Dhokla is a spongy and savoury cake made from the gram flour(besan) which is a most popular Gujarati dish and loved all over India. There are very simple steps to make the perfect khaman dhokla and enjoy it with the mint chutney at lunch, breakfast, or dinner time. Check out the recipe now.
Ingredients Khaman Dhokla Recipe
- Besan (gram flour) – 1 cup
- Curd – ½ cup (slightly sour)
- Water – ½ cup (adjust as needed)
- Lemon juice – 1 tbsp
- Sugar – 1 tsp
- Turmeric – ¼ tsp
- Eno fruit salt – 1 tsp (or baking soda – ½ tsp)
- Salt – to taste
For Tempering:
- Oil – 1 tbsp
- Mustard seeds – 1 tsp
- Green chilies – 2, slit
- Curry leaves – 6–8
- Water – ¼ cup
- Sugar – 1 tsp (for sweet tempering)
Simple Steps to Make Gujarati Dhokla Recipe
- Take a bowl and mix curd, besan, water, salt, turmeric, and a bit of sugar to make a smooth batter.
- Just before steaming, add Eno and mix gently. The batter will become airy and light.
- Pour the batter into a greased pan and steam in a steamer or large pot for 15–20 minutes.
- Check with the toothpick, put it in the pan, and if it comes out clean, then it’s one and your dhokla is properly cooked. Let it cool slightly and cut into squares.
- Heat oil in a small pan, add mustard seeds, green chilies, and curry leaves. Soute them a bit and Let them crackle.
- Add ¼ cup water + 1 tsp sugar to the tempering and pour it over the cut dhoklas evenly.
- Garnish with coriander or grated coconut (optional) and now your beautifully decorated dhoklas are ready to serve.
FAQs
Why is my dhokla not spongy?
If your dhokla is not soft, it could be because:
- The eno or baking soda was old or not activated properly.
- You overmixed after adding eno — always mix lightly.
- The batter was too thick or too thin.
Can I make dhokla without Eno?
Yes, use ½ tsp baking soda + 1 tsp lemon juice or vinegar as a substitute.
Can I steam dhokla without a steamer?
Absolutely! Use a deep pan with a stand or bowl at the bottom and steam the dish with a lid on.
Why does dhokla taste bitter?
Too much baking soda or Eno can cause a bitter taste. Stick to the mentioned quantity.
Can I store dhokla for the next day?
Yes! Store leftover dhokla in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat by steaming for a few minutes or microwave with a sprinkle of water to keep it soft.
Can I make dhokla without curd?
Yes, if you don’t have curd, you can use lemon juice or vinegar (1 tbsp) along with water to balance the sourness.
How do I make dhokla without sugar?
You can skip sugar entirely or replace it with jaggery powder for a healthier version. Just note that traditional tempering includes a touch of sweetness.
Can I make dhokla in a microwave?
Yes! Microwave the batter in a greased microwave-safe dish on high power for 5–6 minutes. Check doneness with a toothpick.
Why does my dhokla sink after steaming?
This happens if:
- The batter is overmixed after adding Eno.
- You open the lid too early while steaming.
- There’s too much liquid in the batter.
