Gujarati Home-Made Easy Dishes: Delicious Dhokla and Khandvi

As a south Indian, I have always been fascinated by the diversity and richness of Indian cuisines. In my culinary journey, I stumbled upon the authentic and delightful Dhokla from Gujrat. This traditional Indian snack, known for its savory yet slightly sweet taste, has quickly become one of my favorites. In addition to Dhokla, I also wanted to try Khandvi, a popular Gujarati dish made from besan flour. After learning the recipe, I successfully prepared both dishes using just a few basic ingredients. If you’re a food enthusiast looking to explore authentic flavors from the Gujarati region, Dhokla and Khandvi might be the perfect choice for you.

Introduction to Dhokla and Khandvi

Dhokla, a popular Gujarati snack, is a steamed or baked savory cake made from besan (chickpea flour), usually served with a spicy and tangy green chutney. It is a beloved morning snack, but it can also be savored any time of the day. Khandvi, on the other hand, is a similar dish but requires only besan, sweetened with sugar or jaggery, and flavored with cardamom and cloves. Unlike Dhokla, which is savory, Khandvi is a delightful dessert or snack with a sweet taste.

Ingredients and Equipment Needed

Dhokla

To make Dhokla, you will need the following basic ingredients:

1 cup besan (chickpea flour) 1/2 cup water 1/2 cup potato (boiled and mashed) 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon cumin seeds 1/4 teaspoon green chilies (finely chopped)

Khandvi

For Khandvi, you will require:

1 cup besan (chickpea flour) 1/4 cup sugar or jaggery 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder 1/4 teaspoon cloves 1/4 teaspoon baking powder (optional) Boiling water to make batter (as needed)

Equipment Needed

Large bowl Microwave (for quick preparation) Cooker or steamer Baking sheet (if you choose to bake)

Step-by-Step Recipe

Dhokla Recipe

Take the chickpea flour in a large bowl and gradually add water. Mix well until the batter is smooth and pourable. Stir in mashed potato, lemon juice, salt, cumin seeds, and green chilies. Allow the batter to rest for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Steam the batter in a steamer for 20-25 minutes or cook in a microwave-bowl setup for 5-7 minutes, depending on your preference. Serve Dhokla warm with green chutney and a side of chutney of your choice.

Khandvi Recipe

Sieve the chickpea flour and keep it aside. In a bowl, mix the sieved chickpea flour with sugar or jaggery, cardamom powder, and cloves. Gradually add boiling water and mix well to form a thick consistency. Spread the batter on a baking sheet and bake in the oven (preheated to 350°F) for 10-15 minutes, or until golden brown. Cut into small pieces and serve cold or at room temperature.

Tips and Variations

There are countless variations of Dhokla and Khandvi that you can experiment with. For a healthier version, you can replace the refined sugar with a natural sweetener like jaggery or honey. To add more flavor to Dhokla, you can use different types of chutneys or include finely chopped ingredients like fenugreek leaves or curry leaves.

Enjoying the Dishes

Both Dhokla and Khandvi are not only easy to make but also delicious and nutritious. They can be enjoyed as part of a light breakfast or as a snack breaks in between the day. Whether you prefer a savory or sweet option, these classic Gujarati dishes are sure to satisfy your taste buds and leave you craving for more. If you want to explore more easy and authentic Indian recipes, consider checking out Lekha Homemade recipes, an online platform dedicated to sharing traditional Indian recipes.

If you've tried making Dhokla and Khandvi, share your photos or any tweaks you made to the recipe in the comments section below. We would love to hear from passionate food lovers like you!