Olivia Carter
If you are a fan of Indian cuisine, you have probably heard of dhokla – a popular and delicious snack that originates from the state of Gujarat. Traditionally, dhokla is prepared using a steamer, but did you know that you can also make it in an electric rice cooker? This convenient method allows you to enjoy fluffy and spongy dhoklas with minimal effort. So, if you are craving this tasty treat and want to learn how to cook dhokla in an electric rice cooker, keep reading!
To make dhokla in an electric rice cooker, you will need a few key ingredients such as gram flour (besan), yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric powder, baking soda, lemon juice, and mustard seeds. These basic ingredients come together to create the distinct flavor and texture that dhokla is known for. You can also add a tadka (tempering) of mustard seeds, curry leaves, and green chilies to enhance the taste even further.
Begin by preparing the batter for the dhokla. In a mixing bowl, combine the gram flour, yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric powder, baking soda, lemon juice, and salt. Mix everything well to form a smooth batter. Make sure there are no lumps in the mixture. If needed, add some water to achieve a pourable consistency. Let the batter rest for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.
While the batter rests, prepare your electric rice cooker. Grease the inner pot with some oil to prevent the dhokla from sticking. Then, pour the batter into the greased pot and level it with a spatula. Cover the rice cooker with its lid and switch it on to the “Cook” mode. Let the dhokla steam for about 15-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the dhokla comes out clean.
Step-By-Step Guide To Making Dhokla In An Electric Rice Cooker
Dhokla is a traditional Indian dish that is celebrated for its light and fluffy texture. It is typically made from fermented chickpea flour and served with a tangy chutney. While it is traditionally steamed, it is also possible to make dhokla in an electric rice cooker. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make dhokla using an electric rice cooker.
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Ingredients:
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Instructions:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the chickpea flour, sour yogurt, ginger paste, green chili paste, turmeric powder, salt, and lemon juice. Mix well to form a smooth batter.
- Add the baking soda to the batter and mix gently. This will help in making the dhokla light and fluffy.
- Grease a round cake pan that fits inside the electric rice cooker with oil.
- Pour the batter into the greased cake pan and tap the pan gently to remove any air bubbles.
- Place the cake pan inside the electric rice cooker and close the lid.
- Set the rice cooker to the “Cook” or “Steam” function and let the dhokla steam for about 20-25 minutes.
- While the dhokla is steaming, prepare the tempering. Heat oil in a small pan and add mustard seeds. Once the mustard seeds start spluttering, add sesame seeds, asafoetida, and curry leaves. Cook for a few seconds until the seeds turn golden brown.
- Once the dhokla is cooked, remove it from the rice cooker and let it cool for a few minutes. Cut it into desired shapes, such as squares or diamonds.
- Pour the prepared tempering over the dhokla and garnish with chopped coriander leaves.
- Serve the dhokla with your favorite chutney or sauce.
Enjoy the delicious and homemade dhokla made in an electric rice cooker!
Why Use an Electric Rice Cooker to Make Dhokla
Using an electric rice cooker to make dhokla is a convenient and efficient way to prepare this popular Indian dish. Here are a few reasons why you should consider using an electric rice cooker:
1. Time-saving:
Electric rice cookers are designed to cook rice quickly and evenly. When you use a rice cooker to make dhokla, you can save time by eliminating the need for constant monitoring and stirring. Simply add the batter to the rice cooker, set the timer, and let it do the work!
2. Even cooking:
An electric rice cooker provides consistent heat distribution, resulting in evenly cooked dhokla. This ensures that your dhokla is fluffy and well-cooked throughout, without any undercooked portions.
Additionally, an electric rice cooker has a non-stick inner pot, preventing the dhokla from sticking to the bottom and ensuring easy removal.
3. Versatility:
While primarily used for cooking rice, electric rice cookers can also be used for steaming. This makes it perfect for making dhokla, which requires steaming the batter. The steam function of the rice cooker allows you to achieve the perfect texture and consistency for your dhokla.
Furthermore, some electric rice cookers come with additional features like preset cooking functions, delay timers, and keep-warm settings, which can be helpful in preparing and serving dhokla.
Overall, using an electric rice cooker to make dhokla is a practical and convenient choice. It saves time, ensures even cooking, and offers versatility in preparing this delicious Indian snack. So, if you have an electric rice cooker sitting on your kitchen counter, give it a try and enjoy homemade dhokla with ease!
Ingredients Required To Make Dhokla In An Electric Rice Cooker
Here are the ingredients you will need to make dhokla in an electric rice cooker:
For the Dhokla Batter:
- 1 cup gram flour (besan)
- 1/2 cup semolina (sooji or rava)
- 1/4 cup yogurt
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tablespoon ginger and green chili paste
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon eno fruit salt
For the Tempering:
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
- 5-6 curry leaves
- 2 green chilies, slit
- 2 tablespoons chopped coriander leaves
For the Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons fresh grated coconut
- 2 tablespoons chopped coriander leaves
These ingredients can easily be found in most grocery stores and are essential for making delicious dhokla in an electric rice cooker.
Instructions To Prepare The Batter For Dhokla
Preparing the batter for dhokla is a crucial step to achieve the perfect texture and taste. Follow these instructions to make the batter:
- Gather the ingredients: For the batter, you will need 1 cup of gram flour (besan), 2 tablespoons of semolina (rava), ½ cup of yogurt (curd), 1 teaspoon of ginger paste, 1 teaspoon of green chili paste, 1 teaspoon of sugar, ½ teaspoon of turmeric powder, 1 teaspoon of lemon juice, salt to taste, and water as needed.
- Sift the gram flour: Sift the gram flour into a large mixing bowl to remove any lumps.
- Add the semolina: Add the semolina to the sifted gram flour and mix well.
- Mix in the yogurt: Gradually add the yogurt to the mixture and whisk until well combined.
- Add the ginger and green chili paste: Add the ginger paste and green chili paste to the batter and mix well.
- Season the batter: Add the turmeric powder, sugar, lemon juice, and salt to the batter and mix until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Adjust the consistency: Add water little by little to the batter and mix well until you achieve a smooth and pourable consistency. The batter should neither be too thick nor too thin.
- Let the batter ferment: Cover the batter with a clean cloth and let it ferment for at least 2-3 hours or until it becomes slightly fluffy.
Once the batter is prepared and fermented, you can proceed to steam the dhokla in an electric rice cooker following the appropriate steps.
Note: The fermentation time may vary depending on the temperature and humidity in your surroundings. The longer the batter ferments, the better the taste and texture of the dhokla.
How to Cook Dhokla in an Electric Rice Cooker
Dhokla is a famous Indian snack that is known for its fluffy texture and tangy flavor. Traditionally, it is steamed in a special vessel called a dhokla cooker. However, if you don’t have one, you can easily make dhokla using an electric rice cooker. Here’s how:
Ingredients:
– 1 cup gram flour (besan)
– 1 tablespoon semolina (sooji)
– 1/2 cup yogurt
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 teaspoon ginger paste
– 1 teaspoon green chili paste
– 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
– 1 teaspoon lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon fruit salt
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. In a mixing bowl, combine the gram flour, semolina, yogurt, water, ginger paste, green chili paste, turmeric powder, lemon juice, and salt. Mix well to form a smooth batter.
2. Grease the inner pot of the electric rice cooker with oil to prevent sticking.
3. Pour the batter into the greased pot and spread it evenly.
4. Fill the rice cooker with water up to the level indicated for cooking rice.
5. Close the lid of the rice cooker and switch it on.
6. Set the rice cooker to the “Cook” mode and let the dhokla steam for about 15-20 minutes.
7. After 15-20 minutes, check the dhokla by inserting a toothpick or a knife into it. If it comes out clean, the dhokla is ready. Otherwise, steam it for a few more minutes.
8. Once cooked, remove the pot from the rice cooker and let the dhokla cool for a few minutes.
9. In a small pan, heat some oil and add mustard seeds. Let them splutter.
10. Pour the spluttered mustard seeds over the cooked dhokla to add flavor.
11. Cut the dhokla into desired shapes and serve it with a side of green chutney.
Enjoy your homemade dhokla made in an electric rice cooker!
FAQ
What is dhokla?
Dhokla is a traditional Indian dish that is made from fermented batter of rice and chickpeas. It is steamed and typically served as a snack or as a part of a meal.
Why should I use an electric rice cooker to cook dhokla?
Using an electric rice cooker to cook dhokla is convenient and easy. It ensures that the dhokla is cooked evenly and prevents it from sticking to the bottom of the pan. Plus, the rice cooker has a steaming function which is perfect for making dhokla.
How do I make dhokla in an electric rice cooker?
To make dhokla in an electric rice cooker, you will need to prepare the batter by mixing rice flour, chickpea flour, yogurt, and spices. Then, you need to grease the rice cooker pot and pour the batter into it. Set the rice cooker to the steam mode and let it cook for about 20-25 minutes. Once done, take the dhokla out of the pot and garnish it with coriander leaves and grated coconut.
Can I use any type of rice cooker to make dhokla?
Yes, you can use any type of electric rice cooker to make dhokla as long as it has a steaming function. It is important to make sure that the cooker is properly greased before pouring the dhokla batter for easy removal.
Can I make dhokla without using a rice cooker?
Yes, you can make dhokla without using a rice cooker. The traditional way to make dhokla is by using a steamer or a pressure cooker. However, using a rice cooker is a convenient alternative as it eliminates the need for constantly checking and adjusting the temperature.
