If you love healthy and spicy snacks, then my family’s Khaman Recipe is just for you! This type of dhokla is made with overnight soaked chana dal - chickpeas, yogurt, and spices. No extra cookware is needed for vati dal khaman! In this recipe, I used an Our Place pan with the steamer basket. Sharing a recipe that comes straight from my grandparent’s kitchen is a true honor! Not only is it one of my favorite savory snacks but also a popular Indian one.
❤️ Why you’ll love it
🥗 Ingredients
Khaman Batter Ingredients
Tadka/Topping Ingredients
📝 Instructions
How to Make the Batter
Start by washing the dried chana dal with cold water and then soak the chana dal in a large bowl with cold water for 8 hours. Drain the water (do not rinse again). Place the dal in a blender. Place the chana dal with ginger, green chilies, salt, a pinch of turmeric yogurt, and asafoetida in a blender and blend until it is finely pureed. Pour the batter into a bowl with a lid where you will ferment the batter. Cover the bowl with a lid and place it in a warm area for 8 hours (alternatively, you can use an Instant Pot on yogurt mode for 8 hours) After 8 hours, mix the batter and now you can make Surati Khaman Dhokla.
How to Steam the Khaman
Heat water in a steaming vessel (I used an Our Place Pan). Brush some oil on a dhokla dish, place the dish inside of the vessel, and cover with a lid. Let the water come to a boil so the dhokla plate gets hot. This has been a key step, in my experience. While the plate heats, in a bowl mix the Surati Khaman batter with Eno fruit salt and mix it immediately. Without waiting too long, pour the batter into the dhokla dish, which is inside of the steamer basket, that is heated. Place a lid on the steaming vessel and let the khaman cook for about 15-20 minutes on high heat. TIP- When opening the lid, try not to let the condensation drip back into the pot. Take the khaman dish out of the steaming vessel and let it cool down while you prep the cilantro and coconut. Once the khaman cools, cut them into 1-2" squares. Add chopped cilantro and coconut on top of the khaman. In a small butter pot, heat a generous amount of oil. Once heated, add mustard seeds. After they begin to pop, add the cumin seeds and hing. Then add the chili peppers and cook until translucent. Pour the tempered oil over the khaman. Using a flat spatula lift the khaman by placing the spatula in the middle of the khaman plate into a slit. Enjoy!
🔪 Equipment
Steaming Vessel - (can use a dish inside of an ourplace pan to steam)Dhokla Dish/Tray - for cooking (can use any dish that fits inside a steaming vessel)Pot HoldersLarge Bowl with LidInstant Pot (optional)Blender/Juicer (I use a BlendTec or a Magic Bullet)SpatulaButter Pot for vagarKnifeFinal serving/storage container
🥫 Storage
Storing the Batter
Refrigerate - Khaman batter can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days Freeze - Place the batter in a freezer-friendly bag/container and freeze for up to 3 months.
Storing the Cooked Khaman
Refrigerate- Once cooked, the Khaman Dhokla can be kept in the fridge for about 5 days. Freeze - Cooked khaman can be frozen for up 3 months in a freezer-friendly container
Reheating Instructions
Reheat in Microwave - Place the khaman in a microwave-safe bowl with a lid and cook until heated through. Reheat on Stovetop - Place cooked khaman in a steamer basket and steam until heated through.
💭 Tips
Try not to shake the vessel (or even the stove) when the khaman is cooking. It can deflate the rise or prevent them from rising.Be sure to check the expiration date on your Eno. Sometimes, older ingredients can also prevent khaman from rising.Save time - You can skip the fermenting stage by eliminating yogurt as an ingredient and substituting it with a little bit of lemon juice instead.
📖 Substitutions
Dairy-Free- use lemon juice instead of yogurt and skip the fermentation process.
☕️ Pairs well with…
Surati Khaman pairs perfectly with
📚 Related Recipes
📖 Recipe
How to make Waffle Khaman using Surati Khaman Batter
I use a small waffle maker that is perfect for my kitchen, but feel free to use a larger version as well. All Clad has a waffle maker that is going to make my dreams come true one day!
