25/12/2025
Here is the recipe for Christmas Tree Dhoklas.
To make this easy and quick for Christmas Day, I have provided an Instant Rava (Semolina) Dhokla recipe. This creates a firm, white base that is easy to cut into shapes and holds the toppings well.
Christmas Tree Dhoklas
* Prep time: 15 mins
* Cook time: 15 mins
* Makes: 10-12 "Trees"
Ingredients
For the Instant Dhokla Base:
* Semolina (Rava/Sooji): 1 cup (Fine variety)
* Yogurt (Curd): 1/2 cup (slightly sour is best)
* Water: 1/2 to 3/4 cup (adjust for batter consistency)
* Green Chili & Ginger Paste: 1 tsp
* Oil: 1 tbsp
* Salt: To taste
* Fruit Salt (Eno): 1 tsp (Blue packet - regular flavor)
For the "Tree" Decoration:
* Green Chutney: 1/2 cup (Cilantro, mint, green chili, lemon—make it thick so it doesn't drip).
* "Ornaments": Pomegranate seeds (Anar) or small diced red peppers.
* "Tinsel/Garland": Nylon Sev (thin crunchy noodles) or grated coconut.
* "Star": Small triangles of cheese or yellow bell pepper.
* "Trunk": Pretzel sticks or toasted bread crusts (optional).
Instructions
1. Make the Batter
* In a bowl, mix the Rava, Yogurt, Ginger-Chili paste, Oil, and Salt.
* Add Water gradually to make a thick, pourable batter (like idli batter).
* Let it rest for 10-15 minutes (the rava will absorb the water). If it becomes too thick after resting, add a splash more water.
2. Steam the Dhokla
* Get your steamer ready with water boiling. Grease a round cake tin or thali with oil.
* Just before steaming, add the Eno (Fruit Salt) to the batter and stir gently in one direction until the batter becomes frothy.
* Immediately pour into the greased tin.
* Steam on high heat for 12-15 minutes.
* Check by inserting a knife; if it comes out clean, it's done.
* Crucial Step: Let it cool completely before removing from the tin. If it's hot, it will crumble when you cut the shapes.
3. Cut the "Trees"
* Unmold the cool dhokla onto a cutting board.
* First, cut the round cake into large slices (like pizza slices), or trim the edges to make a square and then cut into triangles.
* You want triangle shapes with a pointed top and a wide bottom.
4. Decorate (The Fun Part)
* The Greenery: Spread a generous layer of Green Chutney over the entire top surface of each dhokla triangle.
* The Ornaments: Place Pomegranate seeds scattered across the green chutney to look like red Christmas balls.
* The Tinsel: Lightly sprinkle some Nylon Sev or Grated Coconut diagonally across the tree.
* The Star: Place a small star-shaped piece of Cheese or Yellow Bell Pepper at the very top point of the triangle.
* The Trunk (Optional): Stick a small Pretzel stick into the wide bottom of the triangle to act as the tree trunk.
Serving Tip
Arrange them on a platter in a circle or rows. Since they already have chutney on top, you don't need a side dip, but a sweet Tamarind Chutney on the side adds a nice flavor contrast.
