Khaman Dhokla Recipe - Instant Soft and Spongy Dhokla

// Learn to make Khaman Dhokla Recipe | How To Make Instant Soft and Spongy Dhokla with step by step video tutorial. Instant Khaman Dhokla is a healthy snack.



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Learn to make Khaman Dhokla Recipe | How To Make Instant Soft and Spongy Dhokla with step by step video tutorial. Instant Khaman Dhokla is a healthy, nutritious, vegan, gluten-free and mouth-watering snack hailing from the Indian State of Gujarat.

This Instant Dhokla recipe can also be served as an appetizer when you have guests coming over for dinner. So all in all, this savory, sweet, tangy and softly spiced steamed cake makes a wonderful breakfast.

a bowl of soft and spongy khaman dhokla topped with tempering and fresh cilantro

Dhoklas are prepared with chickpea flour. The texture of khaman dhoklas is so delicate and spongy. They look very seductive. Plus, this recipe is super simple, that anyone can easily make at home.

This hearty, healthy Khaman Dhokla is full of my favorite things. This is a steamed recipe, so it is very low in calories. Which means it has health benefits too.

Realated: Gujarati Khaman Dhokla Recipe in 2 Styles

a bowl of soft and spongy khaman dhokla topped with tempering and fresh cilantro and coconut

Instant Khaman dhokla is a perfect breakfast to warm you up on a cold winter morning especially on a Monday. I know, we’ve all been there – it is really hard to get out of the bed during winter mornings. In my case, my body and mind play the games.

At every alarm, my mind says, “Come on get up. I am telling you, that you are so gonna regret this 10 minutes of EXTRA sleep.

And then my body says: “Don’t worry snooze the alarm and sleep for 10 more minutes. Nothing will change if you will wake up 10 minutes late so listen to me and sleep.”

And 95% of the times I listen to my body and the remaining 5%, I listen to my mind. On the days when I listen to my mind I have sufficient time to make good and filler breakfast in the morning.

Related: Instant Oats Rava Dhokla

a plate of khaman dhokla topped with tempering and coconut

And on such days, I often make this Instant Dhokla which can be ready in 20 minutes. A hot cup of tea/coffee along with this dhokla and chutney and you are all set to go on a beautiful journey. Believe me, it couldn’t be simpler than this. Sometimes, when I plan for this dhokla for mornings, I prepare tadka and chutney in the night and then I simply warm the tadka before pouring over the dhoklas. This saves a lot of time. It can’t get any simpler than this. Just prepare the batter and steam it and pour the tadka. Another benefit is that while the dhoklas are steaming, you can get dressed for work or do other chores. 🙂

Related**: Moong Dal Dhokla**

a bowl of soft and spongy khaman dhokla topped with tempering and fresh cilantro

So all I want to say, that this humble dhokla always comes to the rescue whenever I crave for something quick and easy for breakfast or snack. All the ingredients we need for making this are easily available in the kitchen.

This particular recipe includes the addition of fruit salt, citric acid to the batter, and water to the tempering.

More snacks you might like are Aloo tikki, chole aloo tikki, aloo tikki chaat, bhel puri, dahi vada (bhalla), and samosa pinwheels, vada pav, etc., there is so much to indulge in.

Related: INSTANT RAVA DHOKLA – STEAMED SEMOLINA SNACK

a plate of khaman dhokla with a bowl of green cilantro chutney with a green chutney on it

These are only a few main factors which make the super-soft and spongy dhokla. The most important one is to add the tempering 5 minutes before serving, so the dhokla soaks the tempering and gets fluffier.

a plate of khaman dhokla with a bowl of green cilantro chutney on a wooden table

With this recipe, you can learn how to make Dhokla at home with a quicker method in an easier way. They are instant and you can make these Dhoklas in less than 20 minutes — no fermentation is needed. Making khaman dhokla is very quick and almost fuss-free.

Plus, it tastes heavenly.

This Instant Dhokla recipe can also be served as an appetizer when you have guests coming over for dinner. This recipe I am sharing today is inspired from one of my Mom’s friends’ recipe. She belongs to the Indian state of Gujarat.

My Mom learnt this authentic recipe from her and eventually, I got this recipe from my Mom. So I can guarantee that this recipe is 100% authentic. Also this is a 100% fail-proof recipe.

Those who know how real dhoklas taste, they would surely give you 10/10 if you will make this for them.

Related: Green Coriander Chutney – 3 Ways

a plate of khaman dhokla with a bowl of green cilantro chutney

I am sharing steamer recipe today, but you can also make this dhokla in the microwave. If you are running out of time then microwave dhoklas are the best.

For microwave method: You just have to pour the batter in a microwave-safe bowl and cook in the microwave for 2-3 minutes. That’s it. I personally prefer the steaming method, because dhoklas turn out much softer and spongy when you steam them.

If you think that your dhoklas don’t turn out soft, this dhokla recipe will surely help you. This is very easy recipe, just follow these basic steps and read the following tips, and you have the most delightfully tasting dhoklas at your hand. 🙂

Related: Masala Mathri- 2 Ways

What are the most important tips, tricks, and variations for making Khaman Dhokla?

