Dosa
Pakistani Dosa, also known as masala dosa, is a popular South Indian dish that is loved by people all over the world. It is a crispy and savory crepe-like dish made with rice and lentils, which are blended together to create a smooth batter. The dish is then filled with a spicy potato filling and served with coconut chutney and sambar, a lentil-based vegetable stew.
In Pakistan, dosa is primarily a street food and is commonly found in small eateries, known as dosa kiosks. It has become a staple food for many Pakistanis and is frequently eaten for breakfast or as a snack. The Pakistani version of dosa is slightly different from the original South Indian recipe as it incorporates spices and flavors that are distinctive to the Pakistani cuisine.
The typical Pakistani dosa begins with a preparation of the batter which is made by soaking rice and lentils for several hours. The soaked ingredients are then ground together with water to create a smooth, thick batter. The batter is then allowed to ferment overnight which creates a tangy and slightly sour taste.
The next day, the batter is ready to be transformed into delicious dosas. A preheated griddle or a non-stick pan is used to make the pancakes. A small amount of oil is added to the griddle and a ladle full of batter is spread evenly on it to create a thin pancake. The dosa is left to cook on a medium flame until it turns golden brown.
The spicy potato filling is another important component of the dish. The filling is made with boiled potatoes and a variety of Indian spices such as mustard seeds, cumin seeds, turmeric, and chilli powder. The potatoes are tempered with the spices which create a delicious and aromatic filling.
The dosa is then spread with a generous amount of the potato filling and served with freshly-made coconut chutney and sambar. Coconut chutney is made with fresh grated coconut, green chillies, and roasted peanuts. All the ingredients are blended together with water to create a smooth chutney. Sambar, on the other hand, is a lentil-based vegetable stew that is spiced with tamarind, curry leaves, and other spices.
Overall, the Pakistani dosa is a complex and flavorful dish that requires a bit of preparation but is well worth the effort. It is a popular and affordable street food that can be found in almost every corner of Pakistan. Pakistani dosa is not only delicious but is also nutritious as it contains a healthy dose of protein and carbohydrates. Try this recipe today and experience its unique taste and flavors.
Unfortunately, there is no such thing as Pakistani dosa. Dosas are a popular South Indian dish that has spread throughout India and internationally. However, Pakistan does have a similar dish known as cheela, which is also a savory pancake made from gram flour or besan. Here’s a recipe for Pakistani cheela:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup besan (gram flour)
- 1/4 cup rice flour
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onions
- 2 small green chilies, finely chopped
- 1/4 tsp turmeric powder
- 1/4 tsp red chili powder
- 1/4 tsp cumin seeds
- 1/4 tsp ajwain (carom seeds)
- Salt to taste
- Water as needed
- Oil for cooking
Directions:
- In a mixing bowl, combine besan, rice flour, turmeric powder, red chili powder, cumin seeds, ajwain, and salt.
- Add finely chopped onions and green chilies to the dry ingredients and mix well.
- Slowly add water to make a smooth batter. The batter should be of pouring consistency.
- Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and drizzle some oil.
- Pour a ladle full of batter onto the pan and spread it in a circular motion to form a thin pancake-like layer. Let it cook for 1-2 minutes till the bottom turns golden brown.
- Flip the cheela and cook for another minute.
- Remove the cheela from the pan and serve hot with tomato chutney or any other chutney of your choice.
Enjoy your Pakistani cheela with a cup of chai for breakfast or as a snack!