Easy Rava / Suji Dhokla (Step-by-Step)

Searching for a fast Gujarati white dhokla recipe? Use this easy recipe to make Easy rava dhokla in your Easy Pot or stovetop. It’s a crowd-pleaser needless to say!

The toughest recipes to recreate are those from childhood. Because whilst you remember how the dish tasted and looked, you have got no idea what went into it. Dhokla was one such dish for me. 

I used to be introduced to this white dhokla recipe by my Gujarati friends from school, who used to get this delicious dish for lunch together with green chutney. Soft, spongy, and delicious – it jogged my memory a lot of the idlis my mom used to make.

After cracking the code for khaman (steamed gram flour cake), one other childhood favorite, I made a decision it was time to experiment with this fast version of dhokla too. I reached out to my friends once more, and after a couple of messages backwards and forwards on WhatsApp, I used to be capable of nail down this rava dhokla recipe.

In case you are latest to this dish, be sure that to ascertain out the subsequent few paragraphs, where I share a temporary introduction to dhokla. 

What’s dhokla? 

Dhokla (steamed savory cake) is a quintessential Gujarati dish, identical to nylon khaman. Traditionally crafted from fermented rice and lentil batter, this delightful snack transforms right into a soft and spongy snack when steamed, just like an idli.

This dish traveled with the Gujarati diaspora and has change into a preferred dish with vegetarians and vegans across the globe.

Khaman vs Dhokla

Khaman and dhokla, although often used interchangeably, are distinct Gujarati snacks with unique characteristics:

• Ingredients: Dhokla is constructed from a fermented batter of rice and lentils, while khaman is ready using gram flour (besan).
• Color: Dhokla has a whitish color, whereas Khaman is thought for its vivid, deep yellow hue.
• Texture: Khaman is soft, spongy, and melts in your mouth often called nylon khaman for its texture. Dhokla, while also spongy, is denser in comparison with khaman.

What makes sooji dhokla an excellent breakfast/snack?

Easy semolina dhokla is a unbelievable alternative for a mid-meal snack or perhaps a quick breakfast option. With only 5 minutes of prep time, this easy-to-make dish is a top favorite amongst mothers. Here’s why:

1. No overnight fermentation is required; it comes together in lower than an hour.
2. It’s a great make-ahead snack, and it freezes well, too!
3. It tastes equally delicious at room temperature, making it an ideal alternative for college or work lunches.

The right way to make Suji dhokla

Call it suji dhokla, semolina dhokla, khatta dhokla, or rava dhokla it’s all one and the identical. The name comes from the important ingredient used for this fast dhokla, which is semolina. Semolina is known as suji or rava in India.

What exactly is fruit salt? 

Fruit salt, an antacid commonly used to alleviate issues like acidity and heartburn, typically consists of ingredients resembling baking soda, citric acid, or tartaric acid and will include flavoring agents and infrequently sugar to reinforce taste. Although the particular components may vary amongst brands, their fundamental qualities remain consistent.

Within the context of fast Indian dhokla recipes, fruit salt plays a pivotal role. It has revolutionized the normal dhokla-making process, eliminating the necessity for time-consuming steps resembling soaking, grinding, and overnight fermentation before steaming. It serves to mimic the results of fermentation, immediately imparting lightness and fluffiness to batters, making it a helpful addition to contemporary cooking methods.

Here’s learn how to make suji ka dhokla using an Easy Pot

Traditionally, the batter is poured right into a steel plate and steamed using a dhokla cooker, but on this fast rava dhokla recipe, I even have used an Easy Pot.

1. To make this fast recipe, mix all of the ingredients for the batter (except fruit salt) together to make a smooth, pourable batter. Put aside to let the semolina soak for 15 – 20 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, grease a springform cake pan well with a bit of oil or ghee.
3. After 15 – 20 minutes, whisk the batter and add more water if needed so the batter is identical consistency because the idli batter.
4. Prepare your Easy Pot for steaming the dhokla. Add in 2.5 cups of water and set it on saute function with “more” mode. Once the water starts to boil, press warm/cancel. The fast pot is prepared for steaming.
5. Add the Eno fruit salt to the batter and blend it in till it gets incorporated into the batter. Don’t over-mix. The batter will look foamy at this point. 
6. Place the trivet within the steel inner pot together with the springform pan.
7. Transfer the batter to the springform pan. Sprinkle the dhokla batter evenly with Kashmiri chili powder and freshly ground pepper.
8. Cover the Easy Pot with the lid and set the valve to the venting position.
9. Select the ‘Steam’ function and adjust the pressure to high. Set an EXTERNAL timer for quarter-hour. [Note: When the steam valve is in the venting position, the Instant Pot timer will not work].
10. Once the external timer indicates the time is up, hit the cancel button within the Easy Pot.
11. Wait for five minutes, after which open the lid. Insert a toothpick right in the middle of the dhokla. If it doesn’t come out clean, steam the dhokla for a further 3-4 minutes till it’s thoroughly cooked.
12. Remove the pan fastidiously using tongs.
13. If using a springform pan, unhinge the clasp and take away the edges.
14. In case you should not using a springform pan, run over the sides of the pan with a pointy knife and invert the dhokla over a plate. Lift the pan off the dhokla.
15. In case you prefer the smoother surface to be on top, invert the dhokla another time by keeping a plate on top of the dhokla. Fastidiously hold each plates together and flip the underside plate to the highest.
16. Remove the plate and cut the dhokla into diamond or square shapes.

