Vegan Steamed Dhokla

Light, fluffy, and bursting with flavor, Vegan Steamed Dhokla is a delightful plant-based twist on the classic Gujarati snack. Made with protein-rich chickpea flour and the perfect blend of spices like turmeric, ginger, and green chili paste, this savory cake is gently steamed to preserve its soft texture and golden hue. A quick tempering of mustard seeds, curry leaves, and sesame seeds adds an irresistible crunch, while a garnish of fresh cilantro and optional grated coconut takes it to the next level. Naturally gluten-free with the option to swap semolina for rice flour, this recipe is a healthier, wholesome choice for any occasion. Serve it with zesty green chutney or tangy tamarind dip, and you’ve got a wonderfully versatile dish that’s perfect as an appetizer, snack, or light meal. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Indian cuisine or discovering it for the first time, this easy Vegan Steamed Dhokla recipe will steal the show!

Nutriscore Rating: 67/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup Chickpea flour (besan)
• 2 tablespoons Semolina (sooji) or rice flour (for gluten-free option)
• 1 cup Non-dairy yogurt
• 0.5 cup Water
• 1 teaspoon Ginger paste
• 1 teaspoon Green chili paste
• 0.25 teaspoon Turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Baking soda or Eno fruit salt
• 1 teaspoon Lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons Oil (for greasing and tempering)
• 1 teaspoon Mustard seeds
• 8 leaves Curry leaves
• 1 teaspoon Sesame seeds
• 2 chilies Green chilies (slit)
• 2 tablespoons Chopped cilantro (for garnish)
• 2 tablespoons Grated coconut (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

In a mixing bowl, combine chickpea flour, semolina (or rice flour), non-dairy yogurt, and water. Whisk well to form a smooth batter without lumps.

Step 2

Add ginger paste, green chili paste, turmeric powder, and salt to the batter. Mix thoroughly and let it rest for 10 minutes.

Step 3

Prepare a steamer by boiling water in the base and greasing a round or square steaming tray with oil. Set it aside.

Step 4

Before steaming, add baking soda or Eno fruit salt to the batter. Add lemon juice on top of the soda/Eno to activate it. Mix briskly but gently until bubbles form and the batter becomes light and airy.

Step 5

Pour the batter immediately into the greased steaming tray and spread evenly. Do not overmix.

Step 6

Place the tray in the steamer and steam for 15-18 minutes on medium heat. To check doneness, insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean.

Step 7

Once cooked, remove the tray from the steamer and let it cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing into squares or diamond shapes.

Step 8

For tempering, heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a small pan. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter. Then add curry leaves, sesame seeds, and slit green chilies. Sauté for a few seconds.

Step 9

Pour the tempering evenly over the steamed dhokla pieces.

Step 10

Garnish with chopped cilantro and grated coconut, if using. Serve warm or at room temperature with green chutney or sweet tamarind chutney.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(608.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1135.4

Total Fat 56.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 14.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.7g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 3186.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 124.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 20.6g	0%
Total Sugars 35.8g
Protein 38.3g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 347.9mg	0%
Iron 8.9mg	0%
Potassium 1751.8mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 43.7%

Protein: 13.2%

Carbs: 43.1%