Steamed Gujarati Khaman with Mustard Seed Tempering

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

Soft, fluffy steamed chickpea cakes tempered with mustard seeds and fresh green chilies for a classic Gujarati snack. This indian-inspired snacks (vegetarian, gluten free) ready in about 35 minutes turns besan (gram flour), semolina (rava), plain yogurt into a satisfying snack for between meals, packed lunches, or game-day spreads — minimal active time and easy to scale up for a crowd. Each serving lands at about 150 calories and feeds 4, so it fits into lunchboxes, road trips, or an afternoon-energy gap without derailing the day. 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: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Indian cuisine 150 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1 cup besan, 2 tbsp semolina, 1/2 tsp salt, 1 tsp sugar, and 1/4 tsp turmeric powder. Whisk in 1/2 cup plain yogurt and 1/2 cup water to form a smooth batter without lumps. Let it rest for 10 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Just before steaming, gently fold in 1/2 tsp baking soda into the batter and mix lightly until it becomes frothy.
  3. Step 3: Pour the batter into a greased 7-inch round steaming pan and steam in a preheated steamer for 15-18 minutes over medium heat until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  4. Step 4: While the khaman steams, heat 2 tbsp oil in a small pan over medium heat. Add 1 tsp mustard seeds and let them crackle, then add 1 slit green chili and 8 curry leaves, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Step 5: Carefully pour 1/4 cup water into the tempering and bring to a boil, then immediately pour this hot tempering evenly over the steamed khaman.
  6. Step 6: Sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped fresh coriander leaves and drizzle 1 tbsp lemon juice over the top. Cut into squares and serve warm.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Steamed Gujarati Khaman with Mustard Seed Tempering take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 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 Steamed Gujarati Khaman with Mustard Seed Tempering?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for crisp items, or in the fridge for anything dairy- or produce-based, for up to 3–5 days. Re-crisp baked snacks in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes if they soften.

Can I substitute ingredients in Steamed Gujarati Khaman with Mustard Seed Tempering?

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 Steamed Gujarati Khaman with Mustard Seed Tempering 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 Steamed Gujarati Khaman with Mustard Seed Tempering 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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