Ever struggle to find a light, filling, and vrat-friendly snack that actually tastes good?

This Farali Dhokla solves that problem beautifully.

It’s soft, fluffy, slightly tangy, and incredibly satisfying, without using any regular grains or complicated ingredients. Made with barnyard millet (sama) and sabudana, this dhokla is not just fasting-friendly, but also a healthy, steamed snack you can enjoy anytime.

And the best part? You can have it ready in just 30 minutes.

What is Farali Dhokla?

Farali Dhokla is a fasting (vrat) version of traditional dhokla, made without rice or besan.

Instead, it uses:

• barnyard millet (sama)
• sabudana (sago)
• curd
• mild spices

The batter is steamed until soft and then topped with a simple tempering that adds flavor and aroma.

The result?

• Soft and spongy texture
• Light and easy to digest
• Perfect balance of tangy and mildly spicy flavors

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t just another fasting recipe. It actually solves common problems you face during vrat days.

• Light but filling – won’t leave you feeling heavy
• Quick to prepare – ready in under 30 minutes
• No onion, no garlic – fully vrat compliant
• Healthy alternative – made with millet instead of refined flours
• Beginner-friendly – no fermentation required

If you want something that feels like comfort food but still keeps things clean and simple, this is it.

Ingredient Breakdown

• Barnyard Millet (Sama): This is the base of the recipe.
• gives structure to the dhokla
• adds mild earthy flavor
• makes the recipe gluten-free and vrat-friendly

• Sabudana: Sabudana plays a key role in texture.
• adds softness and binding
• helps create that spongy bite

• Curd: Curd brings:
• slight tanginess
• softness
• better fermentation-like texture (without waiting)

Eno Fruit Salt :This is what makes the dhokla fluffy.

• creates air bubbles
• gives instant rise
• ensures soft texture without fermentation

• Ginger & Green Chilli Paste: Adds:
• gentle heat
• fresh flavor
• digestive benefits

Tempering (Cumin + Sesame + Curry Leaves)

This final step adds:

• crunch
• aroma
• authentic Indian flavor

How Farali Dhokla Comes Together

The process is simple, but a few small details make all the difference.

You start by lightly roasting the millet, which enhances its flavor. Once cooled, it’s ground into a fine flour along with sabudana.

This flour mixture is then combined with curd, salt, sugar, oil, and ginger chilli paste. As you mix, you gradually add water until you get a thick batter.

After letting it rest briefly, eno is added and mixed gently. This is where the batter turns light and airy.

Once you add eno, do not overmix. Gentle mixing keeps the batter fluffy.

The batter is poured into a greased tray and steamed until soft and cooked through. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Finally, a hot tempering of cumin seeds, sesame seeds, green chillies, and curry leaves is poured over the dhokla, infusing it with flavor.

After a short rest, it’s cut into soft, spongy pieces and served warm.

Pro Tip💡 : Once you add eno, do not overmix. Gentle mixing keeps the batter fluffy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wSZAsNhQnpw&t=21s

Vegan Swap🌿 : Replace curd with peanut curd or coconut curd for a dairy-free version.

When to Make This Recipe

This dhokla fits perfectly into:

• fasting (vrat) days
• light breakfast options
• evening healthy snacks
• quick meal prep recipes

Because it’s steamed, it’s also great when you want something non-fried and easy to digest.

What to Serve with Farali Dhokla

You can pair it with:

• mint chutney
• coconut chutney
• peanut chutney

Or simply enjoy it as is, the tempering already adds plenty of flavor.

How to Store Farali Dhokla

• Store in an airtight container
• Refrigerate for up to 1–2 days

How to Reheat

To keep it soft:

• Steam for 2–3 minutes
  or
• Sprinkle a little water and microwave briefly

Avoid overheating, it can dry out the dhokla.

Easy Substitutions

• No sabudana? : Reduce slightly or replace with a little extra millet
• No eno? : Use baking soda + a few drops of lemon juice
• No curd : Use vegan curd alternatives

Health Benefits

This recipe isn’t just tasty, it’s also nutritious.

• Millet-based :good for digestion
• Steamed : low in fat
• Gluten-free
• Light on stomach

Perfect for those looking for clean, simple eating.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Batter Too Thick - This leads to dense Dhokla.

Aim for a thick but pourable consistency

• Overmixing After Adding Eno - This removes the air bubbles.

Mix gently and steam immediately

• Oversteaming - This can make Dhokla dry.

Steam just until cooked through

Other Related Recipes You Might Like

• Instant Rava Uttapam – soft and thick pancake-style tiffin dish.
• Instant Rava Paniyaram – crispy outside, soft inside bite-sized snack.
• Kodo Millet Upma – healthy millet-based breakfast option.
• Green Gram Vada – protein-rich crispy vada perfect for snacks.
• Peanut Coconut Chutney – creamy chutney that pairs well with steamed dishes.
• Mint Coconut Chutney – refreshing chutney with coconut and mint flavour.

• Sabudana Vada – crispy deep‑fried fasting snack