Dhokla Matarghasti

Question: What does a Gujju do when you hand her an innovative mould?
Answer: She makes dhokla in it :)

Absolutely.... when I received my Amazon order of shot glass mould, I definitely wanted to try something different in it. I have seen videos on Facebook where everyone make ice or chocolate or cookie shot glasses filled with vodka, whipped cream, or milk. I wanted to experiment and make an appetizer, a gujju appetizer. Although my recipe is not new, but the idea is. Since these moulds are meant for baking, putting my imagination into practice was totally worth it.

Dhokla Matarghasti... let's see the meaning of this dish :)

Dhokla is a steamed cake, a delicacy from Gujarati cuisine. The mixed batter is poured in a mould or a plate and allowed to cook over boiling water. The steam helps to rise the batter and cook the dough to produce soft and moist savory cake. It is a healthy, nutritious, and protein rich breakfast and snack in Gujarati culture. Many of the cultures have adapted this technique of cooking and dhoklas are loved by most of the people around the world. And so are most Gujaratis!! :) Here is my recipe of traditional khaman dhokla.
Matar are green peas in Hindi. I somehow wanted to use this word in my tittle to indicate the peas stuffing for these shot glasses.
Matarghasti means fun. I was not aware of this term until I heard a song with Matarghasti in it. Bollywood lovers have guessed it right... Here is the song full of fun :) It is a peppy dance number which I listen to during my workout at the gym. Also, I love how the male actor, Ranbir Kapoor has mimicked a legendary actor Dev Anand's dance moves and style. I feel he has done a great job!

Okay, so let's come back to the recipe...I think I did enough Matargashti above! :)

Ingredients to make around 10-12 dhokla shots:
1 cup besan/ chickpea flour
1+1/2 tbsp. semolina/fine rawa
1/2 tsp. citric acid granules
4 tbsp. sugar
1 tsp. salt
Pinch of turmeric powder
3/4 cup water
1 tbsp. Eno fruit salt + 1/4 cup water

For filling:
1 cup fresh of frozen green peas (slightly blanched)
1 cup grated cheese
1/4 cup finely chopped onions
2 tbsp. oil
1 tsp. cumin seeds
1 small green chili chopped
1 tsp. salt

Cilantro to garnish.
Shredded coconut to garnish.

Method:

Mix chickpea flour, semolina, citric acid, sugar, turmeric, salt together and make a smooth dough with 3/4 cup of water. Whisk well for sugar and citric acid granules to dissolve. Leave it aside for 5 minutes.
Add Eno fruit salt and 1/4 cup of water and whisk well. The batter will froth and become light and airy.
Grease the mould well.
Add batter to each mould.
Gently place in a microwave and microwave on 100% setting for 1:45 minutes.
Gently remove from the microwave and let it cool for 5 minutes.
Carefully and gently remove each dhokla shot glass. It is delicate so handle with care.
Place dhokla shot glass on a plate. Sprinkle very little water to avoid dhokla from drying.

Prepare a filling:

Heat oil in a pan. Add cumin seeds and saute onions and green chilies.
Add peas and salt, and mix well.
Turn off the heat and leave it aside for some time to cool slightly.
Add grated cheese and mix well.

Before serving:
Fill each dhokla shot glass with peas filling and garnish with cilantro and shredded coconut.

Here is step-by-step pictorial recipe:

Click on the image to check these moulds.

Mix chickpea flour, semolina, citric acid, sugar, turmeric, salt together and make a smooth dough with 3/4 cup of water. Whisk well for sugar and citric acid granules to dissolve. Leave it aside for 5 minutes.