How to Reheat Dhokla Without Drying It Out – No Microwave Needed
If you’re anything like me, you know that dhokla is one of those dishes that seems to taste even better the next day. But here’s the thing: reheating it can be tricky. Microwaves, for all their speed and convenience, have a knack for turning dhokla into a sad, dry, rubbery version of itself. Nobody wants that. So, what’s the secret to reheating dhokla without drying it out, especially if you’re avoiding the microwave?
In this post, I’ll walk you through several methods that keep your dhokla soft, moist, and fluffy—just like when it was freshly made. These methods don’t require a microwave, but they’ll get you that perfect texture that’ll make you think it’s just been steamed to perfection.
Why Dhokla Doesn’t Like the Microwave
Before diving into how to reheat dhokla, let’s understand why microwaving it often ruins the experience. Dhokla, a steamed dish, is made with a light batter that turns soft and fluffy once it’s cooked.
When you microwave it, the heat can cause the moisture to evaporate too quickly, making the texture dry and tough. The microwave heats unevenly, so parts of the dhokla might get overcooked while others stay cold. In short, microwaving is a no-go if you’re aiming for that perfect, melt-in-your-mouth softness.
1. Reheating Dhokla Using the Stovetop Steaming Method
Steaming is the method that will give you the closest thing to freshly made dhokla. It helps retain moisture and ensures the batter stays soft and fluffy, just the way it should be. And the best part? It’s super simple to do.
How to Reheat Dhokla on the Stovetop:
- Set Up Your Steamer – Fill a pot with about an inch of water and bring it to a simmer. You don’t need a fancy steamer; a regular pot with a steaming rack or a heatproof plate will work perfectly fine.
- Prepare the Dhokla – If your dhokla is in big chunks, you can cut it into smaller pieces to help it heat more evenly.
- Steam the Dhokla – Place the dhokla pieces in the steamer, cover the pot with a lid, and let it steam for about 5–7 minutes. If your dhokla is extra thick, you can let it steam for a little longer, but be sure to check to avoid oversteaming.
- Serve and Enjoy – The result should be soft, fluffy dhokla that’s just as fresh as when you first made it. Serve it up with a side of chutney, and you’re in business!
Pro Tip: You can even add a dash of water to the plate or dish holding the dhokla before steaming it. This extra bit of moisture will help prevent it from drying out.
| Check out: How to Reheat Vada Without an Oven |
2. The Skillet Method: Crisp on the Outside, Soft on the Inside
If you like your dhokla with a little extra texture, the stovetop skillet method can work wonders. It gives the dhokla a slightly crispy bottom while maintaining the soft interior, which I think is a wonderful contrast.
How to Reheat Dhokla on a Skillet:
- Heat the Skillet – Place a non-stick skillet on medium heat and let it warm up. A little oil or ghee can help with crisping but isn’t necessary if you’re aiming for a lighter result.
- Arrange the Dhokla – Once the skillet is heated, place the dhokla pieces in a single layer. You may need to do this in batches, depending on the size of your skillet.
- Cover and Heat – Cover the skillet with a lid or foil to trap the heat and moisture. Let it heat for about 3–4 minutes, then flip the dhokla to the other side and cook for an additional 2 minutes. This creates a nice crispy layer on the bottom while keeping the inside soft.
- Serve – Your dhokla will be crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, with a delicious contrast of textures.
Pro Tip: For a hint of flavor, you can drizzle a little ghee over the top of the dhokla while reheating. It’ll add richness and flavor to every bite.
3. The Oven: A Low and Slow Heat Approach
I know, using the oven for something like dhokla might sound a bit unconventional. But trust me, it’s a fantastic way to reheat dhokla without sacrificing texture. The oven allows for a slow, even heat distribution that helps retain moisture, making it a great option if you’re reheating a large batch.
How to Reheat Dhokla in the Oven:
- Preheat the Oven – Set your oven to 250°F (120°C). You want the oven to be hot, but not so hot that the dhokla dries out. Low and slow is the name of the game here.
- Prepare the Dhokla – Place the dhokla pieces on an oven-safe dish. If the pieces are stacked, make sure to separate them so they heat evenly.
- Cover the Dhokla – Cover the dish with foil to lock in moisture. This will prevent the dhokla from drying out while it reheats.
- Bake for 10-15 Minutes – Place the dish in the oven and let it heat for about 10–15 minutes. Check to make sure the dhokla is warm all the way through.
- Serve and Enjoy – Once it’s heated, remove the dhokla from the oven, uncover, and serve. It’ll be soft, fluffy, and ready to eat!
Pro Tip: For a little extra moisture, you can lightly sprinkle the dhokla with water before covering it with foil. This will help keep the batter moist during the reheating process.
4. The Steaming Basket Method: For That Perfect Texture
If you happen to have a bamboo steamer or a steamer basket, you’re in luck. This method is simple yet effective, offering excellent results when you’re looking to preserve the softness and moisture of dhokla.
How to Reheat Dhokla Using a Steamer Basket:
- Prepare the Pot and Steamer – Fill a large pot with an inch or so of water and bring it to a simmer. Place your steamer basket on top, making sure it doesn’t touch the water.
