Roasted Pumpkin Rava Dhokla Recipe
Sooji Dhokla with a Flavorful Pumpkin Twist
Introduction
The Roasted Pumpkin Rava Dhokla is a delightful and healthy variation of the classic Gujarati snack. This soft, steamed, spongy dish combines the earthy sweetness of roasted pumpkin with the lightness of semolina (sooji) to create a mouthwatering breakfast treat or snack. The addition of a flavorful tempering (tadka) elevates the taste, making it a perfect choice for anyone who loves Indian breakfast recipes with a twist. Whether you’re looking for a filling, nutritious start to your day or simply want to impress guests, this recipe offers an innovative, vegetarian option that’s both satisfying and delicious.
Course: Breakfast (North Indian)
Cuisine: Gujarati
Diet: Vegetarian
Servings: 4
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Kaddu (Pumpkin), peeled and diced | 1 cup |
| Sunflower Oil | 1 teaspoon |
| Sooji (Semolina / Rava) | 1 cup |
| Curd (Dahi / Yogurt) | 1/4 cup |
| Salt | To taste |
| Green Chilli paste (made with mortar) | 1 teaspoon |
| Enos Fruit Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Sunflower Oil (for tadka) | 1 tablespoon |
| Mustard Seeds | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Cumin Seeds (Jeera) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Asafoetida (Hing) | 1 pinch |
| Sesame Seeds (Til) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Curry Leaves | 1 sprig |
| Fresh Coriander Leaves (for garnish) | A few sprigs |
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Instructions
Step 1: Roasting the Pumpkin
- Heat a skillet or pan over medium heat and add 1 teaspoon of sunflower oil.
- Once the oil heats up, add the diced pumpkin. Sprinkle with a little salt and sautΓ© for 4-5 minutes until the pumpkin becomes tender and soft.
- Do not add water while roasting; let the pumpkin cook in its own steam. Cover the pan and allow it to cook, turning occasionally to ensure even roasting.
- Once the pumpkin is soft, turn off the heat and allow it to cool.
Step 2: Making the Pumpkin Puree
- Once the pumpkin cools, transfer it to a blender or mixer jar. Grind it to a smooth, fine paste.
- Transfer the pumpkin puree into a mixing bowl.
Step 3: Preparing the Dhokla Batter
- To the mixing bowl containing the pumpkin puree, add the semolina (sooji), yogurt, 1 tablespoon cooking oil, salt to taste, and the green chili paste.
- Mix everything thoroughly until the ingredients are well combined.
- Cover the bowl and let the mixture rest for 30 minutes. During this resting time, the semolina will absorb the moisture and fluff up.
Step 4: Preparing the Steamer and Mold
- Preheat the steamer with water.
- Grease a flat steaming plate or mold generously with oil to ensure the dhokla can be easily demolded later.
Step 5: Adding Eno Fruit Salt and Steaming the Dhokla
- After 30 minutes, youβll notice that the semolina has fluffed up nicely. Add the Eno fruit salt to the batter and mix it in quickly, ensuring itβs evenly distributed.
- Pour the batter into the greased plate or mold, spreading it out evenly.
- Place the plate into the preheated steamer, cover it, and steam the dhokla for about 10-12 minutes, or until firm and fully cooked.
- To check for doneness, insert a greased knife or skewer into the dhokla. If it comes out clean, the dhokla is ready.
Step 6: Preparing the Tadka (Tempering)
- While the dhokla is steaming, heat 1 tablespoon sunflower oil in a small pan over medium heat.
- Once the oil heats up, add the mustard seeds and let them crackle.
- Next, add the cumin seeds, asafoetida, sesame seeds, and curry leaves. SautΓ© for a few seconds until the curry leaves crackle and the spices release their fragrance.
- Turn off the heat once the tadka is ready.
Step 7: Final Assembly
- Once the dhokla is done, carefully remove the steaming plate from the steamer. Allow it to cool slightly before demolding.
- Use a knife around the edges to gently loosen the dhokla, then flip the plate over onto a serving dish.
- Pour the prepared tempering (tadka) over the dhokla, ensuring it is evenly spread. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Roasted Pumpkin Rava Dhokla with Coriander Mint Chutney and a warm cup of Masala Chai for a complete and satisfying breakfast experience. The combination of the spongy dhokla with the flavorful tadka and chutney makes for a truly delightful meal thatβs perfect for starting the day or enjoying as a snack.
Tips & Variations
- You can substitute the pumpkin with other vegetables like bottle gourd (lauki) or carrots for a different flavor profile.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, increase the amount of green chili paste or add chopped green chilies directly to the batter.
- For a richer taste, you can drizzle a bit of ghee (clarified butter) over the dhokla before serving.
Nutrition Information
Calories per Serving (approx.):
- Calories: 140 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
(Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on portion sizes and specific ingredients used.)
Conclusion
This Roasted Pumpkin Rava Dhokla is an irresistible dish that brings together the best of Gujarati flavors in a healthy, vegetarian format. The use of pumpkin adds a natural sweetness and richness, making the dhokla not only delicious but also nutritious. The tadka provides an extra burst of flavor, enhancing every bite. Itβs a perfect recipe for breakfast, brunch, or as a light evening snack, and it pairs wonderfully with traditional chutneys and tea. Enjoy this wholesome treat thatβs sure to become a family favorite!
