Cumin-Scented Steamed Chickpea Dhokla

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A light, spongy steamed cake made from fermented chickpea flour batter, infused with cumin and fresh herbs for a perfect savory breakfast or snack. This indian-inspired vegetarian ready in about 30 minutes pairs Chickpea flour, Yogurt, Water for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.1 (12 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Indian cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together 1 cup chickpea flour, 1/4 cup yogurt, 1/2 cup water, 1/4 tsp turmeric powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp cumin seeds until smooth with no lumps, then cover and let rest at room temperature for 12 hours to ferment.
  2. Step 2: After fermentation, stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh coriander leaves, 1 finely chopped green chili, and 1/2 tsp baking soda until the batter is smooth and bubbly.
  3. Step 3: Grease a 8-inch round steamer dish with 1 tbsp oil, pour in the batter, and smooth the top with a spatula.
  4. Step 4: Place the dish in a pot with 2 inches of simmering water, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and steam over medium heat for 20 minutes until firm and springy when lightly pressed.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Cumin-Scented Steamed Chickpea Dhokla take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Cumin-Scented Steamed Chickpea Dhokla?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep chickpea flour from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cumin-Scented Steamed Chickpea Dhokla?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Cumin-Scented Steamed Chickpea Dhokla for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Cumin-Scented Steamed Chickpea Dhokla vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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