DHOKLA

High protein and low-calorie snack!

Recipe by:- Anjali Dua

PREP TIME: 20-25 mins
COOK TIME: 25 mins
TOTAL TIME: 45-50 mins 

Servings:  2 Cups (or 15-20 Squares)

Disclaimer: 

Whenever I have guest coming over or when my family wants to have some snack for those mid-meal binge times, I am always thinking about what can I make that is low-calorie, nutrient-rich and yet is delicious for my family to enjoy.

Earlier today, I was brainstorming some healthy (of course) and nutrient-rich snacks which is easy to prepare. I immediately thought of Dhokla. My family loves Dhokla and given how easy it is to prepare, it certainly gets extra points. Instead of keeping it to myself, I'd love to share the recipe with all of you.

What I love about DHOKLA (apart from the taste) is the special cooking method it made with - “Steaming”. Steaming helps to keep nutritional value of food intact without destroying any vitamins and minerals. According to researchers, boiled or microwaved veggies have no cancer-fighting properties left. Steamed food is considered to be healthy and nutritious. 

Dhokla is an Indian dish (from the region of Gujarat), and is made with a fermented batter of gram flour (chana besan or chick pea flour) and mild spices. Dhokla is great any time of the day. Some people add sugar water to it to get that savoury flavour but you can always skip it to make it low-calorie snack.

AN EXCELLENT CHOICE

• The ingredients make Dhokla good source of vegetarian protein and fiber.
• The fermentation process in making of Dhokla, increases its bioavailability of nutrients folic acid, riboflavin, niacin, thiamine, biotin and Vitamin K.
• Dhokla has low glycemic index which makes it good snack for people living with diabetes but portion should be monitored.
• Steaming helps to keep nutritional value of food intact without destroying any vitamins and minerals.

GOOD FOR WEIGHT LOSS

Dhokla is also a good option of healthy and good protein snack for people trying to lose weight. It is easier to digest due to fermentation process. The micro-organisms break down complex protein, carbohydrates and fats into more easily assimilated molecules. This helps enable a healthy gut flora. An improved digestion, improves bowel movement, increases energy levels, and aids in loss of excess weight. 

INGREDIENTS

• 2 Cups Bloom Organic Bazaar Chick Pea Flour (Besan)
• 1 Cup Yogurt (beaten)
• Salt to taste
• ½ teaspoon Turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon Green chilli-ginger paste
• 2 tablespoon Oil
• 1 tablespoon Lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Soda bicarbonate
• 1 teaspoon Mustard seeds
• 2 tablespoon  Curry Leaves
• 2 tablespoon Fresh coriander leaves chopped 

METHOD

1. Take gram flour in a bowl. Add yogurt and approximately one cup of warm water and mix. Add salt and mix again.

2. Leave it aside to ferment for three to four hours.

3. The batter should be thick yet flowing. (Quick tip - If the batter become thin, then add 1 to 2 tablespoons besan.)  

4. When gram flour mixture has fermented, add turmeric powder and green chilli-ginger paste. Mix Again. Make sure there are no lumps.

5. Heat up the steamer. 

6. In a small bowl take lemon juice, soda bicarbonate, one teaspoon of oil and mix. Add it to the batter and whisk briskly.

7. Pour batter into the greased plate and place the plate in the steamer.

8. Cover with the lid and steam for ten minutes. When a little cool, cut into squares and keep in a serving bowl/plate.

9.  Tempering - Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a small pan on the stove. Add 1 teaspoon of mustard seeds. When the mustard seeds are crackling, add 10 to 12 curry leaves, and, if you like, a inch of asafoetida and some cut green chili. (I did not but you can add 1 tea spoon of sugar at this step and make sure it is dissolved.) 

10. Remove from the heat and immediately pour this tempering mixture evenly on the dhokla so that it seeps through the sliced edges.

11. Garnish with 2 to 3 tablespoons of chopped coriander leaves

Serving Suggestions

• The sweet, savory, fluffy cakes pair great with any spicy or sweet Indian chutney.

• Goes perfect with your evening chai.

• You can also refrigerate them. When you are ready to serve just sprinkle some water and heat in a microwave for a few seconds until just warmed.

Have you made this recipe? Tag @bloomorganicbazaar on Instagram!

ABOUT THE CONTRIBUTOR:

This recipe is prepared & contributed by Anjali Dua, Registered Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Educator. Anjali is taking new clients for weight loss and any chronic disease management such as diabetes, cholesterol and provide nutritional guidance during pregnancy and breastfeeding as well. Please check if you are covered through your health insurance. 

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