Instant Dudhi Dhokla (Bottle Gourd Dhokla)
A delicious and healthier take on a traditional Gujarati recipe; Instant Dudhi Dhokla is loaded with grated bottle gourd and easy to use Indian spices. These instant dhoklas are great to enjoy as a snack with chutney and chai.
Servings: 4
Calories: 253kcal
Ingredients
For the Dhokla
- 1 cup rava/ semolina
- ¾ cup yogurt
- 1 medium bottle gourd
- ½ cup water
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 teaspoon ginger (grated)
- 1 teaspoon green chili (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ¾ teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ENO
- 2-3 stalks cilantro
- 1½ teaspoon red chili powder (optional)
- 3 cups water (to steam the dhokla)
For the tempering
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 pinch asafetida
- 4-5 curry leaves
- 2-3 green chili
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
- 2 teaspoon oil
Instructions
- Peel and grate the bottle gourd with a thick blade. Set aside.1 medium bottle gourd
- In a bowl add rava and the seasonings.1 cup rava/ semolina, 1 teaspoon ginger , 1 teaspoon green chili , 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon sugar, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 2-3 stalks cilantro, 1 tablespoon oil
- Then add in yogurt and grated bottle gourd.¾ cup yogurt
- Mix everything well.
- Also, add water to the mix. Mix well till the batter is smooth and lump-free.½ cup water
- Rest covered for 15-20 minutes. Once the rava has rested, it will absorb the water. Add more water if required. Divide the batter into half.
- Grease a plate with oil and keep ready.
- Add 3 cups water in a idli pan or deep utensil and cover. Bring to a boil. Add ENO and turmeric powder to the dhokla batter.1 teaspoon ENO, 3 cups water, ¾ teaspoon turmeric powder
- Then lightly mix in only one direction. Do not over mix but incorporate the ENO into the batter. Transfer the batter to the greased plate.
- Top with some red chili powder if using.1½ teaspoon red chili powder
- Then place in the boiling water in the idli stand.
- Steam covered for 10-12 minutes.
- Once the dudhi dhokla is steamed, remove and set aside. Repeat for the remaining batter.
- In a small pan heat oil. Once hot, add the mustard seeds, asafetida and cumin seeds. Let the seeds splutter.1 teaspoon mustard seeds, 1 pinch asafetida, 2 teaspoon oil, 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- Then add curry leaves, green chili and sesame seeds.4-5 curry leaves, 2-3 green chili, 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
- Transfer the tempering on to the dhokla and add cilantro leaves.
- Cut the dhokla into square or diamond pieces.
- Serve this instant dudhi dhokla with cilantro chutney and garlic chutney with some masala chai.
Video
Notes
- Adjust the water content: The regular rava dhokla calls for more water compared to this recipe. As we add lauki or bottle gourd, it tends to release a lot of moisture as the batter rests. Thus, we adjust the water after the batter has rested for a while.
- Resting the batter: It is important for the batter to soak for at least 15-20 minutes before making the dhokla. That way the semolina has a chance to absorb the moisture and becomes soft. This will give us soft and fluffy dhoklas. Do not rush on this step.
- Working with fruit salt: ENO is popular as an instant fermenting and rising agent. But it is important to work with it right. Add this only when ready to steam the dhokla. Do not add hot water to the batter with it as it suppresses the activity. Plus, once this is added, only whisk slowly in one direction to spread it out.
- Adding dudhi purée: If you would like smooth dudhi dhoklas without any texture, simply purée the peeled dudhi. Add the yogurt and cilantro while doing so to keep it green. Also we can add half the dudhi in grated form and purée the rest.
- Adjust the spice content: The recipe is medium spicy. However, adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the green chili. Plus, add some garlic if you like to make it more flavorful.
- Making Vegan dudhi dhoklas: Swap the dairy based yogurt with any plant based yogurt and the recipe is Vegan. All other ingredients are Vegan friendly.
Nutrition
Calories: 253kcal | Carbohydrates: 37g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Cholesterol: 6mg | Sodium: 710mg | Potassium: 201mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 327IU | Vitamin C: 26mg | Calcium: 90mg | Iron: 3mg