Chicken Dhokla Sandwich
A creative fusion snack where soft, spongy dhokla slices act as bread for a creamy, spiced chicken filling. It's a unique twist on the classic Gujarati snack, perfect for a savory tea-time treat or a light lunch.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 30 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Dhokla Batter
- b.In a large mixing bowl, combine besan, fine semolina, sugar, 0.75 tsp salt, 0.25 tsp turmeric powder, asafoetida, ginger-green chili paste, lemon juice, and 1 tbsp of vegetable oil.
- c.Gradually add 1 cup of water while whisking continuously to form a smooth, lump-free batter of pouring consistency.
- d.Cover the bowl and let the batter rest for 15 minutes.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Steam the Dhokla
- b.While the batter rests, grease a 7-inch square tin or a round thali with oil.
- c.Add about 2 inches of water to a steamer or a large pot with a stand and bring it to a rolling boil.
- d.Just before steaming, add the Eno fruit salt to the rested batter. Gently mix for about 30 seconds until the batter becomes light and frothy. Do not overmix.
- e.Immediately pour the aerated batter into the greased tin and place it in the steamer.
- f.Cover and steam on high heat for 15-20 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick; it should come out clean.
- g.Turn off the heat and let the dhokla cool completely in the tin, which takes about 20-30 minutes. This prevents it from crumbling when sliced.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Prepare the Chicken Filling
- b.While the dhokla is cooling, heat 2 tbsp of oil in a pan over medium heat.
- c.Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
- d.Add the ginger-garlic paste and chopped green chili. Sauté for another minute until the raw aroma disappears.
- e.Stir in the remaining 0.25 tsp turmeric powder, red chili powder, and the remaining 0.5 tsp salt. Cook for 30 seconds.
- f.Add the boiled and shredded chicken. Mix well to coat with the spices and cook for 2-3 minutes.
- g.Remove the pan from the heat and let the mixture cool down slightly.
- h.Once just warm, stir in the mayonnaise, garam masala, and 2 tbsp of chopped coriander leaves. Mix until well combined.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Assemble the Sandwiches
- b.Once the dhokla is completely cool, carefully run a knife around the edges and invert it onto a cutting board.
- c.Cut the dhokla slab into 8 equal square pieces.
- d.Take one square piece and carefully slice it horizontally through the middle to create two thinner layers, like a sandwich bun.
- e.Spread a generous amount of the chicken filling on the bottom layer.
- f.Place the top layer over the filling to form a sandwich. Repeat for the remaining 3 sandwiches.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Prepare the Tempering and Serve
- b.Heat the final 1 tbsp of oil in a small pan for the tempering.
- c.Add the mustard seeds and let them splutter completely.
- d.Add the curry leaves and slit green chilies. Sauté for 20-30 seconds until the leaves are crisp and fragrant.
- e.Carefully pour the hot tempering evenly over the assembled chicken dhokla sandwiches.
- f.Garnish with the remaining 2 tbsp of fresh coriander leaves and serve immediately.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Ensure the dhokla is completely cool before slicing to prevent it from breaking apart.
- 2Do not overmix the batter after adding Eno, as this will deflate the air bubbles and result in a dense dhokla.
- 3The chicken filling should be creamy but not overly wet, which could make the dhokla soggy.
- 4For a quicker version, you can use a store-bought instant dhokla mix.
- 5These sandwiches are best served fresh, as the dhokla can become dry if stored for too long.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian
Replace the chicken with 200g of crumbled paneer (Indian cottage cheese) or mashed potatoes for a delicious vegetarian filling.
Spicier VersionSpicier Version
Increase the amount of green chili paste in the batter and add more chopped green chilies or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chicken filling.
Different FillingDifferent Filling
Experiment with other fillings like a spicy vegetable medley, scrambled eggs, or even a tuna salad mixture.
Healthier TwistHealthier Twist
Replace mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lower-fat, higher-protein creamy filling. Add finely grated carrots or zucchini to the batter for extra nutrients.
Why this is on our healthy list.
High in Protein
This dish is packed with protein from both the chicken and the besan (gram flour), which is essential for muscle building, repair, and overall body function.
Lighter Cooking Method
The dhokla is steamed rather than fried, making it a lighter and lower-fat alternative to many other savory Indian snacks.
Good Source of Fiber
Besan is a good source of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion, helps maintain stable blood sugar levels, and promotes a feeling of fullness.
Beneficial Spices
The recipe includes spices like turmeric, ginger, and garlic, which are known for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, contributing to overall health.
Frequently asked questions
One Chicken Dhokla Sandwich contains approximately 420-460 calories, depending on the amount of oil and mayonnaise used. It's a substantial snack or a light meal.