If you're a fan of Indian cuisine, you must have tasted the delightful steamed cake known as Rava Dhokla. Originating from the state of Gujarat, this savory snack is not only delicious but also incredibly simple to make. Here, we'll take you through the five easy steps to create the perfect Rava Dhokla at home.
1. Gather Your Ingredients
- 1 cup of rava (semolina) - fine variety works best.
- ½ cup yogurt (curd) - Make sure it’s fresh and at room temperature.
- 1 tsp ginger paste - freshly grated or store-bought works well.
- 1-2 green chilies, finely chopped - adjust according to your spice preference.
- 1 tbsp oil for tempering.
- 1 tsp lemon juice for slight sourness.
- 1 tbsp sugar for balancing flavors.
- ¾ tsp ENO (fruit salt) - this is the key to fluffiness.
- ½ tsp mustard seeds, ½ tsp sesame seeds, curry leaves, and asafetida for the tempering.
- Water as needed - about ¾ to 1 cup.
🍲 Note: The quality of the semolina and yogurt can significantly affect the texture and flavor of your Dhokla.
2. Prepare the Batter
- In a bowl, combine rava, yogurt, and a little water to form a thick batter.
- Add ginger paste, green chilies, salt, sugar, and lemon juice. Mix well.
- Let the batter rest for 15-20 minutes. This helps in making the dhokla light and fluffy.
- Before steaming, add ENO fruit salt to the batter. Stir gently to make it frothy, then pour it immediately into the greased dhokla plate.
3. Steam the Dhokla
- Heat water in a steamer, and when steam begins to rise, place the dhokla plate inside.
- Steam for about 15-20 minutes on medium heat. You can check for doneness by inserting a toothpick; it should come out clean.
- Once done, turn off the heat and let it cool for a few minutes before removing it from the steamer.
4. Tempering and Finishing Touches
While the Dhokla is steaming, prepare the tempering:
- Heat oil in a small pan. Add mustard seeds and let them crackle.
- Follow with sesame seeds, curry leaves, and a pinch of asafetida.
- Pour this over the dhokla once it’s out of the steamer, cutting it into diamond or square shapes first.
- Let the tempering soak in for about 5 minutes.
5. Serving Suggestions
Rava Dhokla can be served in various ways:
- Traditional: With a side of mint or coriander chutney.
- Innovative: Top it with a spoonful of sweet tamarind chutney or even serve with a dollop of cream.
- Snack or Meal: Enjoy it as a light snack or part of a larger meal with some pickle and kadhi.
There you have it - an authentic yet easy-to-follow recipe for making Rava Dhokla. Not only is it a healthy snack option with low calories, but it's also versatile enough to fit into any meal of the day or to cater to different tastes with various serving methods.
Can I make Rava Dhokla without ENO?
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Yes, you can use baking soda as an alternative, but remember the texture might slightly differ.
How can I store leftover Dhokla?
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Refrigerate in an airtight container. It can last up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or by steaming again for best taste.
What’s the best time to have Dhokla?
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Dhokla is traditionally served as breakfast or evening snack but can be eaten anytime as it’s light and healthy.
Can I freeze Rava Dhokla?
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It’s not recommended as the texture will change significantly. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for a short time.
