A Taste of Gujarat: Chhundo Pickle with Dhokla
Gujarati snacks are a delightful array of savory and sweet treats that reflect the rich culinary heritage of the region. One of the popular snacks is dhokla. It is a special dish with a soft, sponge-like texture and a tangy twist, all thanks to perfect fermentation. When paired with Chhundo, a sweet and tangy mango pickle, the result is a perfect balance of flavors. The sweetness of Chhundo complements the tanginess of Dhokla, creating a harmonious blend that is loved for its delicious taste.
The Essence of Chhundo Pickle:
Chhundo pickle is a traditional Gujarati condiment made from grated raw mangoes, sugar, and a blend of spices. What sets Chhundo apart is its perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess, creating a unique flavor profile that captures the essence of Gujarat. The grated mangoes are sun-dried and then cooked with sugar and spices to achieve the desired consistency and taste. The sweetness from the mangoes, the tanginess from the fermentation process, and the warmth from the spices. This condiment has become a staple in Gujarati households, adding a burst of flavor to everything from simple meals to festive feasts.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups grated raw mango (firm and slightly tart)
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon roasted cumin powder
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1/4 teaspoon asafoetida (hing)
- 2 tablespoons oil
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
Peel and grate the raw mango. Make sure to discard the seed. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add mustard seeds, and once they splutter, add asafoetida.
Add the grated mango to the pan and cook for a few minutes until it softens slightly. Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, roasted cumin powder, and salt to the mango. Mix well.
Stir in the granulated sugar. Mix thoroughly, and let the mixture cook over low to medium heat. Keep stirring the mixture intermittently to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
Cook until the mixture thickens, and the mango and sugar are well combined. This might take around 20-25 minutes. To check the consistency, take a small amount of Chhundo on a plate. If it forms a soft ball when cool, it's ready.
Let the Chhundo cool to room temperature. It will thicken further as it cools. Store in a clean, dry, and airtight jar. Chhundo has a good shelf life, and it tastes better as it matures. Enjoy Chhundo as a side with Indian bread, rice, or use it to complement snacks like Dhokla.
Feel free to adjust the sugar and spice levels according to your taste preferences. This Chhundo recipe offers that perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess, making it a versatile and delicious accompaniment.
Dhokla: A Gujarati Delight:
Now, let's shift our focus to Dhokla, most loved Gujarati dish that has gained popularity across the globe. Dhokla is a steamed, spongy cake made from fermented rice and chickpea flour batter. It is light, airy, and has a slightly tangy taste, thanks to the fermentation process. Dhokla is not only a delicious snack but also a healthy and versatile dish that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Ingredients:
For the Dhokla Batter:
- 1 cup gram flour (besan)
- 1 cup yogurt
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon ginger-green chili paste
- Salt to taste
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 teaspoon fruit salt or Eno (fruit salt)
For Tempering:
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- A pinch of asafoetida (hing)
- 8-10 curry leaves
- 2 green chilies, slit
- 2 tablespoons chopped coriander leaves
For Garnish (Optional):
- Grated coconut
- Chopped coriander leaves
Instructions:
In a mixing bowl, combine gram flour, yogurt, turmeric powder, ginger-green chili paste, salt, and oil. Whisk the ingredients together to form a smooth batter. Add a little water if needed to achieve a pouring consistency.
Allow the batter to rest and ferment for at least 30 minutes. This helps in making the Dhokla fluffy. Meanwhile, fill a steamer or a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Just before steaming, add fruit salt or Eno to the batter. Mix well, and you'll notice the batter becoming frothy.
Grease a Dhokla plate or any flat-bottomed vessel suitable for steaming. Pour the batter into the greased plate and place it in the steamer. Steam for about 15-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the Dhokla comes out clean.
In a small pan, heat oil. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter. Add cumin seeds, asafoetida, curry leaves, and green chilies. Sauté for a minute until the chilies are slightly cooked. Pour this tempering over the steamed Dhokla.
Allow the Dhokla to cool for a few minutes. Then, cut it into squares or diamonds. Garnish with chopped coriander leaves and grated coconut if desired.
Serve the Dhokla warm with mint chutney, tamarind chutney, or a side of Chhundo pickle for that sweet and tangy contrast. Enjoy your homemade Dhokla! Feel free to adjust the spice levels and experiment with toppings to suit your taste preferences.
Conclusion
Chhundo pickle and Dhokla a pairing that goes beyond the simple act of combining two dishes. It represents the heart and soul of Gujarat. The sweet and tangy notes of Chhundo complement the airy texture of Dhokla. Creating a sensory experience that is both delightful and unforgettable. Elevate your Dhokla pairing with the rich and exquisite notes of ADF SoulFoods Chunndo pickles, a true homage to the soulful flavors of Gujarat.
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In Today’s Masterclass, Chef Kunal Kapur Shares 4 Tips To Prepare Soft And Spongy Dhoklas
In Today’s Masterclass, Chef Kunal Kapur Shares 4 Tips To Prepare Soft And Spongy Dhoklas
Feather-light spongy dhoklas with a crackling tempering and a generous drizzle of green chutney, just sounds yum. Dhoklas are simply prepared with a fermented batter of besan (gram flour) and mild spices. Don’t know about you but we can gobble down this Gujarati snack at any time of the day. Wait, what? Are you worried about the calorie-intake? Let us tell you, dhoklas top the health charts. They…
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