Vegetarian📍 Tamil Nadu

Dosa

An authentic vegetarian recipe from Tamil Nadu, India — with exact measurements and step-by-step instructions.

Traditional Dosa from Tamil Nadu, India
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The Story Behind the Dish

Dosa is a treasured vegetarian dish from Tamil Nadu, India — a reflection of the region's ingredients, climate, and culinary traditions passed down through generations.

Ingredients

0/16 gathered

Cooking Instructions

  1. **Soak the grains:** Rinse idli rice, urad dal, chana dal, and fenugreek seeds. Soak rice separately and dal with fenugreek together in water for 6–8 hours.

  2. **Grind the batter:** Grind urad dal and fenugreek first until very smooth and fluffy, adding water gradually. Then grind the rice to a slightly coarse consistency. Combine both batters, add salt, and mix well.

  3. **Ferment the batter:** Cover and ferment at room temperature for 8–12 hours (overnight) until the batter doubles in volume and smells slightly sour. In cold climates, place in a warm oven with just the light on.

  4. **Prepare the potato masala:** Boil potatoes until tender, peel and roughly mash. Heat oil in a pan, add mustard seeds and let them splutter. Add curry leaves, slit green chillies, and sliced onions. Cook until onions are soft.

  5. **Season the masala:** Add grated ginger and turmeric. Add the mashed potatoes, mix well, and cook for 3–4 minutes. Season with salt and garnish with coriander. Set aside.

  6. **Heat the tawa:** Heat a cast iron or non-stick tawa on high heat. Sprinkle a few drops of water — they should evaporate immediately. Reduce to medium-high heat and lightly grease with oil.

  7. **Pour and spread the batter:** Pour a ladleful of batter in the centre of the tawa. Using the back of the ladle, spread in concentric circles outward to form a thin, even disc about 25–30 cm in diameter.

  8. **Cook the dosa:** Drizzle a few drops of oil around the edges. Cook for 2–3 minutes until the edges turn golden and the surface looks dry and cooked. The bottom should be crisp and golden.

  9. **Add filling and fold:** Place 2–3 tablespoons of potato masala in the centre. Fold the dosa in half or roll it. Serve immediately.

  10. **Serve:** Serve hot with coconut chutney, tomato chutney, and sambar on the side.

Cook

40 mins

Serves

4 servings

Level

Medium