Navratri Special: Farali Dhokla Recipe for Fasting Days

Navratri Special: Farali Dhokla Recipe for Fasting Days

Introduction

Farali Dhokla is a beloved snack during fasting (vrat) days, especially in Gujarat and Maharashtra. Made with samo flour (vrat ke chawal ka atta), yogurt, and mild spices, it’s steamed to perfection and tempered with curry leaves and sesame seeds. Light, fluffy, and filling, this dhokla is perfect when you crave something savory and homely during fasting days in Europe.

 

Ingredients List

Ingredient

Quantity

Samo flour (vrat ke chawal ka atta)

1 cup

Yogurt (curd)

½ cup

Water

½ cup (adjust for batter)

Green chilies (finely chopped)

2

Ginger paste

1 tsp

Rock salt (sendha namak)

to taste

Sugar

½ tsp (optional)

Baking soda

½ tsp

Oil

1 Tbsp

Lemon juice

1 Tbsp

 

For Tempering : 

Ingredient

Quantity

Oil

2 tsp

Cumin seeds

½ tsp

Sesame seeds

1 tsp

Curry leaves

6–8

Green chili (slit)

1

 

Serving Size

  • Makes enough for 3–4 people as a snack.

 

Duration

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes

  • Cooking Time: 20 minutes

  • Total Time: 35 minutes

Step by Step Instructions :

Prepare the Batter

  1. In a bowl, mix samo flour, yogurt, chopped chilies, ginger paste, rock salt, and sugar.

  2. Add water gradually to form a smooth, thick batter.

  3. Let it rest for 10 minutes.

Steam the Dhokla

  1. Just before steaming, stir in baking soda and lemon juice. Mix gently.

  2. Grease a dhokla plate or pan with oil, pour batter evenly.

  3. Steam in a steamer or large pot for 15–20 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.

Temper the Dhokla

  1. Heat oil in a small pan. Add cumin seeds, sesame seeds, curry leaves, and slit chili.

  2. Pour the tempering over the steamed dhokla.

Serve

  1. Cut into squares and serve warm with green chutney or curd.

Cooking Tips

  • Always add baking soda at the last moment before steaming for fluffy dhokla.

  • Use thick curd for best texture.

  • Do not over-steam, or the dhokla will become dry.

  • If you don’t have a steamer, you can use an idli stand or a wide pan with a lid.

Nutrition (Approximate per Serving)

Nutrient

Value

Calories

~150–180 kcal

Carbohydrates

~25–28 g

Protein

~4–5 g

Fat

~4–5 g

Fiber

~2 g

Sodium

Depends on salt used


FAQs

Q: Can I use rice flour instead of samo flour?
A: For fasting, samo flour is preferred. But outside fasting, rice flour can be used for a similar texture.

Q: Can I skip yogurt?
A: Yogurt gives softness and tang. You can substitute with buttermilk or vegan yogurt if needed.

Q: Can I prepare Farali Dhokla in advance?
A: Yes, steam and refrigerate for up to 1 day. Reheat by steaming for a few minutes before serving.

Q: What chutney goes best with it?
A: Green coriander chutney or peanut chutney pairs perfectly.

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