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Instant Rava Dhokla (Steamed Savoury Semolina Cake)

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Instant Rava Dhokla is a quick and easy breakfast or a tea time snack which can be made in a jiffy. These are made with Rava or semolina. They are soft, fluffy steamed savoury cakes that can also be served as a side dish. They go as perfect finger food for toddlers and great healthy ideas for kid’s parties.

Rava Dhokla being served with Green Coriander Chutney and a cup of tea

What is Dhokla?

Dhokla is a vegetarian savory dish that is from the Indian state of Gujarat. Traditionally made with a fermented batter of rice and split chickpeas. As said they can be eaten for breakfast, main course, side dish, or as a snack. Generally served with spicy Green Coriander Chutney, Sweet and sour Imli (Tamarind) Chutney, and Fried Chillies.


What is Khaman?

Khaman is generally made using chickpea flour. Some say khaman is chura (like crumbled pieces of dhokla). Now as said in my earlier post on Instant Khaman Dhokla, there is a lot of confusion over what is khaman and dhokla and I choose to keep this discussion on the side :-).

Rava Dhokla being served with Green Coriander Chutney and a cup of tea


Typical Fermented Dhokla

So generally for Dhokla, rice and split chickpeas are soaked overnight in a particular ratio. The batter is then ground, fermented, spices added, and then cooked. It takes a day for this process but the result is a healthy and delicious snack. If you are looking for a typical recipe check out this Moong Dal Dhokla from Mayuri Jikoni’s Blog.

However sometimes due to time constraints or different reasons, we are not able to follow the step-by-step process. Sometimes you might have a sudden guest or your kids are hungry. During such moments, such snacks come in handy.  


Today’s recipe for Instant Dhokla

There are different types of dhokla prepared with different ingredients and ratios. One such favorite of mine is this Instant Rava Dhokla. All one has to do is mix the Rava with yogurt, and a few spices and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. Once done steam the batter in a steamer for 20 minutes and you are done. The tadka or the tempering is optional. Serve it hot with the chutney of your choice.

Close up look of 6 Rava Dhokla pieces being served in a plate

Can this be Vegan?

I have added a bit of homemade yogurt in this ferment which is not Vegan. However, you can add any vegan yogurt or simply skip the yogurt to make it Vegan.

Few More Dhokla recipes on my blog


Instant Recipes on my blog

Isn’t it simple? So if you are looking for such Instant recipes that are steamed and vegan here are a few more ideas. Like this Instant Ragi Idli which is calcium-rich due to Ragi or this Instant Semolina and Vermicelli Idli or this Instant Carrot and Semolina Idli which has the goodness of Carrots in it.


And if you are looking for some Instant Savory crepes or Instant Dosa, which can be served for guests try this Calcium-rich Instant Ragi Dosa, or this Vegan and Gluten-Free Instant Neer Dosa



The Theme

So this week’s Foodie Monday Bloghop group #251 theme is RavaRaaga. This wonderful theme was suggested by Aruna SarasChandra from VasusvegKitchen. Aruna has a wonderful collection of recipes and I have to try this Instant Rava Pizza from her blog which is yeast-free and kid’s favorite Rava Chocolate Cake


So here is the recipe for Instant Rava Dhokla | Savoury Semolina Cake

Rava Dhokla being served with Green Coriander Chutney and a cup of tea

Instant Rava Dhokla (Steamed Savoury Semolina Cake)

Instant Rava Dhokla (Savoury Semolina Cake) is a quick and easy breakfast, or a tea time snack or a steamed side dish which can be made in a jiffy.
5 from 11 votes
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Course: Breakfast, Main Course, Snacks
Cuisine: Gujarati, Indian
Keyword: Cooking with Kids, Instant, MakeAheadPartyIdeas, PartyFood, Rava, Semolina, Steamed, Toddler Food
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Soaking Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 1 (8 inch plate)
Author: Renu Agrawal-Dongre

Equipment

  • Steamer

Ingredients

  • 1 Cup Rava/Semolina (Coarser Variety)
  • ¼ Cup Curd/Yogurt (Vegan yogurt like coconut will go well or vegans can skip yogurt and replace it with water)
  • Salt to taste
  • 2-3 green chillies
  • ½ inch ginger
  • 1 teaspoon Eno
  • Water as required
  • 1 teaspoon oil for greasing the plates
  • Water For Steaming
  • 1 teaspoon Red chili powder or Black Pepper Powder Optional

For Tempering

  • 1 tablespoon Oil
  • 1 teaspoon Mustard Seeds
  • 8-10 Curry leaves
  • 1-2 green chillies chopped (optional – I have not used)

