Meat-free Mondays: Try this Indian pancake with a twist, Masala Dosa

“Meat-Free Mondays” is a global movement encouraging individuals to abstain from consuming meat every Monday. The initiative aims to promote awareness about reducing meat consumption’s environmental, health, and ethical benefits.

While meat-free meals can be challenging, there are several vegetarian dishes that will tantalise your taste buds.

One such dish is Masala Dosa, a popular South Indian dish with a flavourful ‘Dosa’ filled with spiced potato filling. But, it does take a bit more prep work than your average meal.

Here’s a recipe for Masala Dosa and a coconut chutney to complement the dish.

Dosa Ingredients:

Dosa batter

• 2 cups rice
• 1 cup urad dal (black gram)
• 1/2 cup poha (flattened rice)
• 1/2 cup chana dal (optional, for added crispiness)
• Salt to taste
• Water (for soaking and grinding)

Masala filling

• 4-5 medium-sized potatoes (boiled and mashed)
• 1 onion (finely chopped)
• 1-2 green chilies (finely chopped)
• 1/2 inch ginger (grated)
• 1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
• A pinch of asafoetida (hing)
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander leaves (chopped)

Instructions:

Dosa batter

1. Rinse rice, urad dal, poha, and chana dal. Soak them together in water for at least 4-6 hours.
2. Grind the soaked ingredients into a smooth batter, adding water as needed. Add salt and mix well.
3. Allow the batter to ferment overnight or for at least 8 hours.

Masala filling:

1. Heat oil in a pan and add mustard seeds. Once they splutter, add cumin seeds and asafoetida.
2. Add chopped onions, green chilies, and grated ginger. Saute until the onions become translucent.
3. Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt. Mix well.
4. Add the boiled and mashed potatoes, mixing them thoroughly with the spices.
5. Cook for a few minutes until the masala is well combined and aromatic. Add chopped coriander leaves and set aside.

Making masala dosa:

1. Heat a griddle or dosa pan. Pour a ladle full of dosa batter in the center and spread it in a circular motion to form a thin dosa.
2. Drizzle oil around the edges and cook until the bottom turns golden brown.
3. Place a portion of the prepared potato masala in the center of the dosa.
4. Fold the dosa over the masala, creating a semi-circle or roll it into a cylindrical shape.
5. Cook for an additional minute until the dosa is crispy and golden brown.

Coconut chutney:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup grated coconut
• 2-3 green chilies
• 1/2 inch ginger
• A handful of fresh coriander leaves
• Salt to taste
• Water

Instructions:

1. Blend grated coconut, green chillies, ginger, coriander leaves, and salt with a bit of water until smooth.
2. Adjust the consistency by adding more water if needed.
3. Transfer the chutney to a bowl.

Serve the Masala Dosa hot with coconut chutney. Enjoy this delicious and savoury South Indian treat!

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