The first thing I ever made for my husband was Khaman Dhokla, a western Indian state of Gujarat’s speciality. Traditionally made from fermented chana dal batter.
I had made his ones from scratch but these days busy with children, I do refer to flour packet mixes. One where in no time you can have fresh soft dhokla ready to eat. No fermenting required and done in 5 minutes flat!
Normally the dhokla batter is steamed on the cooker but when I want dhoklas and I want them fast! So I decided to use my microwave oven and idli maker to give me my instant result!
An idli maker where you ladle in a spoon of batter into the prepared dipped trays and just place into the microwave oven where magically it is steamed in 4 minutes! An ideal snack to prepare when you have surprise guests visit!
INGREDIENTS
1 packet Gits Khaman Dhokla Mix
75ml sunflower oil
550-600ml water
Sunflower oil
Fresh coriander
4-5 green chillies
2 tsp mustard seeds
Red chilli flakes
METHOD
• In a large mixing bowl add the oil and water to the flour. Whisk until smooth
• Using a pastry brush lightly grease the idli tray. Add water to the bottom of idli maker. Ladle the batter in to the dips of the tray
• Cover and then place in the microwave oven for 3-4 minutes (850w)
• Carefully take out the idli maker from the microwave, as the water will have become really hot
• Gently ease the dhoklas out with a teaspoon and repeat the above process for the remaining batter
For the garnish
• Heat 2 tablespoons of sunflower oil on a medium heat, throw in the mustard seeds. Once they start to sizzle carefully place in the chillies and coriander. Quickly cover at this time to avoid the oil spitting
• Lower the heat, once the chillies have been fried a little and their colour has changed to a brown and pale green. Take this warm oil dressing and place on top or to the side of the dhoklas
• Serve dhokla as they are or with a tomato or green chutney
