Khaman dhokla or simply khaman is a light, fluffy and soft Gujarati Farsan, a popular steamed snack from Gujarat. Made using Gram flour (besan), it just melts in the mouth. This instant version doesn't need fermentation, making it one of the easiest Indian snacks to prepare in under 30 minutes. Though it is a popular Gujarati farsan, it's loved across India.
Perfect as tea time snack, party pleaser and for potlucks. You can easily make, it is steamed, not fried and naturally light and guilt-free.
Check out my other Gujarati snacks in my website, khandvi recipe and Patra recipe. Goes well with this lip smacking easy green chutney.
Khaman Vs. Dhokla
Though I have named this as Dhokla commonly we know, in Gujarati households, Dhokla is something they make with fermented batter and cream in colour. This is called khaman, where we make it with besan and the instant version.
Very few people outside Gujarat know this difference. Also, khaman since instant version uses cooking soda giving it lighter texture.
Khaman Ingredients
Here are the ingredients needed:
- Besan - Gram flour - is ground chana dal. It is technically different from chickpea flour which is ground chickpeas while besan is fine flour made out of chana dal (Which is in turn split chickpeas without skin)
- Eno - fruit salt is added in the batter for fluffy and light texture.
- Curd - Plain yogurt, reacts and gives airy tiny bubbles. Since this is not fermented batter, curd helps with taste too.
- Lemon juice - Added for tart to balance taste and this reacts as well with the fruit salt or cooking soda.
See recipe card for full list with quantities.
So here's the Khaman dhokla recipe which I made from the recipe book I have…
Dhokla step by step images
- Firstly, crush ginger and green chilli to a paste.
- Secondly, take a flat bottomed vessel, (I used the cooker container) grease it generously with oil.
- After that, take besan in a mixing bowl.
- Then add the crushed ginger chilli, water, curd, lemon juice, turmeric, sugar and salt to it.
- Mix well furthermore and keep aside.
- After that, add the fruit salt to the besan mixture only at the time you are going to steam. Make sure to mix well.
Steam khaman
- Then, cook this mixture for 10-12 minutes.
- Insert a knife to check if its done. It should come out clean.
- Keep for 5 minutes to cool down and then invert to a plate. Cut into squares.
- Heat oil in a tadka pan. Once hot, add mustard, let it splutter. Then, add asafoetida, chillies to it.
- Then, spread it over the steamed khaman.
Optional step
- Add ¼ cup water and 1 tablespoon sugar to the tadka, bring to a boil. After that, spread (pour) it over the dhokla.
And serve it with green chutney. I cut them into squares, you can even cut it like we cut Pizza...
My notes
I have used eno to prepare instant khaman dhokla, you can use the blue plain flavour or green lemon flavour. Lemon flavour works best. Please note lemon flavor is slightly sweet but it goes well in this recipe.
If you want to replace eno, replace eno with ½ teaspoon cooking soda (Sodium bicarbonate) for this recipe measurements. I recently made these again and took for a potluck, thought of updating with video on how to make dhokla.
Top tips
- Make sure the fruit salt or sodium bicarbonate is a fresh stock. If it is not, then you may get a weird smell.
- Do not over mix the batter.
- After mixing, immediately steam, do not give standing time after mixing eno.
- Place inside the steamer after water boils.
- Add turmeric carefully or skip it completely.
Most probably the fruit salt or sodium bicarbonate did not work in the recipe. Make sure to use fresh batch.
To test yours, add a generous pinch to lemon juice and see if it briskly bubbles. Otherwise, change the brand.
Take note, Eno and cooking soda are not same. So do not add 1 & ½ teaspoon of cooking soda in place of eno. It will definitely go bad.
Do not reduce curd, lemon juice in the recipe.
