Preparation Guidelines for Besan Palak Dhokla
Besan Palak Dhokla, a traditional dish originating from Gujarat, is a protein-rich, vegetarian snack that is easy to prepare and packed with vitamins and minerals. Here's a simple adaptation of the recipe that can be made at home, perfect for babies and the entire family.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup besan (gram flour)
- 1 cup finely chopped spinach (palak)
- 1 teaspoon ginger-green chili paste (optional or mild for babies)
- 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
- Salt to taste (very mild for babies)
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 teaspoon eno fruit salt or baking soda (helps dhokla rise)
- About 3/4 cup water (adjust to make smooth batter)
- Lemon juice (optional)
Preparation and Cooking:
- Prepare the batter: In a mixing bowl, combine besan, chopped spinach, turmeric, salt, sugar, oil, and ginger-green chili paste if using. Add water slowly to form a smooth, thick but flowing batter without lumps.
- Add leavening agent: Just before steaming, add eno fruit salt or baking soda and mix briskly. The batter will foam and bubble.
- Steam: Grease a dhokla plate or shallow pan with oil. Pour the batter evenly. Steam in a steamer or pressure cooker (without the whistle) for about 15-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool and serve: Let the dhokla cool slightly before cutting into pieces. It can be served plain or with a mild tempering of mustard seeds and curry leaves if desired.
Time Required:
- Preparation: About 10-15 minutes to chop and mix ingredients.
- Cooking/steaming: About 15-20 minutes.
- Total: Around 25-35 minutes is needed for preparation and cooking.
Besan Palak Dhokla is soft, spongy, and rich in protein from besan and vitamins from spinach, making it ideal as a healthy snack for babies and toddlers. Adjust spices and salt as per the baby’s taste and dietary needs.
For a quicker and simpler preparation, basic khaman dhokla recipes using just besan, yogurt or water, and eno can be ready in about 15-20 minutes. However, for added nutrition, including palak is a healthy upgrade.
- Embracing a sustainable-living approach to parenting, try incorporating global-cuisines like Besan Palak Dhokla into your family's food-and-drink lifestyle, as it's an easy, protein-rich, and nutrient-dense vegetarian dish.
- Delve into healthy-cooking by following the simple adaptation of the Besan Palak Dhokla recipe, which is ideal for promoting balanced growth in babies and providing essential vitamins and minerals for the entire family.
- Home-and-garden enthusiasts may find joy in creating a homemade, food-and-drink version of Besan Palak Dhokla, as it can be enjoyed by all ages and is a straightforward adaptation from traditional Gujarati cuisine.
- By experimenting with various recipes from around the world and applying healthy-cooking principles, you can enrich your lifestyle with a diverse range of flavors while ensuring your family's food-and-drink choices support their dietary needs and promote overall well-being.
