Suji Dhokla, a beloved dish from Gujarat, is a delicious steamed savory cake made from semolina (suji) that is light, fluffy, and perfect for breakfast or a snack. This dish is not only quick to prepare but also very nutritious. Suji Dhokla is a fantastic alternative to the regular fried breakfasts, giving you a healthy and tasty option to start your day with. Let’s dive into this simple recipe to make Gujarati-style Suji Dhokla at home!
Ingredients
For the Dhokla Batter:
- 1 cup semolina (suji)
- ½ cup yogurt (curd)
- ¾ cup water (adjust as needed)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon ginger-green chili paste
- 1 teaspoon fruit salt (Eno) or baking soda
- Salt to taste
- 1 tablespoon oil (optional)
For the Tempering:
- 1 tablespoon oil
- ½ teaspoon mustard seeds
- ½ teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1-2 green chilies (slit)
- 10-12 curry leaves
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional)
- 1 tablespoon water
For Garnishing:
- Fresh coriander leaves (chopped)
- Grated coconut (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dhokla Batter:
- In a mixing bowl, add semolina (suji), yogurt, water, sugar, salt, and ginger-green chili paste.
- Stir everything well to form a smooth batter. The consistency should be thick, like pancake batter, so you may adjust the water as needed.
- Let the batter rest for about 15-20 minutes. This allows the semolina to absorb the moisture and become softer.
- Prepare the Steamer:
- While the batter is resting, heat a steamer or a large pot of water on medium heat. If you’re using a steaming rack, grease a shallow round or square dish (like a cake tin or a glass dish) with oil to prevent the batter from sticking.
- Add Fruit Salt or Baking Soda:
- After the resting time, stir the batter again. Just before steaming, add fruit salt (Eno) or baking soda to the batter and gently mix it. You will notice the batter becoming airy and light due to the reaction from the fruit salt.
- Steam the Dhokla:
- Pour the prepared batter into the greased dish, spreading it evenly.
- Place the dish into the steamer and cover it with a lid. Steam the dhokla on medium-high heat for 12-15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Once done, remove the dish from the steamer and allow it to cool slightly.
- Prepare the Tempering:
- In a small pan, heat oil on medium flame. Add mustard seeds and cumin seeds. Once they splutter, add slit green chilies and curry leaves.
- Optionally, add sesame seeds and sugar for added crunch and sweetness. Let them fry for a few seconds.
- Add a tablespoon of water to the pan to create a slight syrupy consistency, and then pour this tempering over the steamed dhokla.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish your Suji Dhokla with freshly chopped coriander leaves and, if desired, some grated coconut.
- Cut the dhokla into small squares or diamonds.
Tips for Perfect Suji Dhokla:
- Consistency of the Batter: The batter should not be too runny or too thick. Adjust the water accordingly for the perfect fluffy texture.
- Steaming Time: Make sure to check the dhokla with a toothpick before removing it from the steamer. Over-steaming can make it dry, while under-steaming may leave it uncooked in the middle.
- Eno: If you don’t have fruit salt (Eno), you can use baking soda as an alternative, but the taste and texture may slightly differ.
Why You Should Try Suji Dhokla
- Healthy & Light: Suji Dhokla is made from semolina, which is rich in fiber and is a great option for a wholesome breakfast.
- Easy to Prepare: The recipe requires simple ingredients and doesn’t take much time to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy mornings.
- Versatile: You can add your favorite vegetables, like grated carrots or spinach, to the batter for extra nutrition.
- Perfect for Any Meal: Suji Dhokla can be enjoyed at breakfast, as a snack, or even as a light dinner. It pairs wonderfully with chutneys like green chutney or tamarind chutney.
Suji Dhokla is not only a delight to the taste buds but also a treat for the eyes with its vibrant tempering. It is a perfect way to start your day with something savory, filling, and full of flavors. So, go ahead and try this easy recipe and enjoy a warm, fluffy Gujarati breakfast at home!
