Dosa

Name: Dosa
Prep time: PT30 minutes active, plus 8-12 hours fermentation
Cook time: PT3-4 minutes per dosa
Total time: PT30 minutes active, plus 8-12 hours fermentation and cooking time (approx. 20-30 minutes for 8 dosas)
Yield: 8
Cuisine: India
Ingredients: 300 g Rice (Idli rice or any short-grain rice is preferred for its starch content, which aids fermentation and texture.); 100 g Urad dal (Whole urad dal is best for texture. Split urad dal can also be used.); 1/2 tsp Fenugreek seeds (Fenugreek seeds (methi dana) aid in fermentation and add a subtle nutty flavor and aroma.); as needed Water (For soaking and grinding.); to taste Salt (Added after fermentation.); for cooking Oil or Ghee (A neutral oil like vegetable or sunflower oil, or ghee for a richer flavor.); optional Potato masala (For Masala Dosa filling. Typically made with boiled potatoes, onions, spices, and herbs.); for serving Sambar (A flavorful lentil and vegetable stew.); for serving Coconut chutney (Freshly ground coconut with spices and herbs.)

A crispy, fermented crepe made from rice and lentils, a quintessential South Indian breakfast dish. It's characterized by its delicate crispness on the outside and a soft, slightly chewy interior.

Prep30 minutes active, plus 8-12 hours fermentation

Cook3-4 minutes per dosa

Total30 minutes active, plus 8-12 hours fermentation and cooking time (approx. 20-30 minutes for 8 dosas)

Serves8

LevelMedium

Original· 10d ago

Make Your Version

🧂 Ingredients

300 g Rice(Idli rice or any short-grain rice is preferred for its starch content, which aids fermentation and texture.)
100 g Urad dal(Whole urad dal is best for texture. Split urad dal can also be used.)
1/2 tsp Fenugreek seeds(Fenugreek seeds (methi dana) aid in fermentation and add a subtle nutty flavor and aroma.)
as needed Water(For soaking and grinding.)
to taste Salt(Added after fermentation.)
for cooking Oil or Ghee(A neutral oil like vegetable or sunflower oil, or ghee for a richer flavor.)
optional Potato masala(For Masala Dosa filling. Typically made with boiled potatoes, onions, spices, and herbs.)
for serving Sambar(A flavorful lentil and vegetable stew.)
for serving Coconut chutney(Freshly ground coconut with spices and herbs.)

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1
Rinse the rice and urad dal thoroughly under cold running water until the water runs clear. Soak the rice and urad dal separately in ample water for at least 4-6 hours, or overnight. Soak the fenugreek seeds separately in a small amount of water for the same duration.
⏱️ 4-6 hours or overnight
2
Drain the soaked rice and urad dal completely. Grind them together into a smooth, thick batter using a wet grinder or a high-powered blender. Add the soaked fenugreek seeds and a little water as needed to achieve a smooth consistency, similar to pancake batter. The batter should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but pourable.
⏱️ 15-20 minutes
3
Transfer the batter to a large bowl. Cover and let it ferment in a warm place for 8-12 hours, or until it has at least doubled in volume and has a slightly sour aroma. The fermentation time will vary depending on the ambient temperature.
⏱️ 8-12 hours
4
Once fermented, gently stir the batter. Add salt to taste and mix well. If the batter is too thick, add a tablespoon or two of water to reach a pourable consistency. The batter should be thick but flow easily.
⏱️ 5 minutes
5
Heat a non-stick tawa or cast-iron griddle over medium-high heat. To test if it's hot enough, sprinkle a few drops of water; they should sizzle and evaporate immediately. Lightly grease the tawa with oil or ghee, then wipe off excess with a paper towel.
⏱️ 2-3 minutes
6
Pour a ladleful of batter (about 1/4 cup) onto the center of the hot tawa. Immediately, using the back of the ladle, spread the batter in a thin, even, circular motion, starting from the center and moving outwards to create a large, thin crepe. Work quickly to prevent the batter from setting.
⏱️ 30-45 seconds
7
Drizzle about 1-2 teaspoons of oil or ghee around the edges and over the surface of the dosa. Cook for about 1-2 minutes, or until the bottom turns golden brown and the edges start to lift from the tawa. You should see small bubbles forming on the surface, and the color should be an even golden hue.
⏱️ 1-2 minutes
8
If making Masala Dosa, place a portion of prepared potato masala on one half of the dosa. Fold the other half over the filling. If serving plain, simply fold the dosa in half or roll it up.
⏱️ 30 seconds
9
Serve immediately with hot sambar and coconut chutney. Repeat the process for the remaining batter, ensuring the tawa is hot and lightly greased between each dosa.
⏱️ 2-3 minutes per dosa

Track your cooking history

💡 Pro Tips

✓The consistency of the batter is key. It should be pourable but not watery.
✓Ensure the tawa (griddle) is sufficiently hot before pouring the batter. This prevents the dosa from sticking and helps it spread evenly.
✓Spread the batter quickly and thinly in a circular motion for a crispy dosa.
✓Don't overcrowd the tawa. Cook one dosa at a time.
✓For a crispier dosa, cook on medium-high heat and allow it to brown well on the bottom before flipping (though many prefer not to flip traditional dosas, only cooking one side).

✨ Twist Ideas

Inspiration for your own version of this recipe

Masala Dosa: Filled with spiced potato mixture.
Plain Dosa: Served without filling.
Rava Dosa: Made with semolina (rava) and rice flour, known for its lacy texture and quick preparation (no fermentation required).
Mysore Masala Dosa: A spicier version of Masala Dosa, often with a layer of red chutney spread on the crepe before adding the potato filling.
Onion Dosa: Finely chopped onions sprinkled over the batter as it cooks.