During my childhood this was the first snack that I was introduced to other than the usual Bengali snacks. I fell in love with it instantly. The taste was so good and not at all spicy. At that age I could not handle even a very little amount of heat or spice. The Khaman Dhokla was soft, a bit sweet and was topped with sweet chutney and coconut. I loved it and my Maa was very happy that at least I liked something which we could order while eating out next time. Since then I have had Dhoklas several times but the taste that I had for the first time still lingers in my mouth.
Since I liked it so much, Maa tried making at home quite a few times but she had to go through an elaborate process of grinding the dal, steaming and what not? After trying a few times she gave up. Getting from the neighborhood sweet shop was more convenient. After moving here in California, I did not have access to such delicacies until now. Here in our neighborhood we have an Indian café which sells every sort of chaats and snacks that you can crave for and they taste great too. We sometimes do indulge in there but mostly I try to prepare at home which gives me more satisfaction and pleasure.
I tried making the instant microwave version of the khaman dhokla as I do not have the steamers. This recipe is very easy if you have a microwave handy. Other important ingredient is the fruit salt which goes by the brand or name Eno and can be easily found in any Indian grocery store. This is what makes the dhoklas fluffy and soft instantly.
The recipe is very simple to put together and gets done by hardly 15 minutes from start to finish. The cooking time is only 5 minutes in the microwave. The microwave Khaman Dhoklas came out very soft and spongy, a bit sweet and tangy and topped with imli and hara chutney and grated coconut. Yum! You can taste all the flavors all at once in one bite. A great snack idea for the afternoon tea party.
Tips:
While making the batter, make sure there is no lump. Gradually add the yogurt mixture while continuously whisking the mixture.That way there will be no lump in the batter. After mixing the fruit salt or Eno to the batter, immediately transfer the batter onto the dish and microwave. Do not wait. While adding water in the hot oil be very careful. The hot oil may splash, so be extra cautious. The cooking time in the microwave may vary due to the power of the machine. So check in between so that you do not overcook. You may store the leftover dhoklas in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Before serving bring back to room temperature.
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KHAMAN DHOKLA IN MICROWAVE
- YIELD: 8 (4 Servings)
- PREP: 10 mins
- COOK: 5 mins
- READY IN: 15 mins
The microwave Khaman Dhoklas came out very soft and spongy, a bit sweet and tangy and topped with imli and hara chutney and grated coconut. Yum! You can taste all the flavors all at once in one bite. A great snack for the afternoon tea party.
INGREDIENTS
- 1 cup besan or chickpea flour sifted (for the batter)
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt at room temperature
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon ginger- green chilli paste or to taste
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 pinch hing or asafetida
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon fruit salt or eno
- 1 tablespoon black mustard seeds (for tempering or tadka)
- 3-4 medium green chilies slit
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup freshly grated coconut (for garnish)
- 1/4 cup cilantro/ coriander leaves chopped
- 1/2 cup imli ki chutney for serving
- 1/4 cup hara chutney
INSTRUCTIONS
-
- In a bowl add the sifted besan , salt, sugar, turmeric, hing and mix well with a whisk. In a separate bowl add the yogurt, oil, ginger-chili paste and water. Mix well. Add the liquid to the besan and whisk continuously to form a lump free batter.
- Now grease a rectangular microwave proof dish and set aside. Add the eno fruit salt to the batter and give a final mix . Immediately transfer the batter on to the greased dish. Microwave the batter for 4 minutes at high. Insert a toothpick on the center of the dhokla. If it comes out clean then it is done or else microwave for 1 more minute.
- Carefully take the dish out from the microwave and set it aside. Meanwhile prepare the tadka. In a small pan heat oil and add the mustard seeds. When the seeds start to splutter add the green chilies and curry leaves and lightly sauté in the oil. Now add 1 cup of water very carefully and finally add the sugar. Let the mixture cook for couple of minutes. Switch off the flame.
- Take the microwave dish and run a kitchen knife through the edges. Cut 8 equal squares. Add all of the tempering. Let the dhoklas soak for few minutes. Garnish with grated coconut and chopped coriander leaves.
- Serve khaman dhokla at room temperature with imli ki chutney and hara chutney. Enjoy!
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