Khaman dhokla or simply khaman is an instant version steamed snack. Light, spongy and soft Gujarati Farsaan is a popular snack across India.

Perfect tea time snack, party pleaser and for get togethers. You can easily make, everyone will love it!
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.
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.
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.
So here’s the Khaman dhokla recipe which I made from the recipe book I have…
Step by step images
Prep
- 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.
Make batter
- 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.
Tempering
- 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...
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.
Recipe card
Khaman Dhokla 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
Prep
- 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.
Make batter
- 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.
Tempering
- 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 step
- 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
Never had this till now,luks so perfect and Delicious...Love the second click,Cool:)
divya
dhokla looks soft and delicious..yummy!!!
Reshmi Mahesh
Dhokla looks so delicious...wanted to try this...will try your way and let you know..:)...Lovely clicks..
VineelaSiva
Nice post waiting for this recipe.Thank u very much Rak.
Torviewtoronto
delicious dhoklas bookmarking your recipe usually it does become gooey and not soft 🙂
Gayu
Last time I made Dhokla, it was a big flop. I did not come out soft..I must try this version now..
Radhika
For a first time you got it perfect Raji. Looks like neatly cut cakes that they sell in the bakeries. love this.
GEETHA ACHAL
wow...The dhoklas looks so perfect and tempting to grab one...
Suhaina
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
awesome looking dokhla....very fluffy and yummy!
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Prathibha
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
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
dhokla my favourite one...i used to do with readymix...urs looks perfect n soft...beautiful click!
aipi
This is one of the best looking dhoklas I have seen ~ so so neat! Love it!USMasala
Tina
Beautiful..... dear tried ur kaju katli yesterday...ws good and yummy ...
Divya Kudua
Dhokla looks soft and spongy!
Sarah
this is my favourite! love the clicks too!
Raji
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
Dhokla looks so soft and yummy!
priya ravi
dhoklas look very delicious.. love the clicks 🙂
kanchana
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
i tried 2 times to make dhokla,it didint came out well.i will make this dhokla...thanks.
jeyashrisuresh
My fab snack. So finally u made this and it has come out so well and captured nicely
jayasree
It has come out well- soft and spongy. As usual awesome clicks.
Valarmathi Sanjeev
Beautiful click....yummy recipe...love dhokla...wish i could grab some from pic...looks perfect.
Sanctified Spaces
Surely will give this a try. You are an awesome cook Raji...
Annapoorani
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
amazing colour and like the garnishing part .
dhokla looks soft and yummy
Indrani
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
Hey, I've shared few well-deserved awards with you..pl. collect
Sharmilee! :)
Perfected to the core...yummy looking dhokla. Havent tasted it but tempts me so much and beautiful clicks
Jayasri Ravi
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
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
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
Dkola looks soo soft & perfect..love it anytime..
Priya
Prefect looking dhoklas, fabulous clicks..
Prathima Rao
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
super soft and fluffy dhoklas... perfectly made
Lavi
Excellent Dhokla's, Brilliant Pictures! Keep Rocking Raks!
Aarthi
Hai dear..
This looks really spongy and soft...Thanks for the recipe
Muskaan at A2Z Healthy Vegetarian Cuisine
Soft fluffy and delicious looking dhokla..
Cheers
Muskaan
Sudha Sabarish
That's a yummy and super soft dhokla.
Ramya
That has come out sooo well!!looks soo fluffy.
I love dhoklas with Mint chutney!!
Krithi's Kitchen
Perfectly done... Very beautiful clicks too...
Krithi's Kitchen
Event: Serve It - Steamed
Suja
Beautiful clicks,soft and tempting dhoklas..healthy breakfast
DEESHA
Looks so good , I too use the same recipe
Nalini's Kitchen
Soft and spongy dhoklas..lovely clicks..
Awesome recipes...glad to follow you.
Please do visit my space.
Aruna Manikandan
looks perfect and very tempting raji 🙂
beautiful clicks as usual.
Hyma
Dhoklas...one of my fav gujarati snack....looks yumm! thx for sharing:-)
Nags
oh wow! you made it finally 🙂
Poornima Nair
The dhoklas have turned out perfect...the best snack really!
Ammu's
Tempting dhoklas. They look yummy & delicious.
Priti
One of my fav..love this n urs looks very gud
Kaveri
Super soft and spongy dhoklas..I too have been wanting to make it for quite some time now...will do it pretty soon
kanchana
thank's alot Raji
Nimi SunilKumar
Super tempting Clicks!
Luv ur Dhokla..:P
Premalatha Aravindhan
Hi dear,
I have tagged u in 7 link game,please do stop by and collect them...
Luv,
Prema
Now Serving
Fav any time of day - delicious, Raji 🙂
Uma
This looks fantabulous! It reminds me of my fav dhokla of Gangotri shop.Love them absolutely.
Cheers,
Uma
Archana
Peeeeeeeeeerfect .Love them.
Do check out my event and send me your entries.
Aruna
looks too good... Raks got a request. Can you post the recipe for Singapore rice noodles (vegetarian version) pleaseeeeeeeeee
Alpana
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
As per ur measurement...soda was too much...it dint turn out well for me.....
RAKS KITCHEN
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
What is "curd?"
RAKS KITCHEN
plain yogurt
Sobha Shyam
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
Thanks shoba, will edit to add 🙂
FoodEpix
Looks delicious. Would love for you to share this with us over at foodepix.com.
Nupur
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
after mixing the ingredients any the resting time required before you actually do the steaming ? pls let me know.
thanks.
Padma
What is Eno fruit salt? ... 🙂
RAKS KITCHEN
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
Hi Raks,
Tried it at home and came out very good. Thanks for the receipe.
Ramya
Fantastic recipe, came out great! This is going to be a regular at my house from today, thank you!
Chidambara selvi T
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
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
i tried ur dhokla recipe..it was soo yummyy
thnx a lot..:)
Anonymous
Dear Raks, Made Dhoklas yesterday using your recipe. They came out well and thanks for sharing the recipe.
Anonymous
Dear Raks, Made these dhoklas yesterday and they came out very well...Thanks for sharing the recipe
Unknown
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
Dear Raks, is there an alternative to the Besan flour...i am allergic to besan/gram products. Tnx
RAKS KITCHEN
You can try sooji ( chiroti rava) and see. You may need to vary the measurements accordingly ...
Chella KS Nathan
hi, have you tried it with soda? it never fluffed up and stuck to the pan 🙁 I can never find eno here 🙁
Meenal Ramanathan
should the batter need resting time
RAKS KITCHEN
No it doestnt. Infact, after adding eno, u have to make immediately.
kala eswar
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
Oh, sorry about your experience. I am too not sure about what could be the reason!
RAKS KITCHEN
ym can try using 1/2 tsp of baking soda, I havent tried baking powder.
Sowmya Sundararajan
Raaji........... Super.
PriyaVaasu
Looks very inviting!!!Love your clicks raks!!!
Unknown
Can I use baking powder instead of eno salt??
Vandana Raghavan
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
Hi ...I tried this recipe...came out really well 🙂 Thank u!!
caroline desa
Hi.. excellent recipe.. thanks for sharing ur recipe.
vikramadevi
hi, i tried ur dhokla recipe today. it came out very yummy.... thanks.
vikramadevi
Hi I tried this dhokla recipe...came out very yummy 🙂 Thank u!
bugs
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
I tried this Dhokla and came out really good.Thanks for the detailed steps.Love your website.
darshan
the bottom part of dhokla is like rubber what to do.....????
anam
is there a substitute for eno?
anam
is there a substitute for eno?
Raks anand
Cooking soda can help I think. 1/2 tsp may be.
Srigeetha P
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
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
There are rava dhokla recipes. I will post sooner or later sure.
sandeep narayan Tiwari
Hey raks i m trying this today so let see...hope for best...finger cross
Pg88
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
You can chop it really finely.
Jayati Sharma
This recipe measurement is for 2 people. How much more do I add for 6 people.
USHA ANAND
good recipe
renuka
Mam, how long can I store this recipe in shelf or refrigerator ?? shall I have this without any side dish ??
Raks anand
Within a day means no need to keep refrigerated. Without side dish is your choice, if you like you can 🙂
Anu S
Nice presentation.
Anu S
Nice recipe
Jolly Peter
Thank You for the recipe, but by kids verdict was that the chana taste was very over powering. Any suggestions
Raks anand
Adding asafoetida generously might help. If you added turmericnext time skip it
Roshni Pal
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
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
how much take time to steam dhokla
KAVITHA P
aunty iam going to ask my mother to do dokala
Neeraja Swetha
Hi Raks,
I have tried this Dhokla and it came out amazingly well. Thanks for the recipe and detailed description.
Preeti Dilip
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
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
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
Hi raks..
Can you post a microwave version of preparing dhokla.. Tia
Adesara Sweta
I made it today it came out so good tht my family loved it... will share my pic soon.
Hitendra
Wow first time my dhokla were really fluffy thanks you
Raks Anand
Thanks for the feedback