Mix Dal Dhokla is a savory steamed cake made from a blend of rice and different lentils, typically including chana dal (split chickpeas) and urad dal (black gram). It’s a beloved snack in India, known for its light and fluffy texture, balanced flavors, and versatility. Whether you’re serving it as a snack, breakfast dish, or appetizer, Mix Dal Dhokla never fails to impress.
This traditional Indian snack has gained popularity not only for its irresistible taste but also for its health benefits. So, get ready to embark on a culinary journey where we’ll unveil the secrets behind preparing a perfect Mix Dal Dhokla.
Ingredients
For the Batter:
- 1/2 cup chana dal (split chickpeas)
- 1/2 cup urad dal (black gram)
- 1/2 cup rice (any variety)
- 1/4 cup moong dal (split green gram)
- 1/4 cup masoor dal (red lentils)
- 1-inch piece of ginger
- 2-3 green chilies
- 1/2 teaspoon asafoetida (hing)
- Salt to taste
For Tempering:
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 8-10 curry leaves
- 2-3 green chilies (slit lengthwise)
- A pinch of asafoetida (hing)
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
- Grated coconut for garnish
Instructions
Soaking the Dals and Rice
Start by washing and soaking chana dal, urad dal, rice, moong dal, and masoor dal in water for at least 4 hours. Soaking ensures that they become soft and are easier to grind into a smooth batter.
Grinding the Batter
After soaking, drain the water and transfer the dals and rice to a blender. Add ginger, green chilies, asafoetida, and salt. Blend them into a smooth batter, adding a little water if needed. The consistency should resemble that of pancake batter.
Fermentation
Transfer the batter to a large bowl and cover it. Allow it to ferment for about 6-8 hours or overnight. Fermentation imparts a tangy flavor to the dhokla.
Preparing the Steamer
Grease a steaming dish or thali with oil and keep it ready. Also, fill a steamer or a large pot with water and bring it to a boil.
Cooking the Dhokla
Once the batter is well-fermented, give it a gentle stir. Pour it into the greased thali and place it in the steamer. Steam the dhokla on medium heat for about 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Tempering
While the dhokla is steaming, let’s prepare the tempering. Heat oil in a pan, add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, curry leaves, green chilies, and a pinch of asafoetida. Sauté until the mustard seeds splutter.
Soaking the Dhokla
Once the dhokla is done steaming, remove it from the steamer and let it cool for a few minutes. Then, using a knife, cut it into square or diamond-shaped pieces. Pour the prepared tempering evenly over the dhokla pieces.
Garnish and Serve
Finally, drizzle the dhokla with a mixture of water, sugar, and lemon juice. Garnish it with fresh coriander leaves and grated coconut. Your Mix Dal and Rice Dhokla is ready to be served!
Mix Dal Dhokla Recipe
This traditional Indian snack has gained popularity not only for its irresistible taste but also for its health benefits.
For the Batter:
- 1/2 cup chana dal (split chickpeas)
- 1/2 cup urad dal (black gram)
- 1/2 cup rice (any variety)
- 1/4 cup moong dal (split green gram)
- 1/4 cup masoor dal (red lentils)
- 1- inch piece of ginger
- 2-3 green chilies
- 1/2 teaspoon asafoetida (hing)
- Salt to taste
For Tempering:
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 8-10 curry leaves
- 2-3 green chilies (slit lengthwise)
- A pinch of asafoetida (hing)
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
- Grated coconut for garnish
- Start by washing and soaking chana dal, urad dal, rice, moong dal, and masoor dal in water for at least 4 hours. Soaking ensures that they become soft and are easier to grind into a smooth batter.
- After soaking, drain the water and transfer the dals and rice to a blender. Add ginger, green chilies, asafoetida, and salt. Blend them into a smooth batter, adding a little water if needed. The consistency should resemble that of pancake batter.
- Transfer the batter to a large bowl and cover it. Allow it to ferment for about 6-8 hours or overnight. Fermentation imparts a tangy flavor to the dhokla.
- Grease a steaming dish or thali with oil and keep it ready. Also, fill a steamer or a large pot with water and bring it to a boil.
- Once the batter is well-fermented, give it a gentle stir. Pour it into the greased thali and place it in the steamer. Steam the dhokla on medium heat for about 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- While the dhokla is steaming, let’s prepare the tempering. Heat oil in a pan, add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, curry leaves, green chilies, and a pinch of asafoetida. Sauté until the mustard seeds splutter.
- Once the dhokla is done steaming, remove it from the steamer and let it cool for a few minutes. Then, using a knife, cut it into square or diamond-shaped pieces. Pour the prepared tempering evenly over the dhokla pieces.
- Finally, drizzle the dhokla with a mixture of water, sugar, and lemon juice. Garnish it with fresh coriander leaves and grated coconut. Your Mix Dal and Rice Dhokla is ready to be served!
Final Thoughts
Mix Dal Dhokla is a delightful and nutritious dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Its rich blend of lentils not only provides a burst of flavor but also packs a protein punch. The steaming process makes it a healthier alternative to fried snacks, making it an excellent choice for health-conscious individuals.
So, the next time you’re craving a flavorful and wholesome snack, try your hand at making Mix Dal Dhokla. This recipe will not only satisfy your taste buds but also leave you wanting more. Serve it at parties, breakfast, or as an evening snack, and watch it disappear within minutes. Get ready to savor the goodness of Mix Dal Dhokla – a true culinary marvel from India.
