Growing up in a Gujarati household, I have always been surrounded by the aroma of freshly steamed dhoklas. Dhokla, a traditional Indian snack, is made from fermented rice and chickpea flour and is known for its soft and fluffy texture. It is incredibly flavorful and is often served with chutney or a tangy tempering of mustard seeds and curry leaves.
One of the challenges with dhokla is that it tends to become dry and lose its softness when reheated. As a busy professional, I often find myself craving this delicious snack but don’t always have the time to steam it from scratch. That’s when I discovered a quick and easy way to reheat dhokla using my trusty microwave. In this article, I will share with you my tried and tested method of reheating dhokla in the microwave, so you can enjoy it whenever the craving strikes!
Gather Your Ingredients and Equipment
Before we dive into the reheating process, let’s make sure we have everything we need. Here’s a handy list of ingredients and equipment:
Ingredients:
Equipment:
Steps to Reheat Dhokla in the Microwave:
Step 1: Prepare the Dhokla
Whether you have homemade dhokla or store-bought, the first step is to prepare it for reheating. If you have a large dhokla, you can cut it into bite-sized pieces for easier reheating.
Step 2: Moisten the Dhokla
Dry dhokla is a common issue when reheated. To prevent this, we need to moisten the dhokla before putting it in the microwave. Take a little water in your hand and sprinkle it over the dhokla. Make sure to cover all the pieces evenly. This will help lock in the moisture and keep the dhokla soft.
Step 3: Cover and Microwave
Place the moistened dhokla on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a microwave-safe lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap. This will help create a steamy environment, preventing the dhokla from drying out.
Now, it’s time to microwave! Set your microwave to medium power or around 50% power. This ensures that the dhokla reheats evenly without becoming tough or chewy.
Step 4: Reheat in Intervals
Now comes the crucial part – reheating the dhokla in intervals. Start by microwaving the dhokla for 30 seconds. Take it out, remove the cover, and give it a gentle poke with a fork or spatula.
If the dhokla is still cold in the center, it needs more time. Place the cover back on and microwave for another 30 seconds. Continue microwaving in 30-second intervals until the dhokla is heated thoroughly.
Step 5: Let it Rest
Once the dhokla is heated to your liking, remove it from the microwave and let it rest for a minute or two. This allows the heat to distribute evenly throughout the dhokla, resulting in a consistent texture.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Your reheated dhokla is now ready to be served! You can enjoy it as is or pair it with your favorite chutney or tempering. The dhokla should be soft, moist, and bursting with flavors, just like when it was freshly made.
Tips and Tricks for Reheating Dhokla:
– Avoid reheating dhokla for too long as it may become rubbery and tough.
– If you don’t have a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, you can use a microwave-safe bowl to cover the dhokla.
– Experiment with different power levels on your microwave to find the perfect setting for reheating dhokla.
– If you have leftover dhokla, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat it using the same method whenever you want to enjoy it.
The Convenience of Reheating Dhokla:
Reheating dhokla in the microwave has been a game-changer for me. It allows me to enjoy this traditional Gujarati snack whenever I want, without compromising on taste or texture. The quick and easy method ensures that the dhokla remains soft and moist, just like it was when it was freshly made. With a few simple steps, you can savor the flavors of dhokla within minutes, making it a perfect snack for impromptu gatherings or even a solo treat.
So, the next time you have some leftover dhokla or a sudden craving for this delectable snack, don’t hesitate to give the microwave reheating method a try. You won’t be disappointed!