Soft And Spongy Dhokla Recipe

Soft And Spongy Dhokla Recipe is a medium Indian recipe that serves 4. 120 calories per serving. Recipe by Cook with Lubna on YouTube.

Prep: 38 min | Cook: 34 min | Total: 1 hr 27 min

Cost: $10.02 total, $2.51 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 cup Gram Flour (sifted, about 120 g)
  • 2 tablespoons Semolina (fine sooji, about 15 g)
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 1 teaspoon Sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon Turmeric Powder (for color)
  • 3/4 cup Water (lukewarm, for batter)
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 1 teaspoon Ginger‑Chili Paste (store‑bought or homemade)
  • 1 tablespoon Vegetable Oil (for batter)
  • 1 sachet Eno Fruit Salt (approx. 1 tsp powder)
  • 1 tablespoon Water (for Eno)
  • 1 tablespoon Oil (for greasing mold) (lightly brush)
  • 2 tablespoons Oil (for tempering) (vegetable or mustard oil)
  • 1 teaspoon Mustard Seeds
  • 1 pinch Asafoetida
  • 2 Green Chilies (slit lengthwise)
  • 8 Curry Leaves (fresh)
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt (for tempering)
  • 1 teaspoon Sugar (for tempering)
  • 1/2 cup Water (for tempering)
  • 2 tablespoons Coriander Leaves (chopped)

Instructions

  1. Sift Gram Flour

    Place a fine mesh sieve over a mixing bowl and sift 1 cup of gram flour to remove lumps.

    Time: PT2M

  2. Add Dry Ingredients

    Add 2 tbsp semolina, 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp sugar, and 1/4 tsp turmeric powder to the sifted flour. Mix well with a whisk.

    Time: PT3M

  3. Form the Batter

    Gradually pour 3/4 cup lukewarm water into the dry mixture, stirring continuously to create a thick, lump‑free batter.

    Time: PT4M

  4. Flavor the Batter

    Stir in 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp ginger‑chili paste, and 1 tbsp vegetable oil until fully incorporated.

    Time: PT2M

  5. Rest the Batter

    Cover the bowl and let the batter rest for 20 minutes at room temperature.

    Time: PT20M

  6. Prepare the Steamer

    In a deep vessel or kadhai, bring 1/2 liter water to a rolling boil. Place a stand in the center and lightly grease an 8‑inch round mold with oil.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: 100°C

  7. Add Eno and Activate

    Sprinkle the contents of 1 Eno sachet over the rested batter, add 1 tbsp water, and stir briskly for 10‑12 seconds. Do not over‑whisk.

    Time: PT1M

  8. Steam the Dhokla

    Immediately pour the batter into the greased mold, tap gently to level, and place the mold on the stand inside the steamer. Cover with a lid.

    Time: PT1M

  9. Cook the Dhokla

    Steam on high heat for 2 minutes, then reduce to medium simmer and steam for an additional 20 minutes. Do NOT open the lid during cooking.

    Time: PT22M

    Temperature: 100°C

  10. Prepare the Tempering (Tadka)

    While the dhokla steams, heat 2 tbsp oil in a small pan. Add 1 tsp mustard seeds, a pinch of asafoetida, 2 slit green chilies, and a few curry leaves. Sauté for a few seconds, then turn off the heat. Stir in 1/2 tsp salt, 1 tsp sugar, and 1/2 cup water. Mix well and add chopped coriander leaves.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: Medium‑high

  11. Finish and Cut

    After 22 minutes of steaming, check doneness with a knife. Let the dhokla cool for 5 minutes, then gently demold using a knife around the edges. Cut into square pieces.

    Time: PT5M

  12. Add Tempering and Serve

    Pour the prepared tempering evenly over the cut dhokla squares. Serve warm or at room temperature.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
120
Protein
4 g
Carbohydrates
20 g
Fat
4 g
Fiber
2 g

Dietary info: Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten‑containing

Allergens: Wheat (semolina), Mustard

Last updated: April 15, 2026

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Soft And Spongy Dhokla Recipe

Recipe by Cook with Lubna

A step‑by‑step guide to making soft, fluffy Gujarati dhokla at home. The recipe uses gram flour, a touch of semolina, and Eno fruit salt for quick leavening, finished with a fragrant mustard‑seed tempering.

MediumIndianServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
34m
Prep
38m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 22m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$10.02
Total cost
$2.51
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Sift the gram flour to avoid lumps.
  • Rest the batter for at least 20 minutes.
  • Add Eno and water quickly, then stir only 10‑12 seconds.
  • Do not over‑whisk after adding Eno.
  • Steam without opening the lid; check doneness with a knife.
  • Prepare the tempering while the dhokla steams to save time.

Safety Warnings

  • Handle hot steam with care; use oven mitts when lifting the steamer lid.
  • Hot oil can splatter when adding water; remove pan from heat before tempering.
  • Eno reaction is rapid; mix quickly and pour batter immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Soft and Spongy Dhokla in Gujarati cuisine?

A

Dhokla originated in Gujarat as a light, protein‑rich snack made from fermented gram flour. Historically it was prepared during fasting days and festive occasions because it is easy to digest and can be made without any animal products.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of dhokla in Indian cuisine?

A

Besides the classic Gujarati dhokla, there are Khaman (softer, no semolina), Rava dhokla (uses semolina as the main base), and Moong dal dhokla (made with split green gram). Each region tweaks the spice blend and fermentation time.

cultural
Q

How is Soft and Spongy Dhokla traditionally served in Gujarat?

A

It is usually cut into bite‑size squares, garnished with fresh coriander, and drizzled with a mustard‑seed tempering. It is served with green chutney or sweet tamarind sauce as a snack or part of a thali.

cultural
Q

During which celebrations is dhokla commonly prepared in Gujarati culture?

A

Dhokla is a staple during Navratri fasts, Uttarayan (kite festival), and as an everyday snack for tea time. Its quick preparation makes it popular for family gatherings and religious festivals.

cultural
Q

What authentic ingredients are essential for traditional Gujarati dhokla versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Traditional dhokla uses gram flour (besan), semolina, Eno or natural fermentation, mustard seeds, asafoetida, and curry leaves. Substitutes like rice flour or cornmeal change the texture, while baking soda can replace Eno if needed.

cultural
Q

What other Gujarati dishes pair well with Soft and Spongy Dhokla?

A

Dhokla pairs nicely with Khandvi, Fafda, Handvo, and a side of green coriander chutney. A simple dal or khichdi completes a balanced Gujarati thali.

cultural
Q

What makes Soft and Spongy Dhokla special compared to other Indian snacks?

A

Its airy, sponge‑like texture comes from the rapid leavening action of Eno combined with a short fermentation, giving a light yet protein‑rich bite that is both savory and slightly tangy.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Soft and Spongy Dhokla at home?

A

Common errors include over‑mixing after adding Eno, not letting the batter rest, using cold water, and opening the steamer lid during cooking. Each mistake reduces the rise and results in a dense dhokla.

technical
Q

Why does this dhokla recipe use Eno fruit salt instead of a longer fermentation method?

A

Eno provides an instant chemical leavening that creates the characteristic fluff without the need for overnight fermentation, making the recipe faster and more reliable for home cooks.

technical
Q

Can I make Soft and Spongy Dhokla ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, dhokla can be prepared a day ahead. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat gently in a steamer or microwave before adding the tempering.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for to know my dhokla is perfectly cooked?

A

A perfectly cooked dhokla is uniformly spongy, light golden, and springs back when pressed lightly. A clean knife inserted in the center should come out without batter sticking.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Cook with Lubna specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Cook with Lubna focuses on easy-to-follow South Asian home cooking, featuring traditional recipes, quick weeknight meals, and step‑by‑step tutorials for beginners.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Cook with Lubna's approach to Indian cooking differ from other Indian cooking channels?

A

Cook with Lubna emphasizes minimal equipment, clear visual cues, and practical tips for busy home cooks, whereas many other channels often use professional kitchen setups and elaborate plating.

channel
Q

What other Gujarati recipes is the YouTube channel Cook with Lubna known for?

A

Cook with Lubna is also known for her authentic Gujarati dishes such as Khandvi, Handvo, Fafda, and traditional sweets like Shrikhand and Mohanthal.

channel

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