Hello Foodies! Welcome to Naiya's Kitchen!!
If you’re looking for that perfect balance of cooling comfort and spicy street-food zing, these Steamed Dahi Bhallas are a complete game-changer. Imagine soft, pillowy bhallas—steamed to perfection rather than deep-fried—nestled in a pool of velvety, chilled whisked curd. It is a lighter, guilt-free take on a classic favorite that doesn't compromise on the bold, messy joy of a great chaat.
Every spoonful is a vibrant explosion of textures and flavors. We’re loading these up with tangy imli chutney and fiery green chutney, then layering on a hearty mix of boiled chickpeas, crunchy masala boondi, and a sprinkle of bhel puri for that signature snap. Finished with a dusting of roasted jeera powder and chaat masala, and garnished with a colorful confetti of sev, fresh coriander, and ruby-red pomegranate seeds, this dish is as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the palate.
There you have it—a refreshing, guilt-free way to enjoy one of the most beloved street foods without the heavy feel of deep-frying. These Steamed Dahi Bhallas prove that you can keep all the bold, tangy, and spicy flavors of a classic chaat while opting for a much lighter preparation. Whether you’re serving these at a festive family brunch or just whipping up a mid-week treat, the combination of chilled curd, zesty chutneys, and that satisfying crunch from the bhel puri and masala boondi is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
"I can’t wait for you to give this steamed version a try! It’s become a staple in my kitchen for whenever those chaat cravings hit. If you make these, don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on Instagram—I love seeing your recreations. What’s your 'must-have' chaat topping? Let me know in the comments below, and let’s keep the food conversation going!"
"The beauty of this dish lies in the assembly, so feel free to get creative with your toppings! If you want an extra kick, add some finely chopped green chilies, or swap the chickpeas for sprouted moong for an even heartier protein boost. However you plate it, make sure to serve it chilled for that authentic experience. Happy cooking, and I’ll see you in the next recipe!"
Preparation time - 10 minutes
Soaking time - 3 to 4 hours
Fermenting time- 2 to 3 hours
Cooking time - 10 minutes
Steaming time - 15 minutes/ batch
Ingredients to make Steamed Dahi Bhalla:
For bhalla:
2 cup urad dal
2 tablespoon yellow moong dal
Salt to taste
1/2 teaspoon asafeotida/hing
1 tablespoon finely chopped green chilies
1 teaspoon grated/crushed ginger
1 tablespoon oil
1 tablespoon fruit salt
Oil for brushing
For buttermilk:
1/4 cup curd
1 litre water
Salt to taste
1/4 teaspoon hing/asafoetida
For assembling:
2 to 3 tablespoon desi chana (boiled)
For whisk curd:
Fresh/homemade curd from 1 litre milk
Salt to taste
2 to 3 tablespoon sugar
For serving:
Bhel puri
Sev
Pomegranate seeds
coriander leaves
Chat masala
Roasted jeera powder
Masala bundi
Method to make Steamed Dahi Bhalla:
For Bhalla:
- Wash and soak dals in hot water for 3 to 4 hours.
- Drain extra water and churn until smooth paste with sufficient water,
- Add all ingredients excluding fruit salt and oil to it. Mix well and keep a side for 2 to 3 hours for fermenting.
- Get ready the steamer and heat it.
- After that again mix well and add oil and fruit salt to it.
- Pour bhalla mixture in to the mould and steam for 12 to 15 minutes at high flame.
- When ready remove from steamer and let it cool at room temperature. Remove from mould and dip in butter milk for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Carefully drain bhalla and place them in refrigerator.
- Repeat the same for remaining.
For Buttermilk:
- Mix all ingredients of buttermilk.
For whisk curd:
- Mix all ingredients of whisk curd and keep it in refrigerator to chill.
For assembling:
- Roughly break bhalla in two to three pieces. Place the in serving plate/bowl.
- Pour whisked curd over it.
- Now its time to pour imli chutney and green chutney as per taste.
- Sprinkle crushed bhel puri, masala bundi, chat masala, roasted jeera powder, sev, pomegranate seeds, coriander leaves, boiled chickpeas as per taste.
- It is recommended to serve Dahi Bhalla chilled.
- Our delicious and healthy Steamed Dahi Bhalla is ready to serve.
