I absolutely love cooking, trying out new recipes, and experimenting with different techniques in the kitchen. One of my recent culinary adventures led me to discover an incredibly quick and easy way to steam dhokla in a microwave. Dhokla, a popular Gujarati snack, is usually made by fermenting a batter of rice and chickpea flour, but this microwave method cuts down on the waiting time and still yields amazingly fluffy and delicious dhoklas.
Why Choose the Microwave Method?
1. Time-saving:
The traditional method of preparing dhokla requires fermenting the batter for several hours or overnight. This can be quite time-consuming, especially when you have unexpected guests or a sudden craving for this tangy snack. With the microwave method, you can whip up a batch of dhoklas in no time.
2. Convenience:
Not everyone has access to a steamer or wants to deal with the hassle of setting it up. Using a microwave to steam dhokla is super convenient, as most households have a microwave already. It’s a simple and efficient way to get the job done without any additional equipment.
3. Energy-efficient:
Another advantage of using a microwave is that it consumes less energy compared to a stovetop steamer. So, if you’re looking to reduce your carbon footprint or cut down on your utility bills, this method is an excellent choice.
Now that we’ve established why the microwave method of steaming dhokla is worth a try, let’s dive into the step-by-step process.
Gather Your Ingredients
First and foremost, let’s gather all the ingredients we’ll need:
The Dhokla Batter:
– 1 cup of besan (chickpea flour)
– 2 tablespoons of semolina
– 1 tablespoon of ginger-green chili paste
– 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon of sugar
– 1 teaspoon of eno fruit salt (or ¼ teaspoon of baking soda)
– Salt to taste
– Water (as required to make a thick batter)
The Tempering:
– 2 tablespoons of oil
– 1 teaspoon of mustard seeds
– A pinch of asafoetida (hing)
– A handful of curry leaves
– 2-3 green chilies (slit lengthwise)
The Garnish:
– Freshly grated coconut
– Chopped coriander leaves
The Step-by-Step Process
1. In a mixing bowl, add the besan, semolina, ginger-green chili paste, lemon juice, sugar, and salt. Mix everything well. Gradually add water and continue whisking until you achieve a thick batter. The consistency should be smooth and lump-free.
2. Once the batter is ready, add the eno fruit salt (or baking soda) and give it a quick mix. You’ll notice the batter becoming frothy and airy. This is what will give your dhoklas their light and spongy texture.
3. Grease a microwave-safe dish with some oil. Transfer the prepared batter into the dish, ensuring it is evenly spread out. Give the dish a gentle tap or two to remove any air bubbles.
4. Place the dish in the microwave and cover it with a microwave-safe lid or microwave-friendly plastic wrap. This will help create a steamy environment for the dhoklas to cook.
5. Microwave the batter on high power for about 3-4 minutes. The exact time may vary depending on the wattage of your microwave, so keep a close eye on it. After this time, insert a toothpick into the dhokla; if it comes out clean, it’s cooked through. If not, microwave for another 30 seconds to 1 minute.
6. While the dhokla is cooking, let’s prepare the tempering. Heat oil in a small pan and add the mustard seeds. Once they start spluttering, add the asafoetida, curry leaves, and green chilies. Sauté for a minute until the flavors are well infused.
7. Once the dhokla is done, carefully remove it from the microwave. Pour the prepared tempering over the steamed dhokla, making sure it is evenly distributed. Allow the dhokla to cool for a few minutes, as it will be hot.
8. Finally, garnish the dhokla with freshly grated coconut and chopped coriander leaves. These garnishes not only enhance the appearance of the dish but also add a burst of freshness and flavor.
Congratulations! You’ve successfully steamed dhokla in a microwave. Cut the dhokla into bite-sized pieces and serve it with tangy green chutney or ketchup. This delightful snack is perfect for tea time, potlucks, or simply whenever those hunger pangs kick in.
In conclusion, using a microwave to steam dhokla is a quick, easy, and efficient technique that yields fluffy and delicious results. It saves you time, energy, and the need for any specialized equipment. So, go ahead and give this microwave method a try. Happy cooking!