For Khaman Batter
1.5 cups gram chickpea flour (besan), 180 grams
1 Tbsp (wheat or corn) semolina – optional
1 Tbsp sugar
1.5 inch ginger crushed to a fine paste in a mortar-pestle
1.5 tsps chopped green chillies crushed to a fine paste in a mortar-pestle
1/2 tsp turmeric powder
1/8 tsp asafoetida (hing)
1 Tbsp mild oil
½ to ¾ tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
1.5 Tbsps lemon juice
1 cup water or add as required
For Tempering mixture
2 Tbsps mild oil
⅓ cup water
1 tsp mustard seeds
1 tsp cumin seeds
2 tsps sesame seeds
1 sprig curry leaves – about 10 to 12 curry leaves OR zest of 1 lime
1 tsp chopped green chilies (optional)
2 tsps sugar
For Garnish
2 to 3 tablespoons chopped cilantro
Making Khaman Batter
- Select a pan that will fit inside your steamer or pressure cooker. Grease the pan well with a few tsps of oil.
- Start heating the water in your steamer or pressure cooker so that it's boiling by the time the batter is ready.
- Mix together the chickpea flour, turmeric, asafoetida, sugar and salt.
- Add the lemon juice, ginger and chilli paste and the water.
- NOTE: if the quality or freshness of the flour isn't great you may need to add water until you get the consistency of a heavy cream. If you go too liquid, no problem, just add a little more chickpea flour, 1 or 2 Tbsps at a time.
- Add the semolina if using.
- Mix until perfectly smooth and lump-free.
- Put in a (large?) pot and bring to a boil.
- This part needs to be done quickly. Stir in the baking soda and mix evenly. The batter would froth and become bubbly, so you have to be quick.
- Pour the batter into the greased pan.
Steaming Khaman
- Place the pan in a steamer or pressure cooker. The water should already be boiling or hot when you place the pan with the batter.
- NOTE: If using a pressure cooker, DO NOT use the vent weight/whistle but leave the steam vent open. Whichever cooking pot you use for steaming, put the lid on firmly.
- Steam for 12 to 15 minutes on a medium to high heat.
- To check the doneness, insert a toothpick and if it comes out clean, the khaman is done.
- Allow the khaman to cool, then use a knife to remove it from the pan by sliding it between the sides of the pan and the cake.
- With a plate turn over onto the top of the cake, invert the pan. If greased well, the khaman will easily slide out. Slice and set aside.
Tempering mixture
- In a small pan, heat oil.
- Add mustard seeds and when they start to pop stir in the cumin seeds, curry leaves/lime zest and optional chopped green chilies. Allow to cook a few moments.
- Add sesame seeds and allow to fry for a few moments; they should not brown.
- As with any hot pot, carefully add the water, then mix in the sugar.
- Stir and bring to a boil. Make sure that the sugar has dissolved in the water.
- Pour this tempering mixture evenly on the steamed and sliced khaman.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro.
- Pairs well with any spicy or sweet Indian chutney or with sweet chai tea.