How to Prepare Perfect Dhokla in a Pressure Cooker- A Step-by-Step Guide

How to Prepare Dhokla in Cooker

Dhokla, a popular Indian snack, is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that can be prepared using a pressure cooker. Made from a fermented batter of gram flour, yogurt, and spices, dhokla is known for its soft, spongy texture and tangy flavor. Whether you are a beginner in the kitchen or an experienced cook, this recipe will guide you through the process of preparing dhokla in a cooker. Let’s dive into the steps and ingredients needed to make this delightful snack.

Ingredients

To prepare dhokla in a cooker, you will need the following ingredients:

– 1 cup gram flour (besan)
– 1/2 cup yogurt (curd)
– 1/4 cup water
– 1/4 cup besan for dusting
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
– 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
– 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
– Salt to taste
– 1 tablespoon oil
– Green chilies, finely chopped (optional)
– Fresh coriander leaves, finely chopped (optional)

Instructions

1.

Prepare the Batter:

– In a large bowl, mix the gram flour and yogurt.
– Gradually add water while whisking the mixture until it reaches a smooth, flowing consistency. The batter should be thick but not too thick.
– Add the baking soda, turmeric powder, red chili powder, cumin powder, and salt to the batter. Mix well.
– Let the batter sit for about 30 minutes to ferment. This fermentation process is crucial for the tangy flavor of dhokla.

2.

Prepare the Cooker:

– Grease a plate or a flat baking dish with oil.
– Place a cloth or a muslin cloth over the plate or dish and sprinkle some besan on it. This will help in removing the dhokla easily after cooking.

3.

Cook the Dhokla:

– Add 1 tablespoon of oil to the pressure cooker.
– Heat the oil and then add the fermented batter to the cooker.
– Place the plate or dish with the cloth and besan on top of the batter.
– Close the lid of the pressure cooker and cook on high heat for about 10-12 minutes. The pressure cooker should be on full steam.
– After the cooking time, turn off the heat and let the pressure release naturally for about 5 minutes.
– Once the pressure is released, carefully remove the plate or dish from the cooker.

4.

Remove and Serve:

– Carefully remove the cloth and besan from the plate or dish.
– Using a knife, cut the dhokla into desired shapes and sizes.
– Serve the dhokla hot with green chilies, coriander leaves, and a side of chutney or sauce.

Enjoy your delicious and easy-to-make dhokla prepared in a cooker!