Steamed Gujarati Moong Dal Dhokla with Mustard Seeds

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

Light and fluffy steamed dhokla made from fermented yellow moong dal batter, tempered with mustard seeds and green chilies for a tangy, mildly spicy snack. This indian-inspired vegetarian ready in about 40 minutes pairs yellow moong dal, water, plain yogurt for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 150 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.

★ 4.5 (15 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Indian cuisine 150 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse 1 cup yellow moong dal thoroughly and soak in 1/2 cup water for 4-5 hours, then drain excess water.
  2. Step 2: In a blender, combine soaked moong dal, 1/2 cup plain yogurt, 1 tbsp ginger-green chili paste, 1 tsp salt, and 1 tsp sugar; blend to a smooth batter adding a little water if needed to reach thick pouring consistency.
  3. Step 3: Transfer batter to a bowl and whisk in 1 tsp baking soda and 1 tbsp lemon juice just before steaming, folding gently until bubbles form.
  4. Step 4: Grease a 7-inch round steaming tray and pour batter evenly; steam at 212°F (100°C) for 15-18 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  5. Step 5: Heat 2 tbsp water in a small pan over medium heat; add 1 tsp mustard seeds, 2 slit green chilies, and 8 curry leaves, sauté until mustard seeds crackle and aroma releases.
  6. Step 6: Pour this tempering evenly over the steamed dhokla and garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh coriander leaves before cutting into squares and serving warm.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Steamed Gujarati Moong Dal Dhokla with Mustard Seeds take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (20 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 Moong Dal Dhokla with Mustard Seeds?

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 yellow moong dal from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Steamed Gujarati Moong Dal Dhokla with Mustard Seeds?

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 Moong Dal Dhokla with Mustard Seeds 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 Moong Dal Dhokla with Mustard Seeds 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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