How To Make Dhokla
Dhokla is a type of flatbread that originated in India, specifically in the state of Gujarat. It is a fermented steamed bread that is made from a mixture of rice and chickpea flour. Dhokla is typically served as a snack or breakfast item and is often accompanied by various chutneys for added flavor.
The history of dhokla dates back many centuries and is deeply rooted in the Gujarati culture. It is believed to have been invented by the indigenous people of Gujarat as a way to utilize the region’s staple ingredients, rice and chickpea flour. Over time, dhokla gained popularity and became a beloved dish not only in Gujarat but also across India. Today, it is enjoyed by people of all ages and is often prepared for special occasions and festivals. Dhokla’s unique combination of flavors and its light, fluffy texture make it a favorite among food enthusiasts worldwide.
The estimated cost to make this recipe for Dhokla flatbread is relatively low. The main ingredients required are rice and chickpea flour, which are generally inexpensive. Other ingredients such as spices, oil, and chutneys may also be needed, but these are usually pantry staples and should not add significantly to the overall cost. Therefore, the estimated cost to make Dhokla flatbread would be around $5 to $10, depending on the quantity and quality of the ingredients used.
The estimated time to make Dhokla flatbread is approximately 2 to 3 hours. This includes the time needed for fermentation, which is an important step in the recipe. The rice and chickpea flour mixture needs to be fermented for a few hours to achieve the desired texture and taste. After fermentation, the batter is steamed, which takes about 20 to 30 minutes. Overall, the process of making Dhokla flatbread requires some patience and planning, but the end result is.
Dhokla Ingredients
The main ingredients used in the recipe for Dhokla, a flatbread from India (Gujarat), are rice and chickpea flour. These two flours are mixed together with water and left to ferment for a few hours. The fermentation process gives the bread a tangy and slightly sour taste. Once the batter is fermented, it is steamed until it becomes light and fluffy. Dhokla is typically served as a snack or breakfast item and is often accompanied by various chutneys for added flavor.
To make Dhokla, you will need a few tools. Firstly, a mixing bowl to combine the rice and chickpea flour with water. A steamer is essential to steam the batter until it is cooked and fluffy. You can use a traditional steamer or a modern electric steamer. Additionally, a knife or spatula is needed to cut the steamed bread into desired shapes before serving. Finally, serving plates or platters are required to present the Dhokla.
Dhokla Recipe
To prepare Dhokla, start by soaking rice and chickpea flour in water for a few hours. Then, grind the soaked mixture into a smooth batter. Next, add yogurt, salt, and turmeric powder to the batter and mix well. Allow the batter to ferment overnight or for at least 6-8 hours.
Once the batter is fermented, grease a steamer tray or a flat dish with oil. Pour the batter into the greased tray and steam it for about 15-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once cooked, remove the tray from the steamer and let it cool for a few minutes. Cut the steamed bread into desired shapes and serve it with chutneys or sauces of your choice. Dhokla is now ready to be enjoyed as a delicious snack or breakfast item…(full recipe on the way)
To cook Dhokla, start by preparing the batter. In a bowl, mix together rice flour, chickpea flour, yogurt, and water until you get a smooth consistency. Add salt, turmeric powder, and ginger paste for flavor. Let the batter rest for about 4-5 hours to ferment.
Next, prepare the steamer by filling a pot with water and placing a steamer basket on top. Grease a flat dish with oil and pour the fermented batter into it. Place the dish in the steamer and cover it with a lid. Steam the Dhokla for about 15-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Once cooked, remove the dish from the steamer and let it cool for a few minutes. Cut the Dhokla into square or diamond-shaped pieces. In a small pan, heat oil and add mustard seeds, curry leaves, and green chilies. Pour this tempering over the Dhok…(full recipe on the way)
Dhokla Flour Alternatives
1. Besan flour: Made from ground chickpeas, this flour is a common alternative for making Dhokla. It provides a similar taste and texture to the traditional recipe.
2. Rice flour: Using rice flour instead of chickpea flour can give the flatbread a lighter and softer texture. It is a gluten-free option that can be easily found in most grocery stores.
3. Sorghum flour: This gluten-free flour made from sorghum grains can be used as a substitute for chickpea flour. It adds a slightly nutty flavor to the flatbread.
4. Quinoa flour: Quinoa flour is another gluten-free option that can be used to make Dhokla. It has a mild flavor and provides a good source of protein.
5. Buckwheat flour: Made from ground buckwheat seeds, this flour is a nutritious alternative for making flatbread. It has a slightly earthy taste and is gluten-free
Other Names For Dhokla
– Rice and Chickpea Bread
– Steamed Bread
– Indian Flatbread
– Gujarati Bread
– Fermented Bread
– Chutney Bread
– Breakfast Bread
– Snack Bread
– Chickpea Cake
– Rice Cake
– Indian Rice Bread
– Savory Cake
– Steamed Cake
– Gluten-Free Bread
– Vegan Bread
– Indian Snack
– Gujarati Snack
– Rice Snack
– Chickpea Snack
– Steamed Snack
How To Make Sourdough Dhokla
1. Prepare the sourdough starter by mixing equal parts of flour and water and letting it ferment for at least 5 days.
2. In a bowl, combine rice flour, chickpea flour, and a small amount of the sourdough starter.
3. Add water gradually to make a thick batter and let it rest for 30 minutes.
4. Grease a steamer tray or a baking dish with oil.
5. Pour the batter into the greased tray and spread it evenly.
6. Place the tray in a steamer or a large pot with a steamer basket and steam for about 20-25 minutes until the bread is cooked through.
7. Once cooked, remove from the steamer and let it cool.
8. Cut the sourdough dhokla into desired shapes and serve with chutneys as a delicious snack or breakfast item…(full sourdough recipe on the way)
How To Make Gluten-Free Dhokla
1. Start by substituting regular wheat flour with gluten-free alternatives like rice flour or a blend of gluten-free flours.
2. Use chickpea flour (also known as besan) as a base instead of regular wheat flour.
3. Prepare the batter by mixing the chickpea flour with rice flour and other gluten-free ingredients like baking powder or soda.
4. Ferment the batter by leaving it to rest for a few hours or overnight, allowing it to rise naturally.
5. Steam the fermented batter in a greased pan or steamer until it becomes fluffy and cooked thoroughly.
6. Once cooked, cut the flatbread into desired shapes and serve it as a snack or breakfast item.
7. Accompany the gluten-free flatbread with delicious gluten-free chutneys or dips for added flavor…(full gluten-free recipe on the way)
What Next?
I’ve provided some basic tips on making Dhokla at home above but I’ll be updating this page to include links to the best Dhokla recipes, including sourdough and gluten-free versions. Join our waitlist above to get noticed when these recipes are available.