Dhokla (Naturally Vegan — Gujarati Steamed Cake)

Dhokla — the fermented chickpea-flour steamed cake of Gujarat — is naturally vegan and one of India's most unique preparations: a savoury snack with a texture unlike any other in the culinary world — spongy, light, slightly sour from fermentation, and hit with a tempering of mustard seeds, curry leaves, and green chilli in oil that is poured over the surface and absorbed into the pores. The preparation requires either an overnight fermentation (for the richest flavour) or an instant version using fruit salt (Eno) which produces the airated texture through a chemical reaction rather than biological fermentation. The fermented version is more complex and authentic; the instant version is acceptable for weeknight preparation. Either way, the dhokla must be steamed in a single, even layer and allowed to set before cutting — immediate cutting produces crumbling that can't be fixed.