Ah, Dhokla - a dish of vibrant contradiction. Its humble existence as a nourishing snack belies its true majesty. The steamy, savory-sweet spongy delight is awash with exquisite flavor and texture, teasing the taste buds into a state of utter bliss.
The succulent combination of ingredients that comprise this regal dish is hearty yet light. The coconut, ginger, chili and cilantro are sultry and spicy while the yogurt and lemon juice bring a refreshingly tart finish. This masterful concoction of flavors is then cooked harmoniously in the steamer and cut into perfectly portioned cakes.
And oh! The appearance! The sight of the fragrant golden Dhokla, flecked with vibrant green herbs, emerging from the steamer, is simply dazzling and tantalizing.
Yes, there is much to love about this delectable delicacy. But it is not only delightful, it is also nutritionally enriching. Lentils, chickpea flour and low-fat yogurt keep calories and fat content low, while the turmeric and black pepper exhibit anti-inflammatory properties.
It is no wonder why this savory treat has made its way along the trade routes of India and into people's hearts around the world. No matter who you are or where you're from, one bite of Dhokla is sure to draw gasps of pleasure and admiration.
Amazing Dhokla recipes sourced from the web.
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The origin of the beloved dish dhokla is a much debated topic in India. Some believe it can be traced back to ancient times, while others insist it has only been around for a few hundred years. The truth is, the precise origin of this delicious snack remains shrouded in mystery.
The word ‘dhokla’ is derived from the Gujarati language and it is believed that this ever popular dish originated in Gujarat, India. Many attribute the invention of dhokla to the local nomadic communities who would make these cakes with the ingredients they had on hand such as gram flour, turmeric, salt, and oil. This simple recipe eventually spread across India, with each region adding its own unique twist, making it popular throughout the country.
Today, there are many different variations of the dish, ranging from steamed to fried and sweet to savoury. This underscores the versatility of the dish and its ability to adapt to the changing tastes of our dynamic culture.
In recent years, dhokla has become a staple of Indian cuisine and continues to captivate taste-buds across the world. It speaks to the ingenuity of ancient communities for creating something so scrumptious with such humble ingredients. In the absence of factual evidence, we can perhaps take solace in the idea that this dish has been indulged in for centuries, an embodiment of the spirit of India in every bite.
For many, the thought of dhokla is a reminder of a comforting, savory breakfast that is enjoyed by many on the Indian subcontinent. While the most familiar type of dhokla is the yellow one, there are actually a variety of different types of this delicious dish waiting to be explored.
In its most basic form, dhokla is a steamed snack made from a fermented batter usually composed of ground chickpeas and rice. It is usually served with a savory sauce called chutney, which can be either green or red in color. Depending on the region it hails from, whether it be Gujarat, Maharashtra, West Bengal or Rajasthan, the recipe for each type of dhokla will vary slightly.
The classic yellow Dhokla, which is the most widely known type, is prepared using the same Dal-Chana batter as the other dhoklas. But the difference lies in the fact that the yellow version is tempered with mustard seeds, curry leaves, green chilies, garlic and other spices. An even more sublime version of the classic yellow dhokla is Khandvi, which is prepared by rolling thin strips of the dough into small rolls and sprinkled with oil, mustard seeds and sesame seeds.
Then there's the semi-solid variant, which is created using a fine paste of the same batter and cooked on a griddle, resulting in a spongy cake-like dish called Khaman Dhokla. This type usually comes in a rectangular shape and is usually topped off with freshly grated coconut, chopped onions and cilantro.
Finally, there's the newer, innovative type of dhokla, called Khasta Dhokla, which is made from a lighter batter and has a crispy, fried outer layer. This type is usually served with a generous helping of freshly grounded black pepper, coriander powder, ginger, and garlic paste.
From the delightful yellow Dhokla to the Khasta version, exploring the delectable diversity of this classic Indian snack is an experience not to be missed. Whether enjoyed alone or with a side of chutney, dhokla is a great way to start off your day.