- July 7, 2025
π About Masala Dosa
Masala Dosa is a popular South Indian crepe made from fermented rice and urad dal (lentil) batter, stuffed with a spiced mashed potato filling. The dosa is thin, golden, and crispy on the outside, while the potato masala inside is soft, tangy, and flavorful.
Itβs typically served with sambar, coconut chutney, and tomato chutney β making it a complete, nutritious, and utterly satisfying meal.
Originating from Karnataka, masala dosa has become a national favorite across India and globally.
Serves: 4β|βPrep Time: 20 minsβ|βFermentation Time: 8β12 hoursβ|βCook Time: 30 mins
π Part 1: Making Dosa Batter (Requires Soaking & Fermentation)
π§Ύ Ingredients for Dosa Batter
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Raw rice (or dosa rice/parboiled rice) | 2 cups |
Urad dal (whole or split, skinless) | Β½ cup |
Chana dal (optional, for crispiness) | 2 tbsp |
Poha (flattened rice) | 2 tbsp |
Fenugreek seeds (methi) | Β½ tsp |
Water | As needed |
Salt | 1Β½ tsp or to taste |
πΉ Step-by-Step Instructions β Dosa Batter
Wash & Soak (at least 6 hours):
Wash rice, urad dal, chana dal, poha, and methi seeds together 2β3 times.
Soak everything in enough water for 6β8 hours.
Grind to Batter:
Drain water and grind into a smooth batter using a wet grinder or mixer.
Add water little by little to get a thick yet pourable consistency.
Ferment Overnight:
Pour batter into a large bowl (leave space for rising).
Keep in a warm place for 8β12 hours until it doubles and turns slightly frothy.
Add Salt & Mix:
Mix the fermented batter gently.
Add salt to taste.
π₯ Part 2: Potato Masala Filling
π§Ύ Ingredients for Aloo Masala
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Potatoes (boiled, peeled, mashed) | 3β4 medium |
Onion (thinly sliced) | 1 large |
Green chilies (slit or chopped) | 2 |
Ginger (grated or chopped) | 1 tsp |
Curry leaves | 8β10 |
Mustard seeds | 1 tsp |
Urad dal (split) | 1 tsp |
Chana dal | 1 tsp |
Turmeric powder | Β½ tsp |
Salt | To taste |
Oil | 2 tbsp |
Water | ΒΌ cup (optional) |
Coriander leaves (chopped) | 2 tbsp |
Lemon juice | 1 tsp (optional) |
πΉ Step-by-Step Instructions β Masala
Temper Spices:
Heat oil in a pan.
Add mustard seeds. Let them splutter.
Add urad dal and chana dal; sautΓ© until golden.
Add Aromatics:
Add curry leaves, green chilies, and ginger. SautΓ© 1 min.
Add sliced onions and sautΓ© till translucent.
Spice & Mix:
Add turmeric and salt.
Add mashed potatoes and mix well.
Sprinkle water if too dry. Cook for 2β3 mins.
Finish:
Add coriander leaves and lemon juice.
Turn off the heat. Set aside.
π₯ Part 3: Making Masala Dosa
π§Ύ Additional
Item | Quantity |
---|---|
Ghee or oil | As needed |
Dosa batter | Prepared earlier |
Masala | From step above |
πΉ How to Cook Masala Dosa
Heat Tawa:
Use a well-seasoned cast iron or non-stick tawa.
Heat on medium-high flame until hot.
Sprinkle water β it should sizzle. Wipe clean.
Spread Dosa Batter:
Pour a ladleful of batter in the center.
Quickly spread in a circular motion outward to make a thin dosa.
Drizzle Β½β1 tsp ghee/oil around the edges and top.
Crisp It Up:
Let dosa cook until bottom is golden and crisp.
No need to flip unless preferred.
Add Masala:
Place 2β3 tbsp of the potato masala on one side of the dosa.
Fold & Serve:
Fold dosa over the masala or roll it.
Serve immediately.
π½οΈ Serving Suggestions
Masala Dosa is best served hot with:
Coconut chutney
Tomato chutney
Green coriander chutney
Tiffin sambar
π‘ Pro Tips
Tip | Benefit |
---|---|
Use medium-high heat | Ensures crisp dosas |
Season cast iron tawa | Prevents sticking |
Batter consistency like pancake batter | Easy to spread thinly |
Donβt overcrowd pan | Each dosa needs space and time |
Use ghee for extra flavor | Makes dosa rich and crispy |