These Facts Make Khaman Or Rice Dhokla A Healthy Snack

When we think of snacks, we think of samosas, spring rolls, chips, and everything oily and unhealthy which comes with a lot of calories. What if we say that you can literally gorge on one snack that satiates that "namkeen" craving in you, be filling and good for your health all at the same time. Yes, the white dhokla which is also known as khaman dhokla, made at home, is perfect when you want to have something good for yourself. Here is a low down on the many health benefits this chai time snack has.

The fluffy and feather-light dhoklas are made from fermented besan or gram flour mixed with spices. This typical Gujarati dish is extremely versatile as it can be made using rice flour, semolina, or chana dal. Some even add sugar, which we will skip here because we want a namkeen and a healthy snack.

All you have to do is steam the batter, cut it into pieces and maybe add a tadka of mustard seeds, curry leaves, and even green chilies depending upon how you like it.

Protein Rich

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The ingredients of a dhokla are super rich in proteins. The besan base, that too in fermented form, works on increasing the bioavailability of nutrients likeriboflavin, niacin, folic acid, thiamine, Vitamin K, and biotin. The steamed dish is excellent for those looking to lose weight.

Digestion

Fermented foods are also very smooth on the stomach, making it easier to digest. The micro-organisms in dhokla break down all those complex carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. This promotes a healthy gut, making your bowel movement better, and working on your energy levels.

Dhokla also helps in balancing the bacteria in your gut. It makes it smoother when it comes to the absorption of nutrients that we eat every day.

Blood Pressure Levels

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Dhokla is also said to be excellent for normalising blood pressure levels. Nutritionist Kavita Devgan was once quoted as saying, “The magnesium content of besan (gram flour) helps in maintaining vascular health and it also helps in the regulation of blood pressure."

Diabetic Friendly

Dhoklas are said to be a good snack even for those with diabetes. With a low glycemic index, which is a figure that represents the ability of a food to affect the blood glucose levels, the snack becomes diabetic-friendly.

Recipe For Dhokla

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup semolina
• 1/2 cup rice flour
• 1 tsp minced ginger
• 2 tsp minced green chili
• 1 tsp black pepper powder
• 1/4 cup urad dal flour
• 1 cup curd
• 1/2 water
• 1 tsp eno
• Salt as per taste

For tempering:

• 2 tsp oil
• 1 tsp mustard seeds
• 3 green chilies

Method

• Mix the rice and urad dal flour with healthy semolina in a bowl.
• Add curd, ginger, and the chilies to the mixture and add some salt.
• Pour in water to make a thick batter.
• Further, add the ENO to the batter and mix well.
• Now, grease the plate with some oil and pour in the batter over it.
• Sprinkle with some red chili powder and black pepper powder on top of it.
• Get the pot ready with water in it and get it ready tosteam the batter plate.
• Once the steam starts coming, put the dhokla batter inside it and steam for 15 minutes.
• Let the pressure release and when it calms down, open to check if it is cooked by pricking it with a knife or toothpick.
• Take the plate and let it cool.
• Now make the tempering and add a layer on the cooked dhokla and then cut it into squares.
• Serve the fresh dhoklas with ming chutney

Enjoy steaming hot dhoklas without worrying about the calories and reap the health benefits it has to offer.

For more on healthy food items, stay tuned to HerZindagi.