Palak Dhokla

By: Admin Date: 12-Aug 2022 Reading Time: 4 Mins

Palak Dhokla is a savory steamed snack made from gram flour and spinach. This nutritious dish combines the earthy flavors of spinach with the spiced, fluffy texture of traditional dhokla. It’s a light, yet satisfying option that’s perfect for breakfast or as a snack.

For a Serving Size of Two:

Ingredients:

For the Dhokla Batter:

80 grams besan (gram flour)
50 grams spinach leaves, finely chopped
1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
1/2 teaspoon ginger-green chili paste
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon mustard seeds
1/4 teaspoon cumin seeds
1/4 teaspoon sugar (optional, for slight sweetness)
Salt to taste

For Fermentation:

150 grams plain yogurt
1 tablespoon lemon juice

For Tempering:

1 teaspoon oil
1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds
1/2 teaspoon sesame seeds
1-2 green chilies, slit
A few curry leaves

Procedure:

In a mixing bowl, combine besan, chopped spinach, turmeric powder, ginger-green chili paste, and salt. Mix well.
Add yogurt and lemon juice to the mixture. Stir to combine. The yogurt will help in natural fermentation, giving a slight rise to the batter. Cover the bowl with a cloth and let it sit in a warm place for 4-6 hours or overnight to ferment slightly. The batter should show bubbles and increase in volume.
Preheat the steamer or a large pot with a steaming rack. Grease a steaming dish or plate with oil.
Stir the fermented batter gently and pour it into the greased dish. Smooth the top with a spatula. Place the dish in the steamer and steam for about 15-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
In a small pan, heat oil. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter. Add sesame seeds, slit green chilies, and curry leaves. Sauté for a few seconds.
Once the dhokla is cooked, remove it from the steamer and let it cool slightly. Pour the prepared tempering over the dhokla and cut it into squares.
Serve the palak dhokla warm with green chutney or tamarind chutney.

Nutritional Benefits:

Palak Dhokla offers several health benefits due to its wholesome ingredients.
Spinach, rich in iron, calcium, and vitamins A and C, supports overall health and boosts immunity.
Gram flour provides a good source of protein and fiber, aiding in digestion and maintaining energy levels.
Yogurt enhances gut health with its probiotics, and the spices used in tempering add antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.
This low-oil, steamed snack is a great way to incorporate greens into your diet while enjoying a tasty, satisfying treat.

Nutritional Information: