakfast for your family.
Tips and Variations
- Fermentation: The key to perfect Dhokla is the fermentation process. Ensure that the batter is allowed to sit for 3-4 hours in a warm place for optimal results.
- Enos Fruit Salt: This ingredient is crucial in giving the Dhokla its light, airy texture. If you canโt find it, you can use a pinch of baking soda as a substitute.
- Rasa Variations: You can adjust the sweetness or sourness of the Rasa by increasing or decreasing the amount of jaggery or tamarind paste according to your preference.
- Serving Options: Rasawala Dhokla is a perfect breakfast item, but it also makes an excellent tea-time snack. It can also be served as a starter for a Gujarati-themed meal.
Enjoy this delightful and authentic Gujarati breakfast recipe with your loved ones. Its combination of savory, spicy, and sweet flavors is sure to brighten up your morning and make for a wholesome meal.
