Spicy Masala Khaman Recipe – Soft, Fluffy & Flavor-Packed Gujarati

Spicy Masala Khaman Recipe – Soft, Fluffy & Flavor-Packed Gujarati Snack

Spicy Masala Khaman is a delicious variation of traditional Gujarati khaman, made with gram flour (besan) and topped with a spicy tempering of green chilies, mustard seeds, curry leaves, and aromatic masalas. Unlike plain khaman dhokla, this version is bold, tangy, slightly sweet, and packed with extra flavor.

Khaman is known for its soft, airy texture and melt-in-the-mouth feel. When combined with spicy masala and fresh herbs, it becomes an irresistible snack that pairs beautifully with tea or green chutney. Whether served as breakfast, evening snack, or party appetizer, spicy masala khaman never disappoints.

The best part? It’s quick, easy, and requires simple pantry ingredients.

Let’s make soft and fluffy spicy masala khaman step by step!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Soft and spongy texture

  • Perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy

  • Steamed, not fried – healthier snack option

  • Ready in under 30 minutes

  • Ideal for breakfast, tea-time, or parties

Ingredients

For Khaman Batter:

  • 1 cup besan (gram flour)

  • 1 tablespoon semolina (optional, for texture)

  • 1 teaspoon ginger-green chili paste

  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

  • 1 teaspoon sugar

  • Salt to taste

  • ¾ cup water (adjust as needed)

  • 1 teaspoon Eno fruit salt (or baking soda + few drops lemon juice)

For Tempering (Masala Tadka):

  • 2 tablespoons oil

  • 1 teaspoon mustard seeds

  • 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional)

  • 2–3 green chilies (slit)

  • 8–10 curry leaves

  • 1 teaspoon red chili powder

  • ½ teaspoon turmeric powder

  • 1 tablespoon sugar

  • ¼ cup water

  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

For Garnishing:

  • 2 tablespoons chopped coriander leaves

  • 2 tablespoons grated coconut (optional)

  • Sev (optional, for spicy street-style touch)

Preparation Time

  • Preparation Time: 10 minutes

  • Steaming Time: 15 minutes

  • Total Time: 25–30 minutes

Step-by-Step Method

Step 1: Prepare the Batter

In a mixing bowl, add besan, semolina, sugar, salt, and ginger-chili paste.

Add lemon juice and gradually mix in water to form a smooth, lump-free batter. The consistency should be thick but flowing.

Whisk well for 2–3 minutes to incorporate air. This helps make khaman soft and fluffy.

Step 2: Add Eno and Steam

Grease a steaming tray or plate with oil.

Just before steaming, add Eno fruit salt to the batter. Add 1 tablespoon water on top of Eno and mix gently in one direction.

You will see the batter becoming frothy and airy.

Immediately pour the batter into the greased tray.

Steam in a preheated steamer for 15 minutes on medium heat.

Insert a toothpick to check — it should come out clean.

Let it cool slightly, then cut into square or diamond pieces.

Step 3: Prepare Spicy Masala Tempering

Heat oil in a pan.

Add mustard seeds and let them splutter.

Add sesame seeds, green chilies, and curry leaves.

Now add turmeric powder and red chili powder.

Add ¼ cup water, sugar, and lemon juice.

Let it simmer for 1–2 minutes.

Step 4: Pour Tempering Over Khaman

Evenly pour the hot tempering over the steamed khaman pieces.

Make sure the masala spreads well and seeps into the pieces.

Garnish with chopped coriander and grated coconut.

For extra spice and street-style flavor, sprinkle some nylon sev on top.

Tips for Perfect Spicy Masala Khaman

  1. Always add Eno at the end just before steaming.

  2. Do not overmix after adding Eno.

  3. Steam on medium heat, not high.

  4. Tempering water helps keep khaman moist.

  5. Serve fresh for best texture.

How to Make It Extra Spicy

  • Add crushed black pepper to batter.

  • Increase green chilies in tempering.

  • Sprinkle chaat masala on top.

  • Add finely chopped onions for street-style masala khaman.

Variations You Can Try

1. Nylon Khaman

Use very smooth batter and strain it for ultra-soft texture.

2. Garlic Masala Khaman

Add crushed garlic in tempering for bold flavor.

3. Cheese Masala Khaman

Sprinkle grated cheese for fusion style.

4. Instant Microwave Version

Steam in microwave-safe bowl for 4–5 minutes.

Serving Suggestions

Spicy Masala Khaman tastes amazing with:

  • Green chutney

  • Tamarind chutney

  • Masala chai

  • Fried green chilies

It’s perfect for brunch spreads, kitty parties, or festive snacks 💛

Storage Instructions

  • Store in airtight container in refrigerator for up to 2 days.

  • Sprinkle little water and reheat before serving.

  • Avoid freezing as texture may change.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did my khaman turn dense?

Eno was old or batter was overmixed.

Can I skip Eno?

Yes, use ½ teaspoon baking soda plus lemon juice.

Why is it dry?

Tempering water helps keep it moist — don’t skip it.

Conclusion

Spicy Masala Khaman is a delightful snack that combines soft texture with bold flavors. The sweet, tangy, and spicy tempering makes it irresistible and perfect for any time of the day.

With this easy recipe, you can enjoy authentic Gujarati-style spicy khaman right at home. Once you try it, it might just become your favorite go-to snack for guests and family gatherings 💛✨

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