Instructions

  • In a large bowl add in the Rava, salt and yogurt and give everything a quick mix.
    1 Cup Rava/Semolina, ¼ Cup Curd/Yogurt (Vegan yogurt like coconut will go well or vegans can skip yogurt and replace it with water), Salt to taste
    Adding of yogurt and salt in Rava
  • Add water and make a smooth thick batter.
    Water as required
    The prepared batter pour in the plates
  • Let the batter rest for 10 minutes. This helps in rava soaking the yogurt and water.
  • In the meantime, in a steamer or wide pot put some water to boil. (About 3 cups of water)
    Water For Steaming
  • Grease 1, 8 inch steel plate which has a rim. The plate size should be according to your steamer vessel. It should fit in properly and you should be able to lift it.
  • The plate size can be smaller too. Be sure to divide the batter accordingly.
  • Grease the plate with oil.
    1 teaspoon oil for greasing the plates
  • Put the plate without the batter in the steamer. This is my mom’s tip. It heats up the plate and helps in making the dhokla nice and fluffy.
  • If you are making in batches, divide the batter accordingly.
  • After 10 mins, lightly crush the green chillies and ginger using a mortar and pestle. (one can use paste too)
    2-3 green chillies, ½ inch ginger
  • Add it in the batter. Once the water starts boiling, add 1 tsp Eno.
    1 teaspoon Eno
    Adding of eno in the batter
  • (Eno should be added to the batter just when you are ready to steam. Do not add it to the whole batter if you are making it in batches.)
  • Now add a tablespoon of water and mix everything.
  • Pour this batter on the prepared greased plate.
    The prepared batter pour in the plates
  • Sprinkle red chilli powder or black pepper powder if you like on the top, and put the plate with the batter in the steamer.
    1 teaspoon Red chili powder or Black Pepper Powder
    Dhokla plate in the steamer
  • Cover and steam for 10-12 minutes.
  • Once done remove and let it cool for 10 minutes.
    Dhokla being steamed and done and cooling down
  • After 10 minutes, cut the dhokla into desired shape. Do not remove from the plate yet, if you are doing the tempering.

Tempering

  • Add oil in a pan.
    1 tablespoon Oil
  • Once hot add in mustard seeds and let it splutter.
    1 teaspoon Mustard Seeds
  • Now add the curry leaves and chopped green chilies if using.
    8-10 Curry leaves, 1-2 green chillies chopped
    Tempering with oil, mustard seeds and curry leaves
  • Let it splutter.
  • Spread this mixture over the prepared and cut dhokla pieces.
    Tempering poured onto the cut slices of the dhokla pieces

Notes

  • Vegan yogurt like coconut will go well or vegans can skip yogurt and replace it with water
  • Sour Yogurt is preferred as it adds to taste.
  • Eno or fruit salt should be added just before steaming.
  • The thickness of the dhoklas can vary. One can make thin or thick. Pour the batter accordingly in the plates.
  • One can make multiple plates at once if you have the typical Dhokla Steamer.
  • If you have leftovers, you can add around a tsp of oil in a pan and slowly roast the dhokla on both sides until golden and crunchy. (I would say this is one of the best ways to enjoy them with a cup of tea)
Tried this recipe?Share your feedback @cookwithrenu_ad or tag #cookwithrenu_ad
Disclaimer: I am not a nutritionist. The nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. It varies depending upon the product types or brands.
Instant Rava Dhokla is a quick and easy breakfast or a tea time vegan snack which can be made in a jiffy. These are made with Rava or semolina. They are soft, fluffy steamed savory cakes which can also be served as a side dish. They go as perfect finger food for toddlers and great healthy ideas for kid's parties.


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Recipe Rating




Sasmita

Monday 22nd of June 2020

Rava dhokla looks so soft, spongy and delicious too renu. Loved your mom's tips. I will make this type of sooji dhokla next time as I do either besn or sooji + besan :)

Renu Agrawal-Dongre

Monday 22nd of June 2020

Thank You, yes I make besan + sooji and only sooji too.

NARMADHA

Monday 22nd of June 2020

I too make instant version only and it is simple and quick breakfast option. Dhokla looks so soft and love the texture which is perfect to enjoy anytime.

Renu Agrawal-Dongre

Monday 22nd of June 2020

Thank You

Vasusvegkitchen

Sunday 21st of June 2020

Nice write up Renu, instant Rava Dhokla looks spongy and fluffy, only once I tasted dhoklas that too long back. Your rava dhokla tempting me, surely will try it soon .

Swati

Saturday 20th of June 2020

This is such a delicious and quick snack for tea time or for in between hunger pangs, especially with kids.. your post has tempted me to make it soon as this is my personal favourite!!

Preethicuisine

Friday 19th of June 2020

Instant Rava Dhokla looks Super tempting. Beautifully explained . Instant recipes are a keepe for me .

Renu Agrawal-Dongre

Friday 19th of June 2020

Thank You