Its dhokla time today. Khaman dhokla is the recipe selected for the first challenge. Srivalli gave the detailed recipe from a Gujarathi friend of hers, which is indeed a fool-proof recipe. I have made instant versions of dhokla both in my MW and stove top. But it was no way near the perfect, soft,spongy, moist dhoklas I had eaten before. My husband occassionaly used to buy dhoklas from a Gujarathi sweet shop near his office. When Valli mentioned that its a traditional recipe, I was happy to try it out to get the perfect dhoklas. I prepared it carefully following the instructions given in the recipe. When I served them with the mint chutney, my husband said gave a thumps up, which doesn't come, that easily.
Recipe makes 20 medium sized pieces
For Batter:
Bengal Gram flour / Besan - 1 & 1/2 cup
Cooking Soda - 1/2 tsp
Salt to taste
For seasoning to be mixed to the batter (to be added just before cooking)
Eno - 1 packet (green colour fruit lime) + sprinkle or dust few bits on the plate
Sesame seeds , Mustard Seeds,Curry leaves,Grated coconut,Coriander leaves
Mix first 1/2 cup curds with 1/2 water. To this add the besan and mix well to get a lump less batter, the consistency should be of idli batter, more of dropping not pouring consistency. Slowly add more water if needed else, add the soda. Keep it aside to rise for 1 hour.
If you are using a pressure cooker, fill the pan with water, place a plate over which you will have use a plate for steaming the dhoklas. Thali plate can be used for steaming.
To the batter mix in the citric acid, oil, salt, sugar, green chili paste and turmeric powder. Mix well. This has to be done just before pouring to the plate.
In a bowl, mix 2 tblspn of water along with a tsp of oilRemove the plate from the pan, pour the water and oil mix over the top.
For seasoning, heat a pan with oil, add curry leaves, sesame seeds, mustard seeds and finely chopped green chilies. When mustard starts popping, remove and pour over the dhokla.
The batter should be filled to only 1/2 as it will rise up. After adding eno the batter should not rest.
If you want perfect shaped ones and not the crumbling, cut and handle gently
Dhokla can also be steamed in kadai filled with water and a plated titled over it.
G. chili - 4 nos
Then add the coriander and again grind. Remove to a bowl, add the remaining lime and serve with Dhoklas.
Dhoklas look perfect Jayasree:)
ReplyDeleteWow,flavorful with coconut gratings topped!! Looks nice :)
ReplyDeleteDhokla everywhere...looks yummy dear..
ReplyDeleteGood job done congrats.
ReplyDeleteSame Pinch..Jayasree ;-)
ReplyDeleteLooks nice..Its in my mind for long time..Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThat was a nice challenge, wasn't it??? Wonder what's next....
ReplyDeleteJaisree,they have come out perfect for you as well...!! yum yum..
ReplyDeleteThis look great, now your husband does not have to get store bought dhoklas.
ReplyDeleteDhoklas are nice and the tempering is inviting. I had posted a comment asking you to pick up the Kreativ blogger award on your Maavilakku post please look up
ReplyDeleteoh...great work.All the dhokla posts makes me go "J".
ReplyDeleteSomehow I could not make it up to the challenge this month.
This has indeed come out very well.
ReplyDeleteIts another favourite for tea/ coffeee time here. Tasty, filling too.