Masala Dosa is one of the most popular South Indian dishes, loved for its crispy texture and flavorful potato filling. It is a delicious and satisfying meal that can be enjoyed at any time of the day. If you’re looking to make this iconic dish at home, here’s a simple guide to preparing the perfect Masala Dosa.
Ingredients for the Dosa Batter
- 1 cup rice
- 1/4 cup urad dal (split black gram)
- 1/4 tsp fenugreek seeds (methi)
- Water as required
- Salt to taste
- Oil or ghee for cooking
Ingredients for the Masala (Potato Filling)
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- 2 large potatoes, boiled and mashed
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 green chilies, finely chopped
- 1/2 tsp mustard seeds
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin seeds
- A few curry leaves
- 1/2 tsp ginger, grated
- Salt to taste
- 1 tbsp oil
Preparation of Dosa Batter
- Soak the Ingredients: Begin by soaking the rice, urad dal, and fenugreek seeds in water for about 4-5 hours. This will soften them, making it easier to grind.
- Grind the Batter: After soaking, drain the water and blend the rice, dal, and fenugreek seeds together into a smooth batter. Add water as needed to get a consistency similar to pancake batter.
- Ferment the Batter: Allow the batter to ferment overnight or for at least 8-10 hours. The batter should rise and become slightly bubbly, indicating it is ready for use.
- Add Salt: Once fermented, add salt to taste and mix well before cooking the dosas.
Preparation of Masala (Potato Filling)
- Cook the Spices: Heat oil in a pan and add mustard seeds. Once they splutter, add cumin seeds, curry leaves, and chopped green chilies. Sauté for a minute until the spices release their aroma.
- Add Onions and Ginger: Add chopped onions and grated ginger to the pan, and sauté until the onions turn soft and golden brown.
- Add Turmeric and Potatoes: Now, add turmeric powder and mix it well. Add the mashed potatoes and mix everything together. Cook for a few minutes, adding salt to taste. Remove from heat once the mixture is well combined and cooked through.
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Making the Masala Dosa
- Heat the Pan: Heat a non-stick tawa or griddle on medium heat and lightly grease it with oil or ghee.
- Cook the Dosa: Pour a ladleful of dosa batter onto the pan and spread it in a circular motion to form a thin layer. Drizzle a little oil around the edges of the dosa and cook until the bottom is golden brown and crispy.
- Add the Masala: Once the dosa is crispy, place a portion of the prepared potato filling in the center. Gently fold the dosa in half to cover the masala filling.
- Serve Hot: Serve the Masala Dosa hot with coconut chutney and sambar for the perfect South Indian meal.
Tips
- You can adjust the thickness of the dosa based on your preference, but traditionally, masala dosas are thin and crispy.
- Fermentation is key to getting the right texture for the dosa. Make sure to allow enough time for the batter to ferment properly.
- You can also add grated coconut or coriander leaves to the potato filling for extra flavor.
Also Read
- Banarasi Chooda Matar Recipe: A Traditional Flavorful Snack from Varanasi
- Matar Paratha Recipe: A Delicious & Healthy Breakfast Option