Savory Dosas Recipe (South Indian Pancakes)

Dosas are crispy, savory pancakes that are a staple food in South India. Dosas are hugely popular in the rest of the country as well, and Udipi restaurants serve them along with other South Indian foods in almost every suburb.

Dosas are made from soaked and drained rice, fenugreek seeds, and urad daal, also known as black lentils. Blended in a food processor and combined with water, the mixture makes a thin batter that ferments until flavorful. The fermentation adds a lightly sour flavor to dosas similar to sourdough. The batter is spread out on a hot pan and cooked similar to a crepe until crisp and delicious.

Dosas are typically eaten with your hands and can be dipped in curries and chutneys—or stuffed with a filling of mashed potato and peas with spices.

Ingredients

3 cups white rice
1 cup split, skinless black gram urad daal
3/4 teaspoon fenugreek seeds
2 3/4 cups water, plus more for soaking
Kosher salt, to taste
Ghee, or vegetable, canola, or sunflower oil