Gujarati Steamed Lentil Cakes with Coconut

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

Soft, savory cakes made from urad dal and coconut, lightly fried for a golden crust and served warm with a hint of spice. This indian-inspired vegetarian ready in about 25 minutes layers urad dal, fresh coconut, onion 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 220 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.

★ 4.5 (10 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Indian cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Soak 1 cup urad dal for 4 hours, then drain. Blend with 1/2 cup fresh coconut, 1/4 cup chopped onion, 1 green chili finely chopped, 1/2 tsp cumin seeds, 1/2 tsp turmeric, 1/4 tsp asafoetida, salt to taste, and 1/4 cup water until smooth.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1/2 tbsp oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Pour in the batter and cook for 2 minutes until bottom is golden.
  3. Step 3: Flip and cook for another 2 minutes until other side is golden.
  4. Step 4: Cut into wedges and serve warm.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Gujarati Steamed Lentil Cakes with Coconut take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 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 Gujarati Steamed Lentil Cakes with Coconut?

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 Gujarati Steamed Lentil Cakes with Coconut?

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 Gujarati Steamed Lentil Cakes with Coconut 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.

What goes well with Gujarati Steamed Lentil Cakes with Coconut?

Indian vegetarian like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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