Olivia Carter
Steaming dhokla in a pressure cooker is a quick and easy way to prepare this popular Indian snack. Dhokla is a traditional Gujarati dish made with fermented batter of rice and lentils. It is soft, savory, and often served as a breakfast or a tea-time snack.
To steam dhokla in a pressure cooker, you will need a special dhokla stand or a steel plate that fits inside the cooker. The key to making soft and fluffy dhokla is to ensure that the batter is properly fermented before steaming. Fermentation helps in making the dhokla light and airy.
First, you need to prepare the batter by soaking rice and lentils for a few hours. Then, grind them into a smooth paste and allow it to ferment overnight. The next day, add salt, turmeric powder, ginger paste, and green chili paste to the batter to enhance the flavor.
Grease the dhokla stand or the steel plate with oil and pour the batter into it. Place the stand inside the pressure cooker. Add water to the pressure cooker, just enough to cover the base, and remove the whistle. Cover the pressure cooker with its lid.
Steam the dhokla on medium flame for about 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once it is cooked, turn off the flame and let it cool for a few minutes. Then, cut the dhokla into squares or diamonds.
For tempering, heat oil in a pan and add mustard seeds, curry leaves, and sesame seeds. Once the seeds start to splutter, pour the tempering over the dhokla pieces. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves, grated coconut, and sev. Serve the dhokla with mint chutney or tamarind chutney.
Steaming dhokla in a pressure cooker is a convenient way to prepare this delicious snack at home. With the right technique, you can enjoy soft, fluffy, and perfectly steamed dhokla whenever you desire.
Steaming Dhokla in Pressure Cooker: A Step-by-Step Guide
Steaming dhokla in a pressure cooker is a quick and easy way to make this delicious and fluffy Gujarati snack. Whether you are a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this step-by-step guide will help you steam dhokla perfectly every time.
What You Will Need:
Before you start steaming dhokla in a pressure cooker, gather the following ingredients and equipment:
– Dhokla batter: Prepare the dhokla batter by combining
– Pressure cooker: Make sure your pressure cooker is clean and in good working condition.
– Steamer plate: Place the dhokla batter on a steamer plate or shallow dish that fits inside the pressure cooker.
– Water: Fill the pressure cooker with enough water to create steam.
– Trivet or stand: Use a trivet or stand to keep the steamer plate elevated above the water level.
Step 1: Prepare the Dhokla Batter
Prepare the dhokla batter according to your preferred recipe. The batter should be thick but pourable. Add any desired spices or flavorings to the batter and mix well.
Step 2: Preheat the Pressure Cooker
Add water to the pressure cooker, filling it about 1/4 to 1/2 of the way full. Place the trivet or stand inside the pressure cooker.
Step 3: Pour the Batter onto the Steamer Plate
Grease the steamer plate or shallow dish with oil and pour the dhokla batter onto it. Smooth the surface of the batter using a spatula or the back of a spoon.
Step 4: Place the Steamer Plate in the Pressure Cooker
Carefully place the filled steamer plate onto the trivet or stand inside the pressure cooker. Make sure it is stable and does not touch the water.
Step 5: Steam the Dhokla
Cover the pressure cooker with its lid and turn the heat on high. Once the steam starts escaping from the vent, reduce the heat to medium and set a timer for the required cooking time.
Step 6: Check for Doneness
After the cooking time is up, carefully remove the lid from the pressure cooker. Insert a toothpick or a knife into the dhokla to check if it comes out clean. If it does, the dhokla is done. If not, steam for a few more minutes.
Step 7: Remove and Cool
Once the dhokla is fully cooked, turn off the heat and carefully remove the steamer plate from the pressure cooker. Allow the dhokla to cool for a few minutes before cutting it into desired shapes.
Now that you know how to steam dhokla in a pressure cooker, you can enjoy this delectable snack anytime. Serve it with chutney or as part of a larger meal. Happy cooking!
Preparing the Dhokla Batter
To make dhokla, you will first need to prepare the batter. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
1. Soak the rice and lentils:
Start by washing and soaking 1 cup of rice and 1/4 cup of split yellow lentils (moong dal) in water for about 3-4 hours. This will help soften them and make them easier to grind.
2. Grind the soaked lentils and rice:
After soaking, drain the water and grind the rice and lentils into a smooth paste. You can use a blender or a wet grinder for this. Add a little water if needed to achieve a smooth consistency.
