Imagine biting into a cushion-soft, spongy dhokla, its tangy essence accented by the fiery snap of spiced potatoes and the fragrant drizzle of mint chutney. This is not just a culinary creation; it is an innovative fusion of cultures—a delightful journey of Gujarati flavors wrapped in the familiar embrace of Mexican tacos.

At Red Chilli, nestled in the vibrant heart of Jackson Heights, we celebrate this fusion with our exquisite dhokla tacos. It's a dish that tells a story of cultural exchange, perfect for food adventurers seeking both novelty and authenticity.

The Dhokla Tacos Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 cup gram flour (besan)
• 1/2 cup yogurt
• 1 tsp ginger-chili paste
• 1/4 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp Eno fruit salt
• Salt to taste
• 1/2 cup water
• Spiced potato filling (boiled potatoes, cumin, chili powder)
• Chaat toppings (sev, chopped onions, cilantro)
• Chutneys (mint, tamarind)

Method

1. Mix gram flour, yogurt, ginger-chili paste, turmeric, and salt in a bowl. Gradually add water to form a smooth batter.
2. Just before steaming, add Eno and mix well. Pour the batter into a greased steaming tray.
3. Steam for 15 minutes or until a skewer inserted comes out clean. Let it cool slightly before slicing into taco-sized pieces.
4. Prepare spiced potatoes by sautéing boiled potatoes with cumin seeds, chili powder, and salt.
5. Assemble tacos by placing potato filling on dhokla slices. Add chutneys, sprinkle chaat toppings, and garnish with sev and cilantro.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these dhokla tacos open-faced to highlight the vibrant colors, accompanied by a cool glass of chaas (spiced buttermilk) to balance the flavors and textures. For a full meal experience, pair with our tandoori specials available on our menu.

The Story Behind the Fusion

The concept of dhokla tacos is a beautiful expression of culinary creativity reflecting the meeting of Gujarati and Mexican food traditions. The soft, tangy dhokla acts as an excellent base, allowing the vibrant flavors of Indian chaat to shine. This dish captures the spirit of street food from Ahmedabad to Mexico City, celebrating the universal love for snacks that are bold in flavor and rich in texture.

At Red Chilli, we embrace this fusion by using traditional steaming methods and authentic ingredients. Our chefs take pride in blending these cultures, crafting a dish that resonates with the diverse community of Queens, NY. Visit us at 76-05 37th Ave or call us at (718) 541-6978 to savor this fusion firsthand.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is a dhokla taco?

A dhokla taco uses slices of dhokla as the base instead of a tortilla, filled with spicy, tangy, and crunchy Indian-inspired toppings.

Is it difficult to make at home?

With the right ingredients and a clear recipe, such as this one, making dhokla tacos at home is quite manageable, even for beginner cooks.

Can I make it vegan or gluten-free?

Yes, dhokla is naturally gluten-free if made with chickpea flour, and can easily be vegan by using non-dairy yogurt.

Where can I try dhokla tacos?

You can try authentic dhokla tacos at Red Chilli in Jackson Heights, a hotspot for culinary innovation combining Indian and global flavors.

What does it taste like?

Expect a delightful mix of soft, tangy dhokla, with spicy and zesty fillings, creating a unique explosion of flavors.