Khaman Dhokla Recipe is a classic and beloved dish in the repertoire of simple Gujarati breakfast recipes. This soft, fluffy, and tangy steamed cake made primarily from gram flour (besan) is a staple in many households in Gujarat and loved throughout India.
Its light texture and mildly sweet-spicy flavor make it a perfect vegetarian breakfast option that pairs exceptionally well with a hot cup of tea. If you are looking to explore an authentic Gujarati breakfast recipe veg, this Khaman Dhokla recipe is an easy yet impressive dish to make at home.
What is Khaman Dhokla Recipe?
Khaman Dhokla Recipe is a savory steamed cake made from a fermented batter of chickpea flour, which is then spiced and tempered with mustard seeds, curry leaves, and green chilies. It is a signature item in the Indian Gujarati breakfast list and widely enjoyed as a quick snack or breakfast item.
The spongy texture combined with the tang from lemon juice or citric acid and a tempering that infuses aroma make this dish truly irresistible. Often garnished with fresh coriander and sometimes grated coconut, Khaman Dhokla Recipe is as visually appealing as it is delicious.
Ingredients for Khaman Dhokla Recipe
To make this iconic Gujarati breakfast delight, you need the following simple ingredients:
- 1½ cups gram flour (besan)
- 1 tablespoon semolina (sooji)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1½ teaspoons ginger-green chili paste
- ¼ teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice or ¾ teaspoon citric acid
- 1 teaspoon fruit salt (Eno)
- 1½ cups water (adjust for batter consistency)
- 2 tablespoons oil
For Tempering:
- 1½ tablespoons oil
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 7-8 fresh curry leaves
- 1-2 chopped green chilies
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ½ cup water
- A pinch of salt
- Chopped coriander leaves for garnish
- Optional: Grated fresh coconut for garnish
Step-by-Step Method to Make Khaman Dhokla
Preparing the Batter
- In a mixing bowl, combine gram flour, semolina, sugar, salt, turmeric powder, and ginger-green chili paste.
- Add water gradually and whisk to form a smooth, lump-free batter. The consistency should be similar to that of pancake batter — thick but pourable.
- Add lemon juice or citric acid and mix well.
- Just before steaming, sprinkle the fruit salt (Eno) on top of the batter and gently fold it in. The batter will become frothy and airy, which is essential for making the dhokla spongy.
Steaming the Dhokla
- Grease a flat steaming tray or a thali with oil.
- Pour the batter evenly into the tray.
- Steam the batter in a steamer or pressure cooker (without the whistle) for about 15-20 minutes on medium heat.
- Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick; if it comes out clean, the dhokla is ready.
- Allow the dhokla to cool slightly before cutting it into squares or diamonds.
Preparing the Tempering (Tadka)
- Heat oil in a small pan.
- Add mustard seeds and let them crackle.
- Add curry leaves, chopped green chilies, and a pinch of salt.
- Pour in water with sugar and bring it to a boil.
- Pour this tempering evenly over the steamed dhokla.
Garnishing and Serving
- Garnish with chopped coriander leaves and freshly grated coconut.
- Serve immediately with green chutney or sweet tamarind chutney.
Enjoy Khaman Dhokla as part of a wholesome Gujarati breakfast with tea, a combination cherished in many Gujarati homes.
Health Benefits of Khaman Dhokla Recipe
This dish is not only delicious but also healthy. Gram flour is rich in protein and fiber, making Khaman Dhokla Recipe a nutritious breakfast or snack option. It is steamed, making it low in fat compared to fried snacks. The fermentation process improves digestibility and adds pro-biotic benefits, supporting gut health.
Tips for the Best Khaman Dhokla Recipe
- Use fresh fruit salt (Eno) as it helps achieve the signature fluffy texture.
- Keep the batter smooth and lump-free for even steaming.
- Ensure the water in the steamer is boiling before placing the batter inside.
- Do not over-steam the dhokla to avoid dryness.
- Serve fresh for the best taste and texture; it can be stored but is best enjoyed within a few hours.
Other Popular Gujarati Breakfast Recipes
Gujarati cuisine offers a variety of vegetarian breakfast dishes that are easy to prepare and full of flavor:
- Thepla: Spiced whole wheat flatbread with fenugreek leaves.
- Fafda-Jalebi: Crunchy gram flour snacks paired with sweet jalebi.
- Handvo: A savory vegetable lentil cake.
- Patra: Rolled colocasia leaves cooked with a gram flour paste.
- Khakra: Thin, crispy whole wheat crackers.
These dishes are often enjoyed with curd, pickles, and a hot cup of masala chai, forming a wholesome and energizing morning meal.
Serving Suggestions for Khaman Dhokla Recipe
Khaman pairs wonderfully with:
- Green chutney (made of coriander and mint)
- Sweet tamarind chutney
- Fried green chilies for those who prefer extra heat
- A glass of buttermilk (chaas)
- Most notably, a cup of hot Gujarati breakfast with tea completes the authentic experience.
Khaman Dhokla Recipe Video
FAQs : Khaman Dhokla Recipe
1. What is the secret to making soft and spongy Khaman Dhokla Recipe?
The secret is using fresh fruit salt (Eno) and steaming the dhokla batter immediately after adding it. This technique creates air bubbles, resulting in a fluffy texture.
2. Can I make Khaman Dhokla Recipe without fermentation?
Yes, Khaman Dhokla Recipe batter does not require long fermentation. Adding Eno just before steaming reacts instantly for fluffiness.
3. Is Khaman Dhokla Recipe gluten-free?
Yes, Khaman Dhokla Recipe is naturally gluten-free as it is made with gram flour (besan), which comes from chickpeas.
4. How long can I store Khaman Dhokla Recipe?
You can store it in an airtight container for up to 1 day in the refrigerator. Reheat by steaming or microwaving before serving.
5. What chutneys go well with Khaman Dhokla Recipe?
Classic green coriander-mint chutney and sweet tamarind chutney complement the flavors of Khaman Dhokla perfectly.
6. Can I make Khaman Dhokla Recipe vegan?
Yes, it is naturally vegan as it contains no dairy or eggs.
7. What are some easy Gujarati breakfast recipes besides Khaman Dhokla Recipe?
Try Thepla, Fafda-Jalebi, Handvo, and Khakra as other popular and simple Gujarati breakfast recipes veg.
8. How to serve Khaman Dhokla Recipe with tea?
Serve warm dhokla with a side of green chutney and accompany it with a hot cup of masala chai to enjoy a traditional Gujarati breakfast experience.
9. Can I make Khaman Dhokla Recipe in the microwave?
Yes, there are instant microwave recipes that allow you to steam the dhokla quickly without a traditional steamer.
10. Is Khaman Dhokla Recipe a healthy breakfast option?
Absolutely, as it is steamed, rich in protein from gram flour, low in fat, and easy to digest, making it a wholesome vegetarian breakfast.
Khaman Dhokla Recipe stands as a timeless example of the simplicity and flavor packed into Gujarati breakfast recipes Indian vegetarian style. This dish fills the gap for anyone looking for wholesome, quick, and delicious breakfast ideas. Try this recipe today and bring home the authentic taste of Gujarat in your kitchen.