Surati Locho: Made With Authentic Flavors And Texture
Image Credit: Image: Foodon Tv Network

The famous snack Locho is probably the most famous snack in Surat if you've ever been there. The snack is made of chana dal, which is steamed to form a soft mixture and served with onions, sev, and mint chutney. It is said that Locho was invented accidentally by someone who was trying to prepare Khaman. He realized after steaming the Khaman that there was an excess of water in the batter. As a result, the Khaman did not hold its shape and became a mushy mixture. After this unplanned invention, he sold this dish to his customers and it instantly became a hit. Locho has become Surat's most famous snack because of this unplanned invention. Try this really simple dish at home if you enjoy mouthwatering Gujarati food.  Here is how to prepare it with only a few simple ingredients.

Preparation time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 10 minutes

Total Cooking time: 20 minutes

Servings: For 3 person

Ingredients

  • 200gm - chana dal
  • 1-inch ginger
  • 1/4 tsp - Turmeric
  • 1/4 tsp - Baking soda
  • 1/2 tbsp - Red chili powder
  • Salt according to your preferred taste 
  • Sev as required
  • 1 - Green Chili
  • 2 tbsp - Yogurt (curd)
  • 1/4 tsp - Asafoetida
  • 1 tbsp - Peanut Oil
  • 1/2 tbsp - Cumin Powder
  • 1 tbsp - Gram Flour (besan)

Method:

  • First of all, wash the dal 3-4 times and then soak it in water for about 2 to 3 hours
  • Now remove the water from the dal and add it to a blender
  • Make a gritty mixture by blending it
  • Now add ¾ cup water, 1 tbsp besan, 2 tbsp curd and salt according to your preferred taste and blend it again to form a batter
  • Take this batter and put it in a container with a lid. Let the batter ferment for 3 hours
  • Now stir the batter for two minutes while adding finely chopped green chili, grated ginger, turmeric, asafoetida, baking soda and peanut oil
  • Now pour the batter into a greased tin and steam it for about 10 to 12 minutes
  • Scrape the Locho from the tin once it has finished steaming and place it on a platter
  • You can serve this Locho with some chopped onions and mint chutney on the side, along with some red chili powder, cumin powder, and sev to top it off

This recipe is easy to make but offers great taste and is loved by everyone. This recipe needs only a handful of ingredients and 30-35 minutes of your time to make it. The ingredients used in this recipe are not very hard to get. It is just perfect for snacks, breakfast, lunch, and light dinner. You will love the combination of textures and flavors. It is pure perfection when you combine the crispness of sev and onion with soft, oozy locho and hot green chutneys in one bite.