Dhokar Bhapa Recipe: Bengali Rice Cake

Posted on by
Spread the love for Food!!

Dhokar Bhapa, also known as Steamed Dhokla, is a popular Bengali vegetarian dish that is both nutritious and delicious. It is made from a fermented batter of rice and lentils, which is then steamed to perfection. This dish is often served as a snack or appetizer and is known for its light, fluffy texture and mild flavour, making it a favourite among many.

Details

Course Snack/Appetizer
Cuisine Bengali (West Bengal, India)
Servings 4-6
Preparation Time 10 minutes
Cooking Time 20 minutes
Calories Approx. 150 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 cup split black gram (urad dal)
  • 1 cup split Bengal gram (chana dal)
  • 1 cup long-grain rice
  • 1/2 teaspoon active dry yeast
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon red chili powder
  • Salt, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon mustard oil or vegetable oil
  • 1 tablespoon grated ginger
  • 1 tablespoon green chilies, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon curry leaves, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Water, as needed
  • For tempering: mustard seeds, cumin seeds, curry leaves, green chilies

Method

  1. Rinse the rice and lentils separately and soak them in water for at least 4 hours or overnight. Drain and grind them into a smooth batter using a blender or grinder. The batter should be thick but pourable.
  2. Add yeast, baking soda, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt to the batter. Mix well and let it ferment in a warm place for about 6-8 hours or until it becomes frothy and doubled in volume.
  3. Heat oil in a small pan and add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, curry leaves, and green chilies. Let the seeds splutter and then add the grated ginger. Sauté for a minute and pour this tempering over the fermented batter. Mix gently.
  4. Add lemon juice and mix well. Pour the batter into greased steaming plates or molds.
  5. Steam the dhokla for about 20 minutes or until it is cooked through and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  6. Remove from the steamer and let it cool slightly. Cut into desired shapes and serve warm with chutney or raita.

Special Note

Dhokar Bhapa holds a special place in Bengali cuisine, often served during festivals and special occasions. The process of fermentation gives it a unique flavor and texture, making it a delightful treat for any time of the day. I particularly enjoy it with a dollop of mustard chutney, which adds a tangy and spicy kick to this otherwise mild dish.

Use Organic Ingredients and savour the true flavours of Indian Cuisine. Ingredients sourced from www.Praakritik.com Use referral code "AROMAS" to avail discounts