Check out my Suji Dhokla Recipe
Recipe card
Khaman Dhokla recipe (Full video Recipe)
Equipments (Amazon Affiliate links)
Ingredients
- 1 cup Besan gram flour
- ½ cup Curd
- ½ cup Water
- 2 Green chilli
- 1 inch Ginger
- 1 teaspoon Sugar - 1 tsp
- 1 teaspoon Lemon juice - 1 tsp
- 1.5 teaspoon Eno fruit salt Refer notes
- Salt
- 1 pinch Turmeric powder optional
- 2 tablespoon Coriander leaves
- 3 tablespoon Coconut Optional
To temper
- 2 teaspoon Oil - 2 teaspoon
- ½ teaspoon Mustard - ½ tsp
- ⅛ teaspoon Asafoetida
Optional
- 1 tablespoon Sugar
- ¼ cup water
Instructions
- Firstly, crush ginger and green chilli to a paste.
- Secondly, take a flat bottomed vessel, (I used the cooker container) grease it generously with oil.
- After that, take besan in a mixing bowl.
- Then add the crushed ginger green chilli, water, curd, lemon juice, turmeric, sugar and salt to it.
- Mix well and keep aside.
- Add the eno salt to the besan mixture only at the time you are going to steam. Make sure to mix well.
Steam khaman
- Steam this mixture for 10-12 minutes.
- Insert a knife to check if its done. It should come out clean.
- Keep for 5 minutes to cool down and then invert to a plate. Cut into squares.
- Heat oil in a tadka pan. Once hot, add mustard, let it splutter. Then, add asafoetida, chillies to it.
- Spread it over the steamed khaman.
- Optional: Add ¼ cup water and 1 tablespoon sugar to the tadka, bring to a boil. Spread (pour) it over the dhokla.
Video
Notes
- You can add just 1 teaspoon Eno and see the batter is fluffy. If not, you can add additional ½ tsp.
- If you use excess water than mentioned then it will turn out gooey.
- Make sure to use ginger and asafoetida generously for nice aroma in khaman.
- You can even add asafoetida raw, in the batter. A pinch will be enough.
- Never add more turmeric, you may not tolerate that smell (experience 😉
- If you don't have eno fruit salt you can replace it with ½ teaspoon cooking soda.
- I love the juicy and sweet touch when we add sugar water. So do try once if you like it.
Premalatha Aravindhan says
Never had this till now,luks so perfect and Delicious...Love the second click,Cool:)
divya says
dhokla looks soft and delicious..yummy!!!
Reshmi Mahesh says
Dhokla looks so delicious...wanted to try this...will try your way and let you know..:)...Lovely clicks..
VineelaSiva says
Nice post waiting for this recipe.Thank u very much Rak.
Torviewtoronto says
delicious dhoklas bookmarking your recipe usually it does become gooey and not soft 🙂
Gayu says
Last time I made Dhokla, it was a big flop. I did not come out soft..I must try this version now..
Radhika says
For a first time you got it perfect Raji. Looks like neatly cut cakes that they sell in the bakeries. love this.
GEETHA ACHAL says
wow...The dhoklas looks so perfect and tempting to grab one...
Suhaina says
I too love dhokla with mint chutney, but had not posted yet...U are making me drool here...will be making it tonight.....wonderful clicks..love the bright yellow colour.
ANU says
awesome looking dokhla....very fluffy and yummy!
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Prathibha says
one of my snack..looks yumm..I make this when ever I dont have much time to make any snack and unexpected guests come over..:)
Hamaree Rasoi says
I use critic acid to make dhoklas but want to try your style of dhoklas soon..Looks very soft and perfect...Lovely clicks
Deepa
Hamaree Rasoi
Rekha shoban says
dhokla my favourite one...i used to do with readymix...urs looks perfect n soft...beautiful click!
aipi says
This is one of the best looking dhoklas I have seen ~ so so neat! Love it!USMasala
Tina says
Beautiful..... dear tried ur kaju katli yesterday...ws good and yummy ...
Divya Kudua says
Dhokla looks soft and spongy!
Sarah says
this is my favourite! love the clicks too!
Raji says
I usually make dhoklas with gits pack..but you have made it look easy with step by step pics. This looks super soft and spongy. Awesome clicks.
RENU says
Dhokla looks so soft and yummy!
priya ravi says
dhoklas look very delicious.. love the clicks 🙂
kanchana says
hai i tried your,naan,hotelsambar,tomato ghostu,veg kuruma,dum aloo everything comes very well my hubby like all the recipes.here in dhokla u mention the amount of kadala mavu 1 cup means how many grams.pls tell me mam.
RENU says
i tried 2 times to make dhokla,it didint came out well.i will make this dhokla...thanks.
jeyashrisuresh says
My fab snack. So finally u made this and it has come out so well and captured nicely
jayasree says
It has come out well- soft and spongy. As usual awesome clicks.
Valarmathi Sanjeev says
Beautiful click....yummy recipe...love dhokla...wish i could grab some from pic...looks perfect.
Sanctified Spaces says
Surely will give this a try. You are an awesome cook Raji...
Annapoorani says
Thanks a lot Raji.I tried it today and it turned out so well...Will post the snaps in my blog.once again thanks
Anukampa says
amazing colour and like the garnishing part .
dhokla looks soft and yummy
Indrani says
wow,looks super soft and spongy, Raks..just perfect snack with tea and in this type of Singapore weather, Isn't it? Pics are awesome
Indrani says
Hey, I've shared few well-deserved awards with you..pl. collect
Sharmilee! :) says
Perfected to the core...yummy looking dhokla. Havent tasted it but tempts me so much and beautiful clicks
Jayasri Ravi says
Lovely dhokla, perfectly made, I made this long time back twice, I don't know my kids don't like it at all :(, so I have stopped making it now!.
RAKS KITCHEN says
Hi kanchana,Thanks for your feedback...I had no clue about how much a cup of besan would weigh, but then my friends helped me out to find out. Its approximately 90 gms.
Paaka Shaale says
Even though I have tasted cholla many times, I have never made them at home. Your picture and the recipe istempting me to try them ASAP. 🙂
S.Menaga says
Dkola looks soo soft & perfect..love it anytime..
Priya says
Prefect looking dhoklas, fabulous clicks..
Prathima Rao says
Soft, fluffy & delicious dhoklas Raks!! And yup..MB`s tiffin varieties has some excellent recipes..OI love the noodles recipe too...
Prathima Rao
Prats Corner
Shanthi says
super soft and fluffy dhoklas... perfectly made
Lavi says
Excellent Dhokla's, Brilliant Pictures! Keep Rocking Raks!
Aarthi says
Hai dear..
This looks really spongy and soft...Thanks for the recipe
Muskaan at A2Z Healthy Vegetarian Cuisine says
Soft fluffy and delicious looking dhokla..
Cheers
Muskaan
Sudha Sabarish says
That's a yummy and super soft dhokla.
Ramya says
That has come out sooo well!!looks soo fluffy.
I love dhoklas with Mint chutney!!
Krithi's Kitchen says
Perfectly done... Very beautiful clicks too...
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Event: Serve It - Steamed
Suja says
Beautiful clicks,soft and tempting dhoklas..healthy breakfast
DEESHA says
Looks so good , I too use the same recipe
Nalini's Kitchen says
Soft and spongy dhoklas..lovely clicks..
Awesome recipes...glad to follow you.
Please do visit my space.
Aruna Manikandan says
looks perfect and very tempting raji 🙂
beautiful clicks as usual.
Hyma says
Dhoklas...one of my fav gujarati snack....looks yumm! thx for sharing:-)
Nags says
oh wow! you made it finally 🙂
Poornima Nair says
The dhoklas have turned out perfect...the best snack really!
Ammu's says
Tempting dhoklas. They look yummy & delicious.
Priti says
One of my fav..love this n urs looks very gud
Kaveri says
Super soft and spongy dhoklas..I too have been wanting to make it for quite some time now...will do it pretty soon
kanchana says
thank's alot Raji
Nimi SunilKumar says
Super tempting Clicks!
Luv ur Dhokla..:P
Premalatha Aravindhan says
Hi dear,
I have tagged u in 7 link game,please do stop by and collect them...
Luv,
Prema
Now Serving says
Fav any time of day - delicious, Raji 🙂
Uma says
This looks fantabulous! It reminds me of my fav dhokla of Gangotri shop.Love them absolutely.
Cheers,
Uma
Archana says
Peeeeeeeeeerfect .Love them.
Do check out my event and send me your entries.
Aruna says
looks too good... Raks got a request. Can you post the recipe for Singapore rice noodles (vegetarian version) pleaseeeeeeeeee
Alpana says
Came across your space today . You have such a beautiful space with awesome recipes & nice presentation. Thanks for sharing.
Visit me at smart-snacks.blogspot.com
Sri says
As per ur measurement...soda was too much...it dint turn out well for me.....
RAKS KITCHEN says
Sri, I just noted down what I added. I always use measuring spoons to be precise, and make sure I write what I did .I am not sure why it dint turn out well.
diana919 says
What is "curd?"
RAKS KITCHEN says
plain yogurt
Sobha Shyam says
I prepared this yesterday and the dhoklas came out great..my husband just loved it..Thanks for the recipe. I have posted it in my space today and linked to your recipe. Just one thing..you haven't mentioned lemon juice in the procedure.
RAKS KITCHEN says
Thanks shoba, will edit to add 🙂
FoodEpix says
Looks delicious. Would love for you to share this with us over at foodepix.com.
Nupur says
Tempting pics !! I made Dhokla often and love the simplicity of the Snack.
You can link it to my new event New Year- New Dish
Rupa says
after mixing the ingredients any the resting time required before you actually do the steaming ? pls let me know.
thanks.
Padma says
What is Eno fruit salt? ... 🙂
RAKS KITCHEN says
It can be found in medical section in stores where you find gelusil and all those things. It's given for gastric problem. Just like soda.
Varsha aka Rain says
Hi Raks,
Tried it at home and came out very good. Thanks for the receipe.
Ramya says
Fantastic recipe, came out great! This is going to be a regular at my house from today, thank you!
Chidambara selvi T says
Hi Raks, I tried this out today and the taste was good.. but i had one issue that it did nit stay in shape they were all falling apart.. is this something to do with the fruit salt measurement ??
RAKS KITCHEN says
If It was gooey, then water could have been more, if it was too soft to handle, may be it should be more of the fruit salt.
nups says
i tried ur dhokla recipe..it was soo yummyy
thnx a lot..:)
Anonymous says
Dear Raks, Made Dhoklas yesterday using your recipe. They came out well and thanks for sharing the recipe.
Anonymous says
Dear Raks, Made these dhoklas yesterday and they came out very well...Thanks for sharing the recipe
Unknown says
Hi there,
I really like your recipe for dhokla and really appreciated all the detail. I will post a link to your recipe on my own besan dhokla recipe, do take a look when you can. I have also recently published a cookbook on healthy Indian food.
http://cook2jhoom.wordpress.com/2011/08/25/besan-dhokla-and-nutrition/
Best wishes,
Cheeku Bhasin
Hema Ram says
Dear Raks, is there an alternative to the Besan flour...i am allergic to besan/gram products. Tnx
RAKS KITCHEN says
You can try sooji ( chiroti rava) and see. You may need to vary the measurements accordingly ...
Chella KS Nathan says
hi, have you tried it with soda? it never fluffed up and stuck to the pan 🙁 I can never find eno here 🙁
Meenal Ramanathan says
should the batter need resting time
RAKS KITCHEN says
No it doestnt. Infact, after adding eno, u have to make immediately.
kala eswar says
I tried it today but it tasted bitter.Not sure what went wrong.I added baking powder instead of eno.Not sure if that was the reason:)
RAKS KITCHEN says
Oh, sorry about your experience. I am too not sure about what could be the reason!
RAKS KITCHEN says
ym can try using 1/2 tsp of baking soda, I havent tried baking powder.
Sowmya Sundararajan says
Raaji........... Super.
PriyaVaasu says
Looks very inviting!!!Love your clicks raks!!!
Unknown says
Can I use baking powder instead of eno salt??
Vandana Raghavan says
Hi.... i made Dhokla using just what u mentioned (water used was a lil less), the dhoklas became a hit with my hubby wiping the whole bowl of it all by himself (I had to steal from what was kept for my mother-in-law). I am making dhoklas for the first time in my life 🙂 Thank u soooooo much.
Shweta says
Hi ...I tried this recipe...came out really well 🙂 Thank u!!
caroline desa says
Hi.. excellent recipe.. thanks for sharing ur recipe.
vikramadevi says
hi, i tried ur dhokla recipe today. it came out very yummy.... thanks.
vikramadevi says
Hi I tried this dhokla recipe...came out very yummy 🙂 Thank u!
bugs says
Tried it without the sugar and 1/2 sachet of antacid powder and came out well. Thank you for the recipe. Here is mine
http://remaha.blogspot.com/2013/07/dhokla.html
kala eswar says
I tried this Dhokla and came out really good.Thanks for the detailed steps.Love your website.
darshan says
the bottom part of dhokla is like rubber what to do.....????
anam says
is there a substitute for eno?
anam says
is there a substitute for eno?
Raks anand says
Cooking soda can help I think. 1/2 tsp may be.
Srigeetha P says
Hi.. I tried this recipe using pressure cooker 3ltrs.. It did,not work.. So tried with idly cooker but even that took alot of time but not cooked completely... ! 🙁
Hema Ram says
Hi! my husband is allergic to besan flour. I always wanted to try this recipe & i love the taste of the dhokla. i also want my hubby to give it a try, but for the besan. Is there an alternative to the besan like moong dal flour or so...
Raks anand says
There are rava dhokla recipes. I will post sooner or later sure.
sandeep narayan Tiwari says
Hey raks i m trying this today so let see...hope for best...finger cross
Pg88 says
Hi,
What is the alternate for grinding chilli and ginger? I am yet to buy a mixer. 🙁
Is there any other way to add chilli and ginger apart from grinding it?
Please let me know
Thanks in advance
Raks anand says
You can chop it really finely.
Jayati Sharma says
This recipe measurement is for 2 people. How much more do I add for 6 people.
USHA ANAND says
good recipe
renuka says
Mam, how long can I store this recipe in shelf or refrigerator ?? shall I have this without any side dish ??
Raks anand says
Within a day means no need to keep refrigerated. Without side dish is your choice, if you like you can 🙂
Anu S says
Nice presentation.
Anu S says
Nice recipe
Jolly Peter says
Thank You for the recipe, but by kids verdict was that the chana taste was very over powering. Any suggestions
Raks anand says
Adding asafoetida generously might help. If you added turmericnext time skip it
Roshni Pal says
Can i prepare dhoklas using the electric cooker than the pressure cooker? if yes, then how much time?
Happy new year to u:) looking forward to many more delicacies from your end 🙂
Raks anand says
You have to use the Steam option. As I have not tried I have no idea. But 20-Mins You can try and check after that.
dhwani says
how much take time to steam dhokla
KAVITHA P says
aunty iam going to ask my mother to do dokala
Neeraja Swetha says
Hi Raks,
I have tried this Dhokla and it came out amazingly well. Thanks for the recipe and detailed description.
Preeti Dilip says
Hi Raks,
Tried this recipe and the taste of the dhokla was good. The one issue I had was the dhokla was dense. Denser than store bought for sure.
Can you suggest some changes I need to incorporate, please?
Thanks
Raks anand says
More eno, lemon juice or curd. It should react to form bubbles which gives you the spongy texture. Also make as soon as you mix. Keep the batter inside steamer only after the water boils.
Preethi Lokesh says
hi raks, tried your receipe now. it came out very well. loved the taste. thanks for the receipe. kids wanted it more sweeter. so i pored some warm sugar syrup on it. had seen this somewhere. it was good.
ROHINI says
Hi raks..
Can you post a microwave version of preparing dhokla.. Tia
Adesara Sweta says
I made it today it came out so good tht my family loved it... will share my pic soon.
Hitendra says
Wow first time my dhokla were really fluffy thanks you
Raks Anand says
Thanks for the feedback