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There’s something special about Dhokla. Not merely a snack, but also a feast of taste, touch and custom. Fluffy, soft, and extremely spongy, Dhokla is a simple dish to prepare with spices, making it comforting and satisfying.
But Dhokla is not only delicious; it is also an energy-giving dish that can be consumed at any time.
Dhokla is an ideal combination of both energy-giving carbs and plant-based protein, whether you are having a light breakfast to start your morning or a snack in the afternoon.
What’s more, the steamed preparation makes it a healthy alternative to fried snacks, ensuring it’s as easy on your digestion as it is on your taste buds.
We will discuss the calories in Dhokla, share a quick and nutritious Dhokla recipe, and emphasise the numerous benefits of the dish that make it a must-have for anyone looking for something tasty and healthy.
The Caloric Breakdown of Traditional Dhokla
To discuss the effect of Dhokla on our daily calorie intake, we will focus on a typical serving. A serving (one piece, approximately 100 grams) of Dhokla contains:
- Calories: 150-200 kcal
- Fat: 6-8 grams
- Carbohydrates: 25-30 grams
- Fibre: 2-3 grams
Conventional Dhokla is made with gram flour (besan), which is nutritious but also high in calories and fat when oils are used.
Dhokla can be a healthy source of protein and fibre, but it can be bulky and high in calories, particularly when a person is concerned about the quantity of calories they consume or is on a weight-loss diet.
Aashirvaad Atta and Multigrains have partnered with professional nutritionists to introduce the My Meal Plan Test.
It is a quick, easy test that will help you identify how much fibre you are eating each day and create a personalized eating plan that suits your nutritional interests.
Why Dhokla is good for your gut ?
1. Light and Easy to make
Dhokla is steamed, not fried, so it is not as heavy on the stomach and may be easy to digest. The steaming process also retains moisture, making it less heavy and softer than deep-fried foods.
It is a nice food to carry along without weighing you down, and it is perfect for those who prefer a lighter meal.
2. Versatile and Customisable
Dhokla is very versatile; you can add any vegetables, nuts, or seeds you like.
You are the one who decides whether to add carrots, peas, or spinach; each can enhance the flavour or the nutritional content. The spices can also be easily tailored to taste, either mild or spicy.
3. A Comforting Dish
Dhokla is another comfort food that breaks the bounds of timetables.
It can be consumed in the morning, as a midday snack, or as an evening cup of tea; Dhokla is the perfect solution for any event because of its lightness and simple flavour. It is that sort of food that reminds one of warmth, tradition and happiness, whatever time of year it is taken.
4. Balanced Energy
Dhokla is made with gram flour, a healthy source of carbohydrates and vegetarian protein, and provides long-term energy. Those macronutrients, combined, may help manage a crash that may occur after consuming high-sugar diets.
It is the perfect snack, a sufficient and nutritious snack that adds up to your daily activities.
But what is the secret of the perfect Dhokla? We can have a glimpse of an easy recipe that is bound to impress.
Healthy Dhokla Recipe- Easy, Delicious, and Nutritious
Serving Size: 8 to 10 medium portions.
Total Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 cup Aashirvaad Besan
- 1 Tablespoon Aashirvaad Bansi Rava (to add some texture)
- 50g of plain yoghurt
- 1/2 cup water (vary depending on the batter consistency)
- 1 teaspoon ginger-green chillii paste.
- 1/2 teaspoon Aashirvaad Turmeric Powder
- 1 teaspoon fruit salt
- Aashirvaad Iodized Salt to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or ghee for richness)
For the Tempering
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1 teaspoon Aashirvaad Jeera
- 1 tablespoon coconuts or peanuts (optional)
- A few curry leaves
- Asafetida (hing), a pinch
- Garnish with fresh coriander and grated coconut.
- Lemon wedges on the side
Instructions
1. Prepare the Batter: Combine gram flour, semolina, turmeric, yoghurt water, salt and ginger-chilli paste in a big bowl. Blend till smooth, like pancake batter.
2. Rest the Batter: Let the batter sit for 5-7 minutes.
3. Prepare the Steamer: Put water in a large pot or steamer till it comes to a boil. Apply some oil to your hot baking pan or dish.
