Khaman Dhokla (made with gram flour/besan)

I have posted Khaman Dhokla Sandwich which was relished by many people.Now I am presenting a delicious instant Dhokla which is easy to prepare and has one of the spongiest textures possible!Just like how it is available in snack outlets!There is a simple funda here – we use 2 ingredients which are baking powder and baking soda.We add lemon juice or an equivalent and both react to form a lovely spongy texture!

Preparation time : 45 minutes

Makes : 6 – 7 servings

INGREDIENTS

For the Dhokla :

1 1/2 cups gram flour/garbanzo bean flour/besan

1 1/2 tsp salt

1 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

1 tbsp Oil

Water as required

1 tbsp lemon juice/2 tsp Citric Acid

For the tempering :

1 tsp mustard seeds

6 – 7 curry leaves

1 tbsp Coriander Leaves

1/2 cup water

2 tbsp sugar

1 tsp salt

1 tbsp Oil

2 – 3 Green Chillies – slit

METHOD

Make the Dhokla Batter :

Sift the gram flour into a bowl and add salt and lemon juice/citric acid.Add water 2 tbsp at a time and mix well to make a thick and pouring batter.Keep it covered for 30 minutes.

Prepare the tempering :

Heat 1 tbsp Oil and add mustard seeds.When they splutter add the curry leaves and green chillies and fry till they change colour and chillies are fried to a light green.Pour over the water and add salt and sugar.Bring to a boil over high heat till liquid is reduced and it turns a little thick.Add the coriander leaves and keep aside till required.

Steam the batter :

Prepare a steamer and place it on high heat.Grease a cake pan or pressure cooker separator with Oil.Stir the prepared batter well and if it has become thicker then add 1 – 2 tbsp water to thin it out.Add the baking powder and baking soda and beat well of 2 – 3 minutes.Pour into the pan and place inside the heated steamer.Close lid and steam for 25 – 30 minutes till a toothpick inserted in the centre comes out clean.

Take out from the pan onto a plate after 10 minutes very carefully so as not to break it.

Assembling the Dhokla :

Prick all over the Dhokla with a toothpick.Drizzle the prepared tempering over and you will see that it is absorbed into it.Let it stand for 10 – 15 minutes and cut into squares or as you like!

Serve as a breakfast option or with tea!