Indian dosas are a delicious, savory dish that can make a great addition to any meal. A dosa is made from a fermented batter of rice and lentils and is usually served with a variety of accompaniments such as chutney, sambar, and ghee. 

Whether you’re looking for a tasty snack or a full-on meal, making the perfect dosa is easy with the right ingredients and a few simple steps. In this blog post, we’ll take you through the process of making a delicious Indian dosa that will impress your friends and family.

Prep your ingredients

Making the perfect Indian dosa requires a few essential ingredients, including:

1. Batter - Dosa batter is a combination of split black lentils (urad dal), fenugreek seeds, and rice. You can buy pre-made batter at most Indian grocery stores, or you can make your own.

2. Filling – The filling of your dosa can be whatever you choose. Popular fillings include spiced potatoes, onions, and other vegetables. You can also add cheese, nuts, and other toppings to give it extra flavor. 

3. Ghee – Ghee is a clarified butter used to coat the pan before pouring in the batter and adding the filling. It gives the dosa an amazing flavor and helps to keep it from sticking to the pan. 

4. Spices – Common spices used in Indian cooking, such as cumin, turmeric, coriander, red chili powder, garam masala, and curry powder, are all great additions to any dosa recipe. 

Once you’ve gathered all your ingredients, you’re ready to start making the perfect Indian dosa!

Heat up your pan

Before you can start making your dosa, you need to heat up your pan. Heat up a large non-stick skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Make sure the surface is evenly heated before you begin. If you are using an iron skillet, coat it with a thin layer of oil before heating it. 

This will help prevent the dosa from sticking to the pan. Once the pan is hot, reduce the heat to low and you are ready to begin making your dosa. Start by adding 1/2 cup of dosa batter to the center of the pan. 

Use a circular motion with the back of a ladle to spread the batter out in a thin even layer on the surface of the pan. When spreading, make sure not to spread too thickly so that the dosa cooks evenly. Allow for about 2 minutes for the bottom side to cook until it has lightly browned and crisped up.

Add your fillings

Now that your pan is hot and ready, it’s time to add your fillings. You can get creative with the ingredients you use, depending on what type of dosa you’d like to make. 

If you’re looking for an authentic Indian-style dosa, you’ll want to start with a base of mashed potatoes and/or onion, which are both traditional ingredients in South Indian dishes. To this, you can add spices such as cumin, coriander, chili powder, and turmeric to give it some extra flavor. You can also add vegetables like peas, carrots, and bell peppers for more color and nutrition. 

For a more modern twist, you could try adding some cooked quinoa or lentils for added protein and fiber. You could also try adding some cooked greens like spinach or kale. 

Once your fillings are ready, spoon them onto one side of the hot pan. Spread them out evenly and let them cook for a few minutes until they’re heated through. 

Now you’re ready to roll your dosa! Place a piece of wax paper over the top of the pan and carefully flip the pan over so that the filling side is now facing up. Use your hands to press the filling into a thin, even layer. Let it cook for a few minutes before you remove it from the pan.

Roll it up

Once your fillings are in the center of the pan, it’s time to roll it up. Using two spatulas or a flat-bottomed spoon, fold one edge of the dosa over the filling and continue rolling until the dosa is in a long tube shape. 

As you roll, press down lightly to ensure that all of the filling is sealed inside. When you reach the end of the tube, gently press down to seal it closed. 

You can also try making a “flower” shape by folding the edges of the dosa into the center and pressing down lightly with your spatula. This gives you a beautiful flower-shaped dosa that will look amazing on any dinner table!

When your dosa is ready, carefully remove it from the pan and serve it warm. Your guests will be amazed by your culinary skills!

FAQS

Q: What is a dosa?

A: A dosa is an Indian pancake-like dish made from a fermented batter of rice and black lentils. It is typically served with chutneys and sambar.

Q: What ingredients are needed to make a dosa?

A: To make a dosa you'll need rice, black lentils, salt, oil, and optionally some vegetables like onion, potato, and/or green chilies.

Q: What type of pan should I use for making a dosa?

A: You should use a non-stick pan or a cast iron skillet for best results.

Q: What kind of temperature should the pan be set at?

A: The pan should be heated to medium-high heat.

Q: How do I roll up the dosa?

A: Start at one end of the pan and slowly roll up the dosa towards the other end. Use the back of your spatula to help shape the dosa into a thin cylindrical shape.