Cumin-Spiced Gram Flour Steamed Cake

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

A light, fluffy steamed cake made from fermented chickpea flour batter, infused with cumin seeds and fresh herbs for a delicate savory flavor. This indian-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian, gluten-free) ready in about 50 minutes layers chickpea flour, water, plain yogurt into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 4, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. 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.

Prep: 25 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Indian cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1 cup chickpea flour, 1/2 cup water, 1/4 cup plain yogurt, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder, 1/4 teaspoon cumin seeds, 1/4 teaspoon mustard seeds, 1/4 teaspoon asafoetida, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Whisk until smooth, then stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh coriander and 1/4 cup finely chopped green chilies. Cover and rest at room temperature for 20 minutes to ferment.
  2. Step 2: Lightly grease an 8x8-inch baking dish with 1 tablespoon oil. Pour the batter into the dish and smooth the surface.
  3. Step 3: Place the dish in a steamer over a pot of boiling water, ensuring water doesn't touch the dish. Cover and steam over medium heat for 20-25 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  4. Step 4: Remove from steamer, cool for 5 minutes, then cut into squares and serve warm.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Cumin-Spiced Gram Flour Steamed Cake take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (25 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.

How do I store leftover Cumin-Spiced Gram Flour Steamed Cake?

Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cumin-Spiced Gram Flour Steamed Cake?

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-Spiced Gram Flour Steamed Cake 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-Spiced Gram Flour Steamed Cake vegetarian?

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

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