Dhokla (Steamed Spongy Cake)

Dhokla

In much of the world, the seeds of the coriander plant are known as <em>coriander</em> while the leaves and stems are called <em>cilantro.</em>

In much of the world, the seeds of the coriander plant are known as coriander while the leaves and stems are called cilantro.

Dhokla is a steamed snack from India’s Gujarati state. This light, spongy cake is steamed in a thali, a round tray with a high rim. The tray rests on a steamer rack inside a large pot of boiling water. Good substitutes for a thali are metal cake pans and pie dishes. Cut into squares or diamond shapes, these tasty snacks are great for picnics and road trips, as they do not easily spoil.

Recipe Servings: 4

Prep Time

10 minutes
+ 20 minutes resting

Cook Time

30 minutes

Total Time

1 hour

Vegetarian

Vegan

Gluten Free

Dairy Free

Kosher

Halal

Ingredients

1 cup (167 g) semolina
1 cup (240 ml) Greek yogurt
¼ cup (60 ml) water
¼ tsp (1.25 ml) asafetida (hing)
¼ tsp (1.25 ml) turmeric
½ tsp (2.5 ml) salt
2 tsp (10 ml) fresh lime juice
2 green serrano chilies (divided), finely chopped
2 Tbsp (30 ml) chopped fresh coriander (cilantro), plus more for garnish
¼ tsp (1.25 ml) baking soda
¼ tsp (1.25 ml) citric acid
2 Tbsp (30 ml) oil (coconut or vegetable)
½ tsp (2.5 ml) mustard seeds

Directions

Mix semolina, Greek yogurt, water, asafetida, turmeric, salt, lime juice, 1 chopped serrano chile, and cilantro. Allow mixture to rest for about 20 minutes.
Grease a cake pan. Set on a rack over a pot of hot water. Bring water to a boil.
When water is boiling, check the batter to ensure it has a consistency for pouring; if it is too stiff, add more water a teaspoon at a time. Then stir in baking soda and citric acid; these rising agents will start foaming immediately.
Pour mixture into cake pan. Cover and steam for 10 minutes.
Remove from pot and let cool.
Heat oil in a small pan. Add mustard seeds and cook until they pop. Add the second chopped chile and fry briefly.
Drizzle seasoned oil over dhokla.
Cut and serve, garnished with chopped fresh coriander (cilantro).