Besan Dhokla

Besan Dhokla, a popular Indian snack made from gram flour (besan). It's soft, spongy, and mildly spiced, perfect for breakfast or as a light snack:

Ingredients:

For the Dhokla Batter:

• 1 cup gram flour (besan)
• 1/2 cup yogurt (curd), preferably sour
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon ginger-green chili paste
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon fruit salt (eno), or 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

For the Tempering:

• 2 tablespoons oil
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional)
• 2-3 green chilies, slit lengthwise
• 8-10 curry leaves
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh coriander leaves
• 2 tablespoons grated coconut (optional)
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare Dhokla Batter:

   • In a mixing bowl, combine gram flour, yogurt, water, lemon juice, ginger-green chili paste, turmeric powder, salt, and sugar. Mix well to form a smooth batter without any lumps.
   • Let the batter rest for about 15-20 minutes to ferment slightly.

2. Prepare Steamer:

   • Grease a dhokla plate or any flat-bottomed dish that fits inside your steamer. Make sure it's at least 1.5 inches deep.
   • Fill the steamer with water and bring it to a boil.

3. Steam Dhokla:

   • Just before steaming, add fruit salt (eno) or baking soda to the batter and mix gently. The batter will become frothy.
   • Pour the batter immediately into the greased plate. Tap the plate to spread the batter evenly.

4. Steam the batter in the preheated steamer for about 15-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

5. Prepare Tempering:

   • Heat oil in a small pan over medium heat. Add mustard seeds and sesame seeds (if using). Let them splutter.
   • Add slit green chilies and curry leaves. Saute for a few seconds until fragrant.
   • Remove the pan from heat and add water, lemon juice, and salt to the tempering. Mix well.

6. Assemble Dhokla:

   • Once the dhokla is cooked, remove it from the steamer. Let it cool for a couple of minutes.
   • Cut the dhokla into squares or diamonds using a knife.
   • Pour the prepared tempering over the dhokla, ensuring it gets evenly distributed.
   • Garnish with chopped fresh coriander leaves and grated coconut, if using.

7. Serve:

   • Serve the Besan Dhokla warm with green chutney or tamarind chutney.
   • Enjoy the soft and spongy dhokla as a snack or breakfast dish.

This Besan Dhokla recipe yields soft, fluffy, and flavorful dhoklas that are sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Adjust the spice levels and seasoning according to your taste preferences.