Dhokla: A square meal!

“Pooja, come and have some snacks”

Ah! Is there anything better than that? For me, food has always been a source of comfort.

During the course of the blog, we have talked about different food and snacks. All of these recipes are ones that have been tried and true by yours truly. Food lovers have always been my favourite people! You know you’ve found a true friend when you’ve found someone who you can share your food with. That’s a high level of trust, friends!

We must never be stingy with food. We should always view food as fuel for our body and not just calories. Yes, eating junk food all the time is not good but an occasional ice cream never hurt anyone. Always hold on to those people who are always ready to try new restaurants, street food or even a new brand of chips with you.

People who view food as a source of happiness are 100% happier people. It’s a fact. I guarantee some good food will turn that frown into a smile even for a while!

I hope through my blog and the recipes I write; you begin to view food as fuel and not a burden. You begin to view food as a source of love and comfort, something to be celebrated and shared. I hope with this blog, you begin to view food as a Gujarati!

I believe there is nothing inherently wrong with being a food lover. Haven’t you seen many passionate foodies to use their culinary skills as a way to connect with different cultures?

Well, I have witnessed that. One Gujju food that has received more hype across India; totally deserves it though. I am sure even though being non-Gujarati you must have heard this name but if you haven’t then here, I am presenting you a tray of Dhokla!

Now wipe your tears and get ready for the reason your mouth waters!

The recipe of making dhokla is not restricted to one method so does the type of dhoklas. You will get to know the versatility of Gujaratis by the end of this blog for sure. I mean how rich we’re. oh, wait for a second, I don’t want to sound swanky. I don’t mean rich in terms of money. We are rich in taste. So here you go, we have Khaman Dhokla, Rava Dhokla, Nylon Dhokla, Triangle Dhokla, Sandwich Dhokla, Khatta Dhokla, and…. I know your ears are about to pop. The names of these missiles are not easy to mug up, I know.

Here’s presenting you the easiest method to make Rava Dhokla.

Ingredients:

1 cup semolina (That’s called Rava/ Sooji in most Indian houses.)

1 and a half cups of yoghurt

2 cups water

1 Tsp ginger, chilli paste

1 Tsp salt

1 Tsp oil

1 Tsp Mustard seeds and cumin seeds

1 Tsp fennel seeds

1 Tsp sesame seeds

1 bowl chopped coriander leaves

½ Tsp baking soda or ENO (If required)

Let’s get into the process now.

In a mixing bowl or cauldron, add semolina, curd, and water and start mixing it. You can use a whisker to remove lumps. After 5 minutes, add salt and fine ginger and chilli paste. Mix it well for another 5 minutes and let the batter rest for 10 mins. This process will help you to make your dhoklas fluffy and spongy. Grease one steaming plate with oil and don’t run out of steam. A little bit of hard work you require at this stage especially. Pour the batter into the plate. Take a steamer or a pressure cooker and add two cups of water to it. You have to place the steaming plate with the batter inside the cooker/steamer. Cover the vessel with a lid.

I feel dhoklas are attention seekers. You have to keep on checking every 10 minutes. It usually takes 15 minutes on medium flame but we use smart tricks and tips so that dhoklas would not betray us. Use a toothpick and insert it in the centre if it comes out clean, that is a signal for you to turn off the flame. Let the cooker cool down for five minutes and take out the hot-steaming plate. Don’t even think to start drooling. For tempering, you have to heat oil in a small pan. Add mustards, and let them splutter. Add cumin and sesame seeds, and let them also pop for a few seconds. Pour the tempering over dhokla and garnish it with coriander leaves. Cut the dhoklas into small pieces and there you have it, happiness you can eat! You can eat dhoklas either with green chutney or masala tea during high tea. If you ever try out this recipe, please send me some. As you know, I am a lover of snacks. For proof, read the beginning of this blog again! Waiting for my dhoklas!