Rava Dhokla

Ingredients

• Sooji – coarse semolina sold in Indian grocery stores works best for this recipe, making the dhokla fluffy and soft.
• Yogurt – Plain full-fat yogurt or low-fat yogurt adds the perfect tanginess and soft texture
• Ginger and green chili paste – fresh ginger paste and green chili paste add perfect heat and aroma to the dhokla. If you don’t have Indian green chilies, you can also use jalapeno or serrano peppers instead or skip the chilies altogether for a non-spicy dhokla
• Tempering – sesame seeds, mustard seeds, curry leaves, and whole green chilies add an earthy aroma and crunch to the dhoklas

How to Make Rava Dhokla

Make the Batter

• Add sooji, yogurt, water, ginger, chilies, and salt to a mixing bowl. Mix well, cover, and keep aside for 20 minutes

Prepare the Instant Pot and pan for steaming dhokla

• Add 1 ½ cups water to the Instant Pot insert. Set on Sauté mode so the water starts to heat. PRO TIP – Heating up the water before placing the batter in the Instant Pot will make sure that the batter starts cooking soon after you have closed the Instant Pot lid, resulting in light and airy dhoklas. Make sure to do this about 5 minutes before you are ready to place the batter in the Instant Pot for steaming. Boiling it for too long may cause a lot of water to evaporate so just be careful not to do it for too long
• Grease a 7-½ inch stainless steel bowl with cooking oil or spray

Steam the dhokla

• Add baking soda and mix well. Quickly pour the batter into the greased bowl. Place the bowl on the instant pot trivet and carefully place the trivet inside the Instant Pot. Note: It is important to start the steaming process quickly after the baking soda is added
• Close the Instant Pot lid with the pressure valve to venting. Set Instant Pot to Steam mode, with an external timer for 12 mins. Note: The timer function does not work with Steam/Venting, so an external timer is needed
• Once the timer goes off, Press Cancel and allow 5 to 10 minutes of natural pressure release, then open the Instant Pot

Make the Tempering

• In a small pot heat oil. Add mustard seeds and allow them to pop. Turn the heat off once the seeds start popping. Add asafoetida, sesame seeds, green chilies, and curry leaves, and cook for 30 seconds. Reserve the tadka.

Cut and Garnish

• Using heat-resistant mitts, carefully take out the dhokla bowl from the Instant Pot. Run a knife around the edges so the dhokla can be easily removed on a plate. Cut into small 1 to 2-inch squares
• Pour the reserved tadka and spread it all over with a spoon. Garnish with cilantro.

Serving

Serve with Dhokla with cilantro chutney and chai for breakfast or with ginger lemonade for an afternoon snack.

Store any leftover dhoklas refrigerated. Microwave for 30 seconds to warm up.

How to Steam Dhokla on Stovetop

1. Make the batter using the steps above and grease a stainless steel bowl with oil. 
2. Use a pot that is large enough to fit the bowl leaving some room on the sides so that it’s not too snug. Add 2 to 3 cups of water to the large pot and bring it to a boil.
3. Once the water starts to boil, add baking soda and lemon juice to the batter and mix well.
4. Pour the batter into the greased bowl and carefully place the bowl over the trivet in the large pot.
5. Cook covered for 15-20 mins on medium heat or until the knife inserted comes out clean. Take the dhokla out and allow it to cool down for 5 to 10 minutes.
6. Cut into a small square and garnish with reserved tadka and cilantro

Tips

• Use coarse rava available in Indian grocery stores
• Make sure the batter is not too thick, it should have the same consistency as Idli or cake batter
• Preheat water in the Instant Pot and start the steaming dhokla quickly after adding the baking soda to the batter
• You can also use 1 teaspoon of fruit salt/Eno instead of baking soda
• Do not over-mix after adding Eno or baking soda and start the steaming process right away

More Indian Snacks and Appetizer Recipes

Did you enjoy this delicious snack/appetizer? Here are some of my other favorite Indian snacks that can be made ahead and also double up as appetizers: