How to Make Besan Dhokla In Oven Recipe: Simple and Delicious!

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Once you eat this spongy, flavorful besan dhokla, no other savory cake will be good enough. Besan means gram flour in Hindi, and this gluten-free, vegetarian recipe uses this chickpea flour as a base ingredient to make this spongy, savory cake. Dhokla or Khaman is an important part of Gujarati cuisine and is a popular tea-time snack or ‘farsan’ as they call it. Gujaratis take their snacks very seriously and if this besan dhokla does not prove that, I don’t know what will. While most dhoklas are steamed, you can totally make it in your oven or toaster oven. Let us see how to do that with this besan dhokla in oven recipe.

Most dhoklas follow the same general formula. They need a batter consisting of flour and some rising agent like baking powder or ENO fruit salt. Some also like to ferment their batter overnight, but it all depends on your preference. You then steam the batter in a cake tin and get a spongy cake. This cake is then tempered with syrup that consists of traditional Indian spices. This is what makes this recipe so unique. A traditional steamer is generally used for this recipe, but don’t worry if you do not have that. With this besan dhokla in oven recipe, your oven will do all the work.

Ingredients For Besan Dhokla In (OTG) Oven Recipe

Batter Ingredients

Chickpea flour is the main ingredient in the batter, which gives it a nutty and slightly bitter flavor. Salt enhances the taste of the batter and helps to bring out the flavors of the other ingredients. Turmeric adds a bright yellow color and mild earthy flavor to the batter. Water is used to mix the batter, and it helps to bind the chickpea flour and other ingredients together. Eno fruit salt acts as a leavening agent, which helps the batter to rise and become fluffy.

Dhokla Syrup Ingredients

Oil is used for tempering the syrup and adds a mild nutty flavor to the Besan Dhokla. Mustard seeds add a pungent and slightly bitter flavor to the syrup. Green chilies add a spicy kick and contribute to the overall flavor of the syrup. Curry leaves add a subtle nutty and aromatic flavor, while asafoetida adds a pungent and savory flavor. Salt enhances the taste of the syrup and helps to balance the sweetness of the sugar. Sugar adds a sweet flavor to the syrup, while lemon juice adds a tangy and citrusy flavor to balance the sweetness.

Garnish Ingredients

Coriander leaves add a fresh and aromatic flavor that compliments the coconut resulting in a sweet and nutty flavor that tops the dhokla. A topping of Sev adds a crispy and crunchy texture to the dish.

Step By Step Instructions For Besan Dhokla In Oven Recipe

For the Dhokla Batter

To start, preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).

First, sift the besan into a large mixing bowl.

Then, add salt, turmeric, and water as required to make a smooth batter.

Mix well to remove any lumps.

Next, grease a baking pan with 1 tsp of oil and set it aside.

After that, add Eno fruit salt to the dhokla batter and mix well. You can also add baking powder in twice the quantity of the Eno fruit salt.

Then pour the batter into the greased baking pan.

Place the baking pan in a large pan filled with hot water. The water level should reach halfway up the sides of the baking pan.

Then bake the Besan dhokla in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes or until it is fully soft.

To check the dhokla, insert a toothpick or knife into the center of the dhokla. If it comes out clean, then it is done.

Once the dhokla is cooked, remove it from the oven and then let it cool down for 5-10 minutes.

After cooling, remove the dhokla from the pan and cut it into pieces. Set it aside.

For the Dhokla Syrup

To make the syrup, heat 1 tsp of oil over medium heat in a small pan.

Then add mustard seeds, curry leaves, green chilies, and asafoetida to the hot oil. Stir well and cook for 1-2 minutes until the mustard seeds start to crackle.

Next, add water, sugar, and salt to the pan and stir well to combine.

Bring the syrup to a boil and let it cook for 2-3 minutes.

Then turn off the flame and add lemon juice to the syrup. Mix well.

Pour the syrup over the Besan dhokla pieces.

Finally, garnish with freshly grated coconut, coriander leaves, and sev.

Serve and enjoy your delicious Besan Dhokla!

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving Besan Dhokla, there are many options to choose from. First, as a snack or appetizer, you can serve it with green chutney or tamarind chutney, which will complement its tangy and spicy flavors. Additionally, serving a sweet cake like Thandai cake or bundt cake for contrast along with the dhokla and a cup of hot chai or coffee can add to the overall tea-time experience. If you are looking for a complete meal, you can serve the dhokla with a side of mixed vegetable salad or raita, which will balance out the flavors and textures. Moreover, to add some crunchiness to the dish, you can top it with some crushed peanuts or cashews.

Storage Suggestions

Besan Dhokla In Oven Recipe should be stored like any other dhokla, you should let it cool down completely and then transfer it to an airtight container. You can refrigerate the dhokla for up to 3-4 days, but it is best to consume it within 24-48 hours for maximum freshness and flavor. When you are ready to serve, you can steam it for a few minutes or microwave it for 20-30 seconds to make it soft and fluffy again. If you want to store the dhokla for a longer time, you can freeze it for up to 2-3 weeks. Just wrap the individual pieces in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in a freezer-safe container. When you are ready to serve, thaw the dhokla in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat it as desired.

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