Tempering process

1. Add oil to a small pan and set it on medium heat.
2. Once the oil is hot, add mustard seeds, and after they begin to crackle, add asafoetida, green chilies, and sesame seeds.
3. When the sesame starts to brown in about 10-15 seconds, take the pan off the warmth.
4. Pour this tempering mixture evenly over the dhokla using a spoon.
5. Garnish with finely chopped cilantro.
6. Serve warm with green chutney or tamarind chutney.

The right way to prepare rava dhokla on a stovetop:

1. Prepare the batter: Follow the identical steps to make rava dhokla batter. Grease the chrome steel bowl or springform pan. Set it aside.
2. Arrange for steaming: Select a big wok that may comfortably accommodate the springform pan. Pour 3 cups of water into this pot and produce it to a boil.
3. Get the batter ready: Because the water starts boiling, incorporate Eno or fruit salt within the batter.
4. Steam the dhokla: Transfer the batter to the greased pan. Gently set this pan on a trivet contained in the wok.
5. Cooking time: Cover and steam on medium heat for about 15-20 minutes. The dhokla is finished when a knife inserted into it comes out clean.
6. Cool and garnish: Remove the dhokla and let it cool for five to 10 minutes. Then, cut it into small squares and garnish with the tadka and fresh cilantro.

Expert Suggestions

1. Add Eno just before steaming: At all times remember to introduce Eno fruit salt into the batter just before you begin the steaming process. Immediate steaming is significant to make sure the batter rises accurately. Remember, there’s no must over-stir – just a couple of quick swirls will do the trick.
2. Fresh Eno is vital: Fruit salt is the first ingredient chargeable for creating soft and spongy dhokla. Avoid using aged or expired Eno. Ideally, whenever you add the fruit salt, the batter should visibly lighten and change into airy. This transformation indicates that the fruit salt is energetic. In case you don’t observe this alteration, it’s time to change to a latest batch of fruit salt.
3. Check for doneness: To substantiate that your dhokla is thoroughly cooked, insert a toothpick into the middle. If the toothpick comes out clean, your dhokla is prepared. If not, steam it for a further 3-4 minutes.
4. Position the steam valve: Make sure that the steam valve is about to the venting position. This mimics the normal steaming process and ends in light and fluffy dhokla. In case you unintentionally seal the valve, your dhokla may prove barely denser.

Variations and substitutions

• Eno substitute – In case you don’t have Eno fruit salt, substitute it with 1/2 teaspoon citric acid + 1/2 teaspoon baking soda. Nevertheless, I prefer using Eno because it imparts the dish a greater taste and fluffier texture.

Serving suggestions

Serve this fast dhokla along with your alternative of coriander chutney or tamarind chutney, together with a cup of piping hot masala chai.

Prep and storage instructions

This suji dhokla is a wonderful alternative for a celebration snack. You’ll be able to prepare it a couple of days prematurely, and it’s going to maintain its delicious taste.

Prep ahead – I even have also frozen leftover dhokla up to now with none significant impact on the taste. To freeze, place it in an airtight freezer-safe container. You’ll be able to reheat it within the microwave without thawing.

Reheating instructions – Warm the leftover dhokla within the microwave or steam it for a couple of minutes before serving.

In case you are on the lookout for easy and delicious Indian breakfast recipes, listed below are my top picks,

1. Nylon khaman dhokla – Spongy, savory, and with a touch of sweetness, Gujarati nylon khaman dhokla is a light-weight and healthy anytime snack. Get this failproof recipe to make it within the Easy Pot.
2. Lemon vermicelli – This delicious and tangy Semiya Upma (Lemon Vermicelli) is just what you might want to start your day. It’s filling and comes together in quarter-hour from start to complete.
3. Sooji upma – a semolina-based breakfast dish that takes lower than half-hour.
4. Idli – You’ll love this post if you have got been struggling to get soft and spongy idlis. Learn all my suggestions and tricks to get perfect fermented batter even in winter!
5. Buttermilk dosa – Buttermilk dosa – Delicious and soft, this dosa is ideal for breakfast, snacks, and even lunch. Learn learn how to make it in a couple of easy steps.
6. Easy Rava idli – Here’s a quick recipe to enjoy those lovely soft, fluffy fast rava idlis at any time when the mood strikes. Serve with coconut or peanut chutney for a delicious and healthy meal.

This post was originally written on Jan 17, 2020, and was republished with additional information on Dec 12, 2023.