  1. Always steam the dhoklas over medium heat. High heat will cause the dhoklas rise fast, and they won’t cook properly from inside.

  2. I would recommend using the Eno fruit salt for making dhoklas, they give perfect sponge.

  3. If you are using baking soda instead of Eno fruit salt, then try not to add any turmeric powder. Sometimes, these two ingredients may react and you’ll get red-ish dhoklas. You can use some yellow food color, but that is completely optional.

  4. Always try to use the Eno sachet to make sure that you are using with a fresh batch of Eno — this will ensure that your dhoklas would rise well, and they won’t turn hard and flat.

  5. Keep your steamer ready before you add the rising agent to the batter. Start beating fast as soon as you add the Eno/soda to the batter. A good beating leads to a fluffy khaman. The fluffier batter would give the fluffier dhoklas.

  6. After beating batter with Eno, pour the batter instantly to the baking tin. And then it should go to the steamer right away.

  7. You can substitute citric acid with the double amount of lemon juice. I personally find that citric acid works great.

a bowl of soft and spongy khaman dhokla topped with tempering and fresh cilantro with a spoon and a bowl of green chutney

Instant Khaman Dhoklas are best served with green coriander chutney. You may also like the other dhokla recipes I have shared earlier: Oats Dhokla, Rava Dhokla, Moong Dal Dhokla, Capsicum Dhokla.

a soft khaman dhokla dunked in a bowl of green coriander chutney

Khaman Dhokla Recipe - Instant Soft and Spongy Dhokla (Step-by-step photo instructions)

Make Khaman Dhokla:

  1. Take 1 cup besan and pass it through to sieve.
  2. Image of the recipe cooking step-1-1 for Khaman Dhokla Recipe - Instant Soft and Spongy Dhokla
  3. Add 2 tablespoon suji and pass it through a sieve.
  4. Image of the recipe cooking step-1-2 for Khaman Dhokla Recipe - Instant Soft and Spongy Dhokla
  5. Add turmeric powder, salt, sugar, and citric acid. Whisk everything well.
  6. Image of the recipe cooking step-1-3 for Khaman Dhokla Recipe - Instant Soft and Spongy Dhokla
  7. Add 1 cup of warm and make a smooth lump-free batter. Add more water if needed.
  8. Image of the recipe cooking step-1-4 for Khaman Dhokla Recipe - Instant Soft and Spongy Dhokla
  9. Add oil, grated ginger, and mix well again.
  10. Image of the recipe cooking step-1-5 for Khaman Dhokla Recipe - Instant Soft and Spongy Dhokla
  11. Leave it aside to ferment for 10 minutes.
  12. Image of the recipe cooking step-1-6 for Khaman Dhokla Recipe - Instant Soft and Spongy Dhokla
  13. Brush a thali or a heat-safe container with oil.
  14. Image of the recipe cooking step-1-7 for Khaman Dhokla Recipe - Instant Soft and Spongy Dhokla
  15. Arrange a stand in a large pan or steamer. Add 1 1/2 water, cover, and boil for 10 minutes.
  16. Image of the recipe cooking step-1-8 for Khaman Dhokla Recipe - Instant Soft and Spongy Dhokla
  17. Add Eno fruit salt, and 1 teaspoon water.
  18. Image of the recipe cooking step-1-9 for Khaman Dhokla Recipe - Instant Soft and Spongy Dhokla
  19. Whisk briskly clockwise for about 1 minute or until double in size.
  20. Image of the recipe cooking step-1-10 for Khaman Dhokla Recipe - Instant Soft and Spongy Dhokla
  21. Pour the batter immediately into the prepared thali or container and tap it to spread the batter in an even layer. (Fill the container 3/8, as we do for cake baking.)
  22. Image of the recipe cooking step-1-11 for Khaman Dhokla Recipe - Instant Soft and Spongy Dhokla
  23. Place the container in the pan, pressure cooker, or steamer.
  24. Image of the recipe cooking step-1-12 for Khaman Dhokla Recipe - Instant Soft and Spongy Dhokla
  25. Cover and steam for 12-15 minutes or till the dhokla is cooked.
  26. Image of the recipe cooking step-1-13 for Khaman Dhokla Recipe - Instant Soft and Spongy Dhokla
  27. Insert a toothpick to check if Dhokla is cooked if it comes out clean then dhokla is ready. If not, steam for a few more minutes.
  28. Image of the recipe cooking step-1-14 for Khaman Dhokla Recipe - Instant Soft and Spongy Dhokla
  29. Take out the plate from the steamer and let it cool for a few minutes.
  30. Image of the recipe cooking step-1-15 for Khaman Dhokla Recipe - Instant Soft and Spongy Dhokla
  31. When a little cool, flip the dhokla onto a plate.
  32. Image of the recipe cooking step-1-16 for Khaman Dhokla Recipe - Instant Soft and Spongy Dhokla
  33. Cut into square pieces.
  34. Image of the recipe cooking step-1-17 for Khaman Dhokla Recipe - Instant Soft and Spongy Dhokla

Make Tadka/Tempering:

  1. Heat the oil in a non-stick pan and add the mustard seeds.
  2. Image of the recipe cooking step-2-1 for Khaman Dhokla Recipe - Instant Soft and Spongy Dhokla
  3. When the seeds crackle, add the green chilies and curry leaves, and sauté on medium heat for 2-3 minutes.
  4. Image of the recipe cooking step-2-2 for Khaman Dhokla Recipe - Instant Soft and Spongy Dhokla
  5. Add water and let it boil for 3 minutes.
  6. Image of the recipe cooking step-2-3 for Khaman Dhokla Recipe - Instant Soft and Spongy Dhokla
  7. Add salt, sugar, lemon juice, and stir well.
  8. Image of the recipe cooking step-2-4 for Khaman Dhokla Recipe - Instant Soft and Spongy Dhokla
  9. Let it boil for 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat, and let it cool for a few minutes.
  10. Image of the recipe cooking step-2-5 for Khaman Dhokla Recipe - Instant Soft and Spongy Dhokla

Serving:

  1. Pour the tempering over the prepared dhokla and spread it evenly.
  2. Image of the recipe cooking step-3-1 for Khaman Dhokla Recipe - Instant Soft and Spongy Dhokla
  3. Garnish with grated coconut and coriander.
  4. Image of the recipe cooking step-3-2 for Khaman Dhokla Recipe - Instant Soft and Spongy Dhokla
  5. Serve with Green Chutney, Red chutney, or Coconut Chutney.
  6. Image of the recipe cooking step-3-3 for Khaman Dhokla Recipe - Instant Soft and Spongy Dhokla

Recipe Card


Khaman Dhokla Recipe - Instant Soft and Spongy Dhokla [Recipe]

Recipe Image
Learn to make Khaman Dhokla Recipe | How To Make Instant Soft and Spongy Dhokla with step by step video tutorial. Instant Khaman Dhokla is a healthy snack.
★★★★★
(Rating: 5 from 216 reviews)

Prep time 🕐 Cook time 🕐 Total time 🕐
20 mins
Category ☶ Cuisine ♨ Serves ☺
Snacks Indian 16-20 pieces
Nutrition Info ⊛ Serving size ⊚
78 calories 1 piece

INGREDIENTS

For Khaman Dhokla Batter:
  • 1 cup (250 grams) gram flour (besan)
  • 2 tablespoons semolina (suji/rava)
  • Salt to taste
  • 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
  • 3 teaspoons sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon citric acid, or 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon oil
  • 3/4 to 1 cup water for batter
  • 1 teaspoon eno fruit salt
For Tempering/Tadka:
  • 2 tablespoons oil
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon mustard seeds (rai)
  • 5-6 small green chilies, slit
  • 6-7 curry leaves
For Serving:
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro (coriander) leaves chopped
  • 2 tablespoons grated coconut
  • Green chutney

INSTRUCTIONS:

Make Khaman Dhokla:
  1. Take 1 cup besan and pass it through to sieve.
  2. Add 2 tablespoon suji and pass it through a sieve.
  3. Add turmeric powder, salt, sugar, and citric acid. Whisk everything well.
  4. Add 1 cup of warm and make a smooth lump-free batter. Add more water if needed.
  5. Add oil, grated ginger, and mix well again.
  6. Leave it aside to ferment for 10 minutes.
  7. Brush a thali or a heat-safe container with oil.
  8. Arrange a stand in a large pan or steamer. Add 1 1/2 water, cover, and boil for 10 minutes.
  9. Add Eno fruit salt, and 1 teaspoon water.
  10. Whisk briskly clockwise for about 1 minute or until double in size.
  11. Pour the batter immediately into the prepared thali or container and tap it to spread the batter in an even layer. (Fill the container 3/8, as we do for cake baking.)
  12. Place the container in the pan, pressure cooker, or steamer.
  13. Cover and steam for 12-15 minutes or till the dhokla is cooked.
  14. Insert a toothpick to check if Dhokla is cooked if it comes out clean then dhokla is ready. If not, steam for a few more minutes.
  15. Take out the plate from the steamer and let it cool for a few minutes.
  16. When a little cool, flip the dhokla onto a plate.
  17. Cut into square pieces.
Make Tadka/Tempering:
  1. Heat the oil in a non-stick pan and add the mustard seeds.
  2. When the seeds crackle, add the green chilies and curry leaves, and sauté on medium heat for 2-3 minutes.
  3. Add water and let it boil for 3 minutes.
  4. Add salt, sugar, lemon juice, and stir well.
  5. Let it boil for 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat, and let it cool for a few minutes.
Serving:
  1. Pour the tempering over the prepared dhokla and spread it evenly.
  2. Garnish with grated coconut and coriander.
  3. Serve with Green Chutney, Red chutney, or Coconut Chutney.

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NOTES:

  1. You can replace Eno fruit salt with the same amount of baking soda.
  2. If you do not have citric acid, then add 1 teaspoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
  3. Always steam dhokla over medium heat.
  4. If cooking in a pressure cooker then make sure to remove the whistle before closing the lid.
  5. Always make sure that water is boiling, before placing the batter filled container to the steamer.


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