3. Ferment the batter:
Transfer the ground batter into a large bowl and cover it with a clean cloth. Allow it to ferment overnight or for at least 8-10 hours. The fermentation process will make the batter light and fluffy.
4. Add the seasoning:
Once the batter is fermented, add salt as per taste and mix well. You can also add a pinch of citric acid or baking soda to enhance the fluffiness of the dhokla.
5. Prepare the steamer:
Meanwhile, prepare a pressure cooker or a steamer by adding water to the bottom and placing a stand inside. Make sure the water level does not touch the dhokla plates or container.
6. Grease the dhokla plates:
Grease the plates with a little oil to prevent the dhokla from sticking to it.
7. Pour the batter:
Pour the batter into the greased plates and spread it evenly using a spatula.
Now that your dhokla batter is ready, you can move on to the next step of steaming them in a pressure cooker. Remember to follow the instructions carefully to ensure that your dhoklas come out soft, spongy, and delicious.
Setting Up the Pressure Cooker for Steaming
Before starting the steaming process for Dhokla in a pressure cooker, you need to make sure that the cooker is set up correctly. Follow these steps:
- First, ensure that the pressure cooker is clean and free from any dirt or residue. Wash it thoroughly and dry it before use.
- Next, place the inner container or a stand into the pressure cooker. This will help to elevate the dhokla batter and prevent direct contact with the water.
- Add water to the pressure cooker. The quantity of water should be enough to generate steam but not so much that it submerges the dhokla batter. Around 1-2 cups of water should be sufficient.
- Make sure that the water level does not touch the bottom of the container or stand.
- Place the lid on the pressure cooker and ensure that it is securely locked.
- Set the pressure cooker on the stove and turn on the heat to medium-high.
- Allow the pressure cooker to create steam and reach the desired pressure. This can take 5-10 minutes depending on the size and type of pressure cooker.
Note: It’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific pressure cooker model when setting it up for steaming Dhokla.
Using a Whistle-Based Pressure Cooker
If you are using a whistle-based pressure cooker, wait for the whistle to blow. Once the whistle blows, reduce the heat to low and start the timer.
Tip: Steaming dhokla usually takes about 15-20 minutes, but it may vary depending on the thickness of the batter and the size of the dhokla tray.
Using a Weight-Based Pressure Cooker
If you are using a weight-based pressure cooker, wait for the weight to start rocking. Once it starts rocking, reduce the heat to low and start the timer.
Tip: Different pressure cooker models have different weights, so make sure to refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for the recommended cooking time.
Once the required steaming time is completed, turn off the heat and let the pressure release naturally before opening the pressure cooker. Carefully remove the dhokla tray or container from the pressure cooker and allow it to cool before cutting it into desired shapes.
Steaming the Dhokla and Serving
Once the batter is fermented, it’s time to steam the dhokla. Here’s how:
Steaming in a Pressure Cooker:
- Fill the pressure cooker with about 2 cups of water and place the stand or a small inverted plate inside.
- Grease a round or square cake tin with oil and pour the fermented batter into it, spreading it evenly.
- Place the cake tin on top of the stand or plate in the pressure cooker.
- Close the pressure cooker with its lid, without the gasket and weight.
- Steam the dhokla on medium heat for about 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Turn off the heat and let the pressure cooker cool down for a few minutes before opening it.
Serving the Dhokla:
Once the dhokla is steamed and cooled, it’s time to cut and serve it.
- Gently run a knife around the edges of the cake tin to loosen the dhokla.
- Place a serving plate on top of the cake tin and carefully flip it over to invert the dhokla onto the plate.
- Cut the dhokla into desired shapes, such as squares or diamonds.
- Garnish with chopped coriander leaves, grated coconut, and tempered mustard seeds for added flavor.
- Serve the dhokla as a snack or appetizer, with green chutney or tamarind chutney on the side.
Enjoy the soft and spongy dhokla with its tangy and spicy flavors!
FAQ
What ingredients do I need to make Dhokla?
To make Dhokla, you will need gram flour (besan), sour yogurt, green chillies, ginger, lemon juice, sugar, salt, turmeric powder, eno fruit salt, and water.
Can I steam Dhokla in a pressure cooker?
Yes, you can steam Dhokla in a pressure cooker. It is a quick and convenient method.
How long does it take to steam Dhokla in a pressure cooker?
It usually takes around 15-20 minutes to steam Dhokla in a pressure cooker. The exact time may vary depending on the size of the Dhokla and the pressure cooker used.