- Arrange the Dhokla – Place the dhokla pieces in the steamer basket in a single layer. You may want to line the basket with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Cover and Steam – Cover the pot with a lid and let the dhokla steam for about 5–7 minutes.
- Serve – Once heated, remove the dhokla and enjoy the soft, tender texture.
5. The Rice Cooker: A Surprise Hero
Believe it or not, your rice cooker can be a perfect tool for reheating dhokla. The steady heat of the rice cooker will keep the dhokla moist and fluffy, and it’s super easy to do.
How to Reheat Dhokla in a Rice Cooker:
- Add Water – Add a little water to the rice cooker, just enough to create steam, but not so much that it touches the dhokla.
- Place the Dhokla – Place the dhokla pieces on the steaming tray or directly in the rice cooker, depending on your model.
- Set to Warm – Set the rice cooker to the “Warm” setting. Allow the dhokla to heat for about 5–7 minutes.
- Serve – Once it’s heated through, remove the dhokla from the rice cooker and enjoy!
A Quick Comparison of Methods
| Method | Best For | Texture Outcome | Time Needed |
| Stovetop Steaming | Soft and moist, traditional | Fluffy and soft | 5–7 minutes |
| Skillet Reheat | Crispy exterior, soft inside | Crispy on the bottom, soft inside | 5–7 minutes |
| Oven Method | Even heat, large batch | Soft and moist | 10–15 minutes |
| Steaming Basket | Soft, perfect texture | Tender and fluffy | 5–7 minutes |
| Rice Cooker | Hands-off, minimal effort | Soft, evenly heated | 5–7 minutes |
Tips for Reheating Dhokla
Below are some tried-and-tested methods for reheating dhokla so it stays soft, moist, and just as flavorful as when it was first made.
1. Sprinkle Water to Retain Moisture
To avoid dhokla drying out while reheating, sprinkle a little water over the pieces before heating them. This will help the dish stay moist during the reheating process, ensuring the texture remains fluffy. You can use a spray bottle or a spoon to evenly distribute water across the pieces.
2. Cover with a Damp Cloth or Paper Towel
Another effective way to keep dhokla moist is to cover it with a damp cloth or paper towel before reheating. This creates a steaming effect that locks in moisture. Whether you’re reheating it on a stove or in the microwave, the cloth will prevent the heat from making the dhokla too dry.
3. Layer Between Damp Kitchen Towels
If you’re reheating a larger batch of dhokla, layer the pieces between slightly damp kitchen towels. This will add moisture and prevent the dhokla from becoming too dry or hard. Just make sure not to stack too many layers, as this could lead to them losing their shape.
4. Reheat on Low Heat
Whether you use a stovetop or microwave, always reheat dhokla on low heat. High heat can toughen the edges and make the dhokla lose its soft, spongy texture. Take your time and reheat it slowly to preserve its fluffiness.
5. Proper Storage for Leftovers
To keep leftover dhokla fresh for longer, store it properly. Place the dhokla in an airtight container, lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. This will protect the pieces from exposure to air, which can dry them out. For best results, consume it within a couple of days.
6. Steaming: The Best Option for Freshness
If you have a steamer handy, this is by far the best method for reheating dhokla. Steaming keeps the dhokla moist and restores its original texture, making it as fresh as when it was first made. Simply place the dhokla in the steamer for a few minutes until it is heated through.
Conclusion
In conclusion, reheating dhokla without a microwave is not only possible but also quite easy. We have explored three alternate methods to achieve the perfect balance of softness and moisture, while keeping intact the flavor and texture of this delicious Indian snack.
Firstly, steaming dhokla using a traditional idli cooker or a steamer basket proved to be an effective method that resulted in evenly heated dhoklas with no loss of moisture. The gentle steam heat ensured that the dhoklas remained tender and retained their original taste.
Secondly, pan-frying the dhoklas is an excellent option for those who prefer a slightly crispier texture. This method allowed us to revive leftover dhoklas by adding some crispy edges and bringing forth new flavors through the use of spices or additional toppings like grated cheese or salsa.
Lastly, oven reheating was found to be surprisingly successful in recreating freshly made quality for previously refrigerated dhokla. Baking them covered at low heat allowed them to warm up gently without drying out or becoming too moist.
FAQs on the topic “How to Reheat Dhokla Without Drying It Out – No Microwave Needed“:
How do I prevent dhokla from getting hard when reheating?
To prevent dhokla from getting hard, lightly sprinkle water on it before reheating. You can also cover the dhokla with a damp cloth or paper towel while steaming or reheating on a stovetop. This helps maintain its softness and prevents drying.
What’s the best way to store leftover dhokla?
Store leftover dhokla in an airtight container, lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil, to keep it fresh. Avoid leaving it exposed to air as this can dry it out. Refrigerating dhokla in the proper storage container will help preserve its texture.
Can I reheat dhokla in a pan?
Yes, you can reheat dhokla in a pan. Heat a little oil or ghee on low heat and place the dhokla pieces in the pan. Cover with a lid and heat for a few minutes, checking occasionally to ensure it doesn’t dry out.
How long should I steam dhokla to reheat it?
Steaming dhokla for 5-7 minutes on medium heat is ideal for reheating it. This method ensures the dhokla retains its moisture and soft texture. Be sure not to steam it for too long, as it could become soggy or lose its shape.
