Farali Dhokla

Recipe: Farali Dhokla

Farali Dhokla is quite different from the traditional, popular Gujarati steamed snack, dhokla. Usually the batter is made from rice and chana/ moong dal or as in the case of instant dhokla, chickpea flour or besan. Farali Dhokla is made from samo or moriyo and sabudana. No garlic, onion, turmeric powder is used. Therefore, Farali Dhokla can be enjoyed during fasting days like Ekadashi, Navrati, Janmashtami, Shivratri, etc. On these days most people don’t consume grains, beans, legumes, onion, garlic, and very spicy food. Sabudana is tapioca pearls.

Memories

I try and fast most of the Ekadashi days, which comes every fortnight. Our usual meal is moriyo khichdi with potato curry. Occasionally I make Sabudana Khichdi. Sometimes, I feel like I want to have something different. Or prepare something different as offering for God. I came across a Farali Dhokla recipe on the internet and got so excited. Had to try it out right away. And I am a big fan of any type of dhokla. The recipe turned out a disaster! The recipe called for processing raw sabudana and samo into a flour. I did that. The end result, the dhoklas tasted bitter. I had to bin them!

The second attempt was with another recipe where the sabudana are dry roasted in a pan before grinding with the sama chawal. Somehow, I was not too happy with the end result. It still had a slight after taste.

Then I decided to soak both the sabudana and sama chawal. That meant that both would be washed before grinding or processing. And yup, I hit the jackpot. So much better, no after taste and best part, super soft dhoklas.

On 20/01/2016 I did post the Farali Dhokla using the roasted sabudana and wiping clean the sama chawal on a kitchen towel. But after trying out the soaked sabudana sama version it was time to update the recipe and better photos.

Updating this post on 06/02/2026.

Some More Ekadashi Recipes You May Like

SAMA PULAO | MORIYO PULAO

Sama Pulao is a simple, healthy, filling, one pot meal that is generally prepared during the Hindu Fasting Days like Navratri, Ekadashi, Ram Navmi, etc. Sama, samak chawal, moriyo, barnyard millet is widely used during fasting. Though the name has the word millet it is not a true millet. Actually it is a grass seed much like quinoa but smaller.

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PLANTAIN PANEER TIKKIS

Plantain Paneer Tikki also known as cutlets or patties is made from plantain, paneer, potatoes, spices and herbs. It is a delicious, gluten free, protein rich and filling snack that is usually enjoyed with some chutney or yogurt. This tikki can be enjoyed during fasting days like Ekadashi, Navratri, Ram Navmi or Janmashtami where usually one abstains from grains and legumes.

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BEETROOT VADA

Beetroot Vada is a delicious, crunchy, spicy take on the traditional Sabudana Vada. Vada is fritters and in this case roasted or boiled beetroot is added to the mashed potatoes, spices and soaked tapioca pearls mixture.  Ideal as a starter or a snack for Navratri or Ekadashi fasting.

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FARALI UTTAPAM

Farali Uttapam is a variation of the popular traditional Southern Indian Snack Uttapam. Traditionally, uttapam is made from a batter of rice and urad dal. However, these two are not allowed during fasting days like Navratri, Ekadashi, Janmashtami, Ram Navmi, etc. Therefore, these Farali Uttapams are made from a batter of sama chawal (barnyard millet), sabudana dana (tapioca pearls) and rajgira flour ( amaranth flour). All these three are allowed during the fasting.

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RAJGIRA SHEERA | HALWA | AMARANTH FLOUR HALWA

Rajgira Sheera | Halwa is a gluten free, delicious Indian sweet dish that is prepared from amaranth flour, ghee, sugar and milk. Mostly prepared during fasting days like Ekadashi, Navratri, Shravan, Ram Navmi, etc, it is an easy recipe.

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DAHI SABUDANA | TAPIOCA PEARLS IN YOGURT

Dahi Sabudana or Tapioca Pearls in Yogurt is a simple but flavourful Fasting or vrat recipe whereby sabudana is added to spicy yogurt along with some crushed roasted peanuts and seasonings. An ideal way to enjoy the cooling effect of yogurt during the hot season.

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SABUDANA KHICHDI

Sabudana Khichdi is a popular Indian dish made from tapioca pearls, potatoes, spices and peanuts or other nuts. An ideal dish to prepare for fasting or vrat days.

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SABUDANA KHEER /TAPIOCA PEARL PUDDING

A creamy, delicious, gluten free, rich pudding enjoyed during fasting days or whenever you feel its kheer time.

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MORIYO NO SHEERO |SAMA CHAWAL KA HALWA

Moriyo No Sheero | Sama Chawal Halwa is a farali sweet dish that can be made during Navratri, Ekadashi, Janmashtami, Ram Navmi or Shivratri. Make this simple gluten free delicious halwa, offer it to God and enjoy as prasadam.

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MUHOGO NA BHAJIA/ CASSAVA BHAJIA

Muhogo Na Bhajia/ Cassava Fritters is a fried snack made from boiled cassava, grated cassava and soaked tapioca pearls. Usually prepared on Ekadashi Fasting days, it is gluten free and vegan. Enjoy these bhajias or fritters as tea time snack, as an appetizer or as a part of a main meal.

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MORIYA KHICHDI | SAMA KHICHDI

Moriyo Khichdi | Sama Khichdi is a gluten free, easy to make, healthy dish that is usually enjoyed during fasting days like Navratri, Ekadashi, Ram Navmi, etc. However, it can be enjoyed on non fasting days as moriyo or barnyard millet is easy to digest and filling.

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Ingredients Required For Farali Dhokla

Samo / Moriyo

Samo also known as sama chawal, barnyard millet, samak chawal, vari,vrat ka chawal, Kuthiraivali, Odalu, etc. We need 1 cup of samo.

Sabudana

Also known as tapioca pearls, we need ¼ cup.

Plain Yogurt

Plain yogurt that is thick and not watery. If it is a little sour, so much better.

Salt

Since we are making farali dhokla, we don’t use table salt. We use sendha namak or rock salt.

Fresh Ginger

Peeled and grated or minced to add to the batter.

Green Chillis

We need minced green chillis to add to the batter. And one chilli sliced for the tempering or vaghar.

Oil

For farali food don’t use vegetable, corn, mustard, canola, rice bran oil. Instead use sunflower oil, peanut oil, coconut oil or ghee.

Water

We need oil to soak the sama chawal and sabudana. We need more to wash both. And then some for the batter.

Sugar

Add according to your taste. It is usually added to balance out the flavours.

Lemon Juice

I add a bit of lemon juice for sour flavour.

Eno or Baking Soda

Added as the leavening agent.

Cumin Seeds

We will use some for the tempering or vaghar.

Curry Leaves

Kadi patta, we need some for the tempering or vaghar.

Sesame Seeds

For the tempering or vaghar. If you don’t consume sesame seeds or tal during fasting then omit them.

Red Chilli Powder | Black Pepper Powder

To add on top. Some people do not use red chilli powder for fasting days. Instead use coarsely ground black pepper.

Fresh Coriander

Washed and chopped, including tender stems. We will be using it for the tempering or vaghar.