Indian

Classic Masala Dosa

Masala dosa wraps a spiced potato filling in a thin, crisp fermented rice crepe.

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Classic Masala Dosa

12 hr 40 mintotal

40 min hands-on12 hr hands-off

Prep 20 min · Cook 20 min

Serves
2
Difficulty
Hard
Spice
Mild

Ingredients

Quantities are for 2 servings.

You'll need: Stovetop.

Includes soaking and fermentation time.

Method

  1. Construct the Masala Core: Propel a portion of the cooking oil to a tempering state within a sauté pan. Unleash the mustard seeds until they pop audibly. Introduce the split bengal gram and black gram, orchestrating a careful roast until they flaunt a crisp, golden-blonde hue.

  2. Fold the curry leaves, freshly grated ginger and slit green chillies into the hot oil. Sauté briefly to release the aroma.

  3. Add the finely sliced onions to the pan with a pinch of the salt. Sauté until they turn translucent, without letting them brown. Stir the turmeric powder through evenly.

  4. Add the crumbled potato and the rest of the salt. Fold it together gently. Add a small splash of water to bring it to a cohesive, slightly moist mash that spreads easily. Cook for 2 more minutes, then set aside.

  5. Make the dosas: heat a heavy cast-iron or non-stick tawa over high heat. Flick a drop of water onto it; it should sizzle and vanish at once. Wipe the surface with a damp cloth, which also brings the temperature down slightly.

  6. Pour a ladleful of the fermented batter into the centre. Using the back of the ladle, spread it outwards in quick, widening spirals into a very thin, wide disc.

  7. Drizzle oil or butter around the edge. Cook over medium-high heat until the base dries out and sets into a crisp, golden-brown crust.

  8. Spatulate a lavish payload of the seasoned potato masala down the geometric median. Utilizing an offset turner, fold the crispy wings over the core into a half-moon or perfect cylinder.

  9. Extract from the tawa and enforce an immediate, piping hot presentation.

How to tell it's done

The dosa should be shatteringly crisp and paper-thin on the outside, encasing a soft, vibrant yellow, deeply savory potato mash.

Getting it right

Tip

Wiping the tawa with a wet cloth before pouring every dosa cools the surface slightly, allowing the batter to spread thinly without clumping.

What to serve it with

Serve piping hot with Coconut Chutney, tangy Sambar, and Tomato-Garlic Chutney.