Authentic Masala Dosa A South Indian Classic

Set of favourite Masala Dosa

Is Masala Dosa the world's best pancake ? This is a deliciously crisp and golden-brown South Indian recipe, Every one loved for its irresistible crunch and mouth-watering filling.

Served hot alongside traditional coconut chutney and very demanding sambar, this dish is more than just a meal—it's a sensory experience. The contrast of crispy dosa, creamy chutney, and hearty sambar creates a harmonious balance of taste and texture.
Not only a comfort food aroma, but it’s also nutritious and naturally gluten-free. The fermentation process enhances its probiotic content, supporting digestion while deepening its signature taste. Whether enjoyed for breakfast or as a satisfying meal remains a timeless treasure in Indian cuisine.

Ingredients of Masala Dosa:

• Rice (regular or parboiled) – Forms the base of the batter.
• Urad Dal (black gram lentils) – Adds texture and helps fermentation.
• Fenugreek Seeds – Enhances flavour and aids fermentation.
• Chana Dal (optional) – Gives a golden colour to the dosa.
• Poha (Flattened Rice) – Helps make the dosa crisp.
• Salt – For seasoning.
• Water – To grind the batter.
• Oil or Ghee – Used for cooking

For the Masala Filling:

• 2 potatoes, boiled and mashed
• 1 onion, sliced
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 green chili, chopped
• Curry leaves
• Salt to taste

How to cook Masala Dosa:

Masala dosa is made in three steps: preparing the batter, making the potato filling, and cooking the dosa.

1️⃣ Make the Batter: Soak rice, lentils, fenugreek seeds, and poha for a few hours. Grind them separately to create a smooth, well-fermented batter. Let it sit overnight to develop flavour and texture.

2️⃣ Prepare the Potato Filling: Boil potatoes until soft, then mash and mix them with sautéed onions, green chillies, mustard seeds, turmeric, and curry leaves for a mildly spiced stuffing.

3️⃣ Cook the Dosa: Heat a pan, spread the batter thinly, and let it crisp up. Add the potato filling, fold the dosa, and serve with coconut chutney and sambar.

A well-fermented batter ensures light, crispy dosa's, while the potato filling adds a delicious contrast of spice and texture.

step by step Making Dosa

Sambar & Dosa

Ingredients of Sambar Recipe:

• 1/3 cup toor dal (pigeon peas)
• 1 tomato, chopped
• 1 onion, sliced
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1 teaspoon sambar powder
• 1 tablespoon tamarind paste
• Curry leaves