Masala dosa, a traditional South Indian dish, has won hearts throughout the world with its crispy surface and savory potato inside. Whether you’re an experienced cook or a beginner, this tutorial will help you make the enchantment of masala dosa in your own kitchen.
What is masala dosa?
Masala dosa is a thin, crispy crepe made from a fermented rice and lentil batter stuffed with spicy potato masala. It is generally served with coconut chutney and sambar, making it a complete meal.
Ingredients For Masala Dosa
For Dosa Batter:
- Raw rice – 2 cups
- Urad dal (split black gram) – 1/2 cup
- Fenugreek seeds – 1 tsp
- Cooked rice – 2 tbsp (optional, for extra crispiness)
- Water – as needed
- Salt – to taste
For Potato Masala Filling:
- Potatoes – 4 medium-sized, boiled and mashed
- Onions – 2 medium, thinly sliced
- Green chilies – 2, chopped
- Ginger – 1- inch, finely chopped
- Mustard seeds – 1 tsp
- Curry leaves – 8-10
- Turmeric powder – 1/2 tsp
- Oil – 2 tbsp
- Salt – to taste
- Coriander leaves – a handful, chopped Optional
Accompaniments:
- Coconut chutney
- Sambar
Steps for Making Masala Dosa
1. Prepare the dosa batter
1. Wash and soak rice, urad dal, and fenugreek seeds separately for 4-6 hours.
2.Grind soaked ingredients with cooked rice to create a smooth, thick batter with minimum water.
3. Transfer the batter to a big basin, add salt, and leave to ferment for 8-12 hours (overnight) in a warm area.
2. Prepare the potato masala filling
1. Heat oil in a pan, then add mustard seeds. When they sputter, add the curry leaves.
2. Add onions, green chilies, and ginger until they become brownish.
3. Add turmeric powder and mashed potatoes. Mix thoroughly.
4. Add salt and simmer for 2-3 minutes. Garnish with chopped coriander leaves.
3. Make the dosa
1. Preheat a flat nonstick or cast-iron pan. Lightly grease with oil.
2. Pour dosa batter onto the pan and spread into a thin circle using the back of a spoon.
3. Drizzle oil over the sides and cook over medium heat until golden brown.
4. Add potato masala at the center of the dosa, fold it, and serve hot.
Tips for perfect Masala Dosa
- To make the perfect masala dosa, ensure the batter is not too thick or runny and can easily coat a spoon.
- To ensure perfect fermentation, store the batter in a warm place.
- For a crispier dosa, add semolina to the batter.
- For easy cooking, use a seasoned non-stick pan.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve the masala dosa with coconut chutney, tangy tomato chutney, and a cup of steaming sambar.
- For a more flavorful experience, top the dosa with a dollop of ghee.
Masala dosa is more than simply a meal; it’s an experience combining flavors, textures, and fragrances. Following these steps will result in excellent masala dosa that rivals your favorite South Indian restaurant. Please let us know how your dosa turned out in the comments below!