Masala Dosa

masala_dosa

Indian Masala Dosa is one of the most iconic breakfast dishes from the southern part of India. It is a fermented crepe or pancake made from a batter of rice and urad dal (split black gram dal). The dish has a crispy texture on the outside and a soft texture on the inside, with a delicious filling made of potatoes and spices that are rolled inside.

The origin of Masala Dosa can be traced back to the state of Karnataka in India. However, it has become popular all over India and the world because of its unique and delicious taste. Masala Dosa is not just a breakfast dish but can also be enjoyed as a snack or as a main course meal.

The recipe for Masala Dosa is quite simple, but it does require some preparation beforehand. The rice and urad dal are soaked separately for a few hours or overnight. Then they are ground to a fine paste and combined with water and salt. The batter is then fermented overnight, which adds a tangy flavor to the pancake and makes it more nutritious.

The potato masala filling is the key to the dish’s savory and spicy flavors. The potatoes are boiled and then mashed with onions, green chilies, ginger, and a few spices like turmeric, cumin, mustard seeds, and coriander leaves. The filling is then placed on one side of the pancake and rolled up, making it a delicious and satisfying dish.

Masala Dosa is not just a savory dish, but it is also a healthy one. The fermentation of the pancake batter increases the nutritional value of the dish by making it easier to digest and adding valuable probiotics to the body. The filling of potatoes is a rich source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

The preparation of the Masala Dosa is not very difficult, and it doesn’t involve complicated cooking techniques. However, it does require some patience and attention to detail, especially when making the batter and cooking the pancake. The key to a perfect Masala Dosa is to spread the batter thinly and evenly on the pan, cook it on low to medium heat, and flip it gently to avoid breaking it.

In conclusion, Masala Dosa is an iconic dish from India that has won the hearts and taste buds of people all over the world. Its delicious crispy pancake and savory potato filling make it a perfect breakfast or snack food. The preparation may seem a little daunting, but it’s well worth it. With practice, anyone can master the art of making a perfect Masala Dosa.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup of rice
  • 1/2 cup of urad dal
  • 1 tsp fenugreek seeds
  • Salt to taste
  • Oil to cook
  • 1/2 cup boiled mashed potatoes
  • 1 chopped onion
  • 1 chopped tomato
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • Curry leaves
  • Mustard seeds

Instructions:

  1. Soak the rice, urad dal, and fenugreek seeds in water for at least six hours or overnight.

  2. Drain the water from the soaked mixture and grind it into a smooth batter. Add salt to taste, and let the batter ferment for at least eight hours or overnight to improve the flavor and texture.

  3. Heat a non-stick pan or griddle and smear it with oil. Once heated, pour a ladleful of the batter on the pan, and spread it thin with the back of the ladle.

  4. Sprinkle some oil around the edges of the dosa and let it cook on medium heat until it turns golden brown and crispy.

  5. Once the dosa is cooked, add 2 tbsp of boiled mashed potatoes on one side of the dosa and spread evenly.

  6. In a separate pan, heat some oil, add mustard seeds and curry leaves and let it sputter. Add chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown. Add chopped tomatoes, turmeric powder, chili powder, and salt, and cook until the tomatoes are soft and mushy.

  7. Once the potato filling is evenly spread, fold the dosa in half, and serve hot with the tomato onion masala on the side.