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Masala dosa
Dosai Chutney Hotel Saravana Bhavan.jpg
Masala dosa with chutney, sambar & potato curry
Type Dosa
Place of origin India
Region or state Karnataka
Main ingredients Parboiled rice, potato
Variations Davanagere benne masale dosey, rava dosa, onion dosa, paper masala dosa.

Masala Dosa (also called dosey or dosai) is a super popular and yummy dish from South India. It's a special type of dosa, which is like a thin, crispy pancake. This delicious meal first came from the Udupi cuisine in Karnataka, India.

It's made from a mix of ingredients like rice, different kinds of lentils (like urad dal and chana dal), and fenugreek seeds. After cooking, it's often filled with a tasty potato curry. You usually eat it with yummy side dishes like chutneys and a soup called sambar.

Masala Dosa is a favorite all over South India. You can also find it in other parts of India and even in other countries! The way it's made can be a little different depending on which city you are in. There are also many exciting versions, like the buttery Davanagere Benne Masale Dosey or the super thin Paper Masala Dosa.

How Masala Dosa is Made

Making a dosa starts with soaking rice and lentils in water. This usually happens overnight. After soaking, these ingredients are ground into a smooth batter. This batter is then left to ferment, which means it sits for several hours or overnight. Fermentation helps the dosa become light, fluffy, and crispy when cooked.

When the batter is ready, it's spread thinly on a hot griddle, like a big flat pan. It cooks until it's golden brown and crispy. Then, it's often filled with a savory potato curry. Finally, it's served hot with different kinds of chutneys and sambar.

What's in It?

The main ingredients for Masala Dosa batter include boiled rice and husked black gram (urad dal). Other common ingredients are poha (puffed rice), chana dal, and fenugreek seeds. A little salt and vegetable oil are also used to make this delicious dish.

Different Kinds of Masala Dosa

There are many fun variations of Masala Dosa to try! Some are made with different flours, like rava dosa which uses semolina. Others have unique fillings or toppings. For example, onion dosa has finely chopped onions mixed into the batter or sprinkled on top. The Paper Masala Dosa is famous for being incredibly thin and crunchy. Another popular one is Davanagere Benne Masale Dosey, which is known for its rich butter flavor. Each variation offers a slightly different taste and texture, making Masala Dosa a versatile and exciting dish!

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