4. Add Fruit Salt: Fruit salt is sprinkled on the batter before steaming, then folded into the batter. You shall have bubbles to make it light and airy.
5. Steam the Dhokla: Pour the batter into the greased plate and put it in the steamer. Bake and steam for 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into it comes out clean.
6. Make the Tempering: Heat olive oil in a small pan, then add mustard seeds. Once they begin popping, add cumin seeds, curry leaves, peanuts or coconuts, and 1 pinch of asafetida. Pour this tempering on your steamed Dhokla.
7. Garnish and Serve: Serve the Dhokla topped with fresh coriander and grated coconut, and serve with lemon wedges and your choice of chutney.
Nutritional Value of the Healthier Dhokla
Healthier Dhokla offers several nutritional benefits compared to the traditional deep-fried version. The benefits of the primary ingredients in this less fatty recipe are:
Chickpea Flour (Besan)
Chickpea flour is a good source of plant-based protein, which is required for muscle repair and growth. It also contains a lot of fibre, which may support digestion and gut health[1].
Also, the glycemic index of besan is low, and therefore it may be a perfect choice when trying to normalise blood sugar levels, particularly among people with diabetes [2].
Semolina (Rava)
Semolina contains complex carbohydrates, which may provide a gradual energy source for the body and help manage spikes in blood sugar[3].
Rava may also help manage appetite, prolong fullness, and aid weight loss.
Olive Oil
Monounsaturated fats, which are rich in olive oil, reduce bad cholesterol (LDL), increase good cholesterol (HDL), and thus, olive oil is heart-healthy[4].
It is also anti-inflammatory, which may help manage immunity. Dhokla tastes pleasant and smooth, and is very healthy thanks to olive oil.
Mustard seeds
The bioactive compounds found in mustard seeds include glucosinolates and omega-3 fatty acids, which are associated with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity and can be utilised in a balanced diet.
These phytochemicals and micronutrients found in mustard seeds are the subject of extensive research for their potential to manage inflammation and support digestive and metabolic processes in humans[5]. They complement to enhance metabolism, relieve bloating, and thus make Dhokla easier to digest.
Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is also an excellent source of Vitamin C, and may help support a healthy immune system and healthy skin [6]. It may also stimulates bile secretion, which is beneficial for fat digestion and overall digestion[7].
Besides, lemon juice is not very calorie-rich, so it would be the best ingredient to add to the dish, providing a tangy taste without adding extra calories.
Want to know how your digestive system is working?
Aashirvaad Atta and Multigrains introduce the Digestion Quotient, a 2-minute, hassle-free quiz that can help you learn more about your digestive system. It is quick, easy, and a possible first step toward a healthier, happier gut! Test yourself and begin to feel different.
The Last Say
Dhokla is the perfect snack that will fuel your body while comforting your soul. It is easy to cook, fast to eat, and so delicious.
The first bite offers a taste of tangy sweetness, fluffy airiness, and warmth that is hard to resist.
The best part!
It is a snack that fits into a balanced diet, offering a good balance of carbs, protein, and fibre to keep you powering through without feeling guilty.
Therefore, Dhokla can be added to the menu whether you want a light breakfast, a healthier snack, or something to share with your loved ones.
Dhokla is not merely a meal, it is some joy. It is just necessary to remember that a balanced diet will make the difference in maintaining health.
It is discursively preferable to coordinate with your health provider or nutritionist on what to include in your meal to ensure it meets your specific needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! Grated peas, spinach, or carrots not only add nutritional value to the Dhokla but also add flavour and texture.
Vegetables contain fibre, vitamins, and minerals, and thus, Dhokla is a healthier, more balanced food item.
Yes, Dhokla is a healthy food that supports weight loss, particularly when cooked with minimal oil. It is also light, steamed, and is a healthy snack by itself. Besan may be a source of protein, and adding veggies may increase fibre, which makes you feel fuller.
Yes, you may cook Dhokla with a gluten-free variant, using gluten-free flour (like rice flour) or a blend of chickpea flour and other gluten-free flours instead of gram flour (besan). All one has to do is ensure the other ingredients, such as the yoghurt and seasoning, are gluten-free




