Idli-shaped Dhoklas

Dhokla, originally a Gujarati dish, is very easy to make and serves as a light evening snack. I used to avoid making it since I didn't have the right vessels (flat steel vessel and big pressure cooker). But after I tried it in the microwaveable idli maker, I found it really easy and convenient. You can find this idli maker in any kitchenware shop in India. I use the Gits dhokla mix (or any other gujju dhokla mix) available in Indian stores just coz of laziness to make it from scratch :P and convenience. You can find the procedure to make it from scratch by googling other dhokla recipes J

Ingredients:

1 Gits dhokla mix packet

Oil for seasoning

Mustard seeds, jeera seeds

Curry leaves

Coriander (cilantro)

Red chilly powder or green chillies

Til (sesame seeds)

Hing (Asophoetida)

Fresh coconut (opt)

Method:

Follow the method mentioned on the cover of the Gits dhokla mix i.e. add water to the mix and keep for 10 min. Beware of the consistency- if you make it too thin, it will drop out of the stand and if you make it too thick, the dhoklas will become stones :P. In this 10 min time, grease the idli stand with oil and keep it ready. You can also start preparing for the seasoning on the side. After 10 min, put batter in the idli maker (similar to how you do for idlis) and keep it in microwave for 5 min.

Seasoning – Heat some oil in a small tadka kadhai. Add mustard, jeera, hing, curry leaves, chillies or chilly powder, til and turn off the heat before it starts burning. Add some water to this mixture (this prevents dhoklas from becoming dry) and very little salt and sugar as per taste. Remember the mix already has salt and sugar.

Remove dhoklas from the idli maker after checking that they are cooked from inside. Pour this mixture evenly on top of these dhoklas. Garnish with coriander and fresh coconut.

Goes well with mint or tamarind chutney