How to Make Dhokla in Instant Pot

Recipes
August 5th, 2023
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Dhokla is a popular and delicious Indian snack that originates from the state of Gujarat (India). It is a steamed savory cake made from fermented batter, which is typically made using rice and split chickpeas (chana dal). Traditionally, preparing dhokla can be a time-consuming process, but with the help of an Instant Pot, you can enjoy this tasty dish quickly and easily. In this article, we will guide you through the step-by-step process of How to Make Dhokla in Instant Pot, ensuring a fluffy and spongy texture that will delight your taste buds.

What You'll Need

Before we dive into the cooking process, let's gather all the necessary ingredients and equipment:

Ingredients:

1 cup of rice
1/2 cup of split chickpeas (chana dal)
1/4 cup of yogurt
1 tablespoon of ginger and green chili paste
1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder
1 teaspoon of Eno fruit salt
Salt to taste
Water

Equipment:

Instant Pot
Steamer rack or trivet
Mixing bowls
Blender or food processor
Greased cake pan or thali

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Soaking and Grinding

Soak the rice and split chickpeas in separate bowls for about 4-5 hours or overnight.
After soaking, drain the water and grind the rice and chickpeas separately to form smooth pastes. Add water as needed during the grinding process.

2. Mixing the Batter

In a large mixing bowl, combine the rice and chickpeas pastes.
Add yogurt, ginger-green chili paste, turmeric powder, and salt. Mix everything well to form a lump-free batter. The consistency should be slightly thicker than pancake batter.

3. Fermentation

Cover the bowl with a lid or a cloth and let the batter ferment for 4-5 hours. The fermentation process is crucial for achieving soft and spongy dhokla.

4. Preparing the Instant Pot

Fill the Instant Pot with 2 cups of water and place the steamer rack or trivet inside.
Grease the cake pan or thali with oil to prevent sticking.

5. Steaming the Dhokla

Just before steaming, add Eno fruit salt to the fermented batter and mix gently. The batter will become frothy.
Pour the batter into the greased pan or thali.

6. Cooking in the Instant Pot

Place the pan or thali on the steamer rack inside the Instant Pot.
Close the lid of the Instant Pot and select the "Steam" mode for 15-20 minutes.

7. Check for Doneness

After the cooking time is up, insert a toothpick into the dhokla. If it comes out clean, the dhokla is ready.

8. Tempering

In a small pan, heat some oil and add mustard seeds. Let them splutter.
Add curry leaves and green chilies, then pour this tempering over the steamed dhokla.

9. Serving

Allow the dhokla to cool for a few minutes, then cut it into squares or diamonds.
Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve with green chutney or tamarind chutney.

In conclusion, Making dhokla in an Instant Pot is a game-changer, as it significantly reduces the preparation time while still ensuring the perfect texture and taste. The combination of rice and chickpeas creates a delightful treat that can be enjoyed as a snack or even a light meal. So, go ahead and try this easy and delicious recipe to impress your family and friends!

FAQs

Q1: Can I use other lentils instead of chickpeas?

A: Yes, you can use other lentils like urad dal or moong dal, but the texture and taste may vary slightly.

Q2: Can I skip the fermentation process?

A: While the fermentation process contributes to the sponginess of dhokla, you can reduce the fermentation time, but skipping it entirely may affect the final outcome.

Q3: Can I use a different steaming method?

A: Absolutely! If you don't have an Instant Pot, you can steam the dhokla in a traditional steamer or a pressure cooker without the whistle.

Q4: How long can I store leftover dhokla?

A: You can store leftover dhokla in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Just reheat it before serving.

Q5: Is Eno fruit salt necessary?

A: Yes, Eno fruit salt acts as a leavening agent, providing the necessary fluffiness to the dhokla. It is a key ingredient in this recipe.