Article -> Article Details

Dhuska Recipe – Jharkhand’s Famous Snack Made Diabetes-Friendly

India’s food culture is rich with regional delicacies, each offering a unique taste and tradition. One such much-loved snack from Jharkhand and Bihar is Dhuska—a crispy, golden pancake usually made with rice and chana dal. It is commonly enjoyed as a breakfast item or evening snack, often served with spicy chutney or aloo curry. Traditionally, Dhuska is deep-fried, which makes it tasty and filling, but not the healthiest option, especially for people living with diabetes.

At Freedom From Diabetes (FFD), we believe in transforming traditional recipes into diabetes-friendly versions without losing their authentic taste. Our healthy Dhuska recipe is designed to keep the essence of this street food intact while making it suitable for better blood sugar management.

Why Traditional Dhuska May Not Be the Best Choice for Diabetics

The original Dhuska recipe involves white rice, chana dal, potatoes, and deep-frying in generous amounts of oil. While delicious, this combination can cause rapid spikes in blood sugar, particularly because of:

• White rice – High in carbohydrates with a high glycemic index, which is not ideal for diabetics.
  
  

• Potatoes – Starchy and fast-digesting, further raising glucose levels.
  
  

• Deep frying – Adds excess calories and unhealthy fats, making it heavy and less suitable for everyday consumption.
  
  

For someone managing diabetes, frequent indulgence in such foods can increase the risk of sugar fluctuations, weight gain, and digestive discomfort. However, with mindful ingredient swaps and healthier cooking methods, Dhuska can still be enjoyed guilt-free.

The FFD Twist: Making Dhuska Diabetes-Friendly

To make Dhuska more suitable for diabetics, we made a few simple but powerful changes to the traditional recipe:

1. Brown rice instead of white rice – Brown rice is a whole grain, rich in fiber and nutrients. It digests slowly, preventing sudden sugar spikes and keeping you fuller for longer.
   
   

2. Skipping potatoes – Removing potatoes reduces the starch content, making the dish lighter and more diabetes-friendly.
   
   

3. Shallow frying instead of deep frying – Using just a little oil on a pan helps retain the crisp texture without overloading the dish with unnecessary calories.
   
   

These changes ensure the Dhuska remains tasty and authentic but much healthier for daily or occasional indulgence.

Ingredients for Diabetes-Friendly Dhuska

• 1 cup soaked brown rice
  
  

• 1 cup soaked chana dal (Bengal gram lentils)
  
  

• ½ inch ginger
  
  

• 2 green chilies
  
  

• ¼ tsp turmeric powder
  
  

• Salt to taste
  
  

• Oil for shallow frying
  
  

Step-by-Step Method

1. Prepare the batter: Drain the soaked rice and dal. Blend them together with ginger, green chilies, turmeric, and salt into a smooth, thick paste. Add a little water only if needed.
   
   

2. Heat the pan: Place a non-stick or iron tawa on medium flame and lightly brush it with oil.
   
   

3. Cook the Dhuska: Pour a spoonful of batter onto the pan and spread gently into a small pancake. Drizzle a few drops of oil around the edges.
   
   

4. Flip and fry: Cook until the underside turns golden brown, then flip to cook the other side until crisp.
   
   

5. Serve hot: Enjoy your healthy Dhuska with mint chutney, tomato chutney, or a light vegetable curry.
   
   

Why This Version Works for Diabetics

This recipe is carefully designed to keep both taste and health in balance:

• Low Glycemic Impact: Brown rice and chana dal together provide complex carbs and protein, which release energy slowly.
  
  

• Protein-Rich: Chana dal adds plant-based protein, supporting satiety and muscle health.
  
  

• Rich in Fiber: Both brown rice and dal are fiber-rich, aiding digestion and keeping blood sugar stable.
  
  

• Lighter Cooking Method: Shallow frying reduces excess fat intake while still giving the dish a crisp texture.
  
  

The result is a dish that satisfies cravings for traditional street food but doesn’t compromise on health.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a fresh coriander chutney for a zesty flavor.
  
  

• Add a side of lightly spiced vegetable curry for a wholesome meal.
  
  

• Serve with curd or vegan yogurt for a cooling touch.
  
  

Since this recipe avoids heavy starches and excess oil, it can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or even as an evening snack.

A Healthy Twist to Regional Favorites

At Freedom From Diabetes, our goal is to show that you don’t need to give up your favorite foods when managing diabetes. Instead, it’s about smart substitutions, portion control, and healthier cooking techniques. This diabetes-friendly Dhuska is an example of how a beloved regional snack can be transformed into a dish that supports better health.

https://www.freedomfromdiabetes.org/blog/post/dhuska-recipe-jharkhand-famous-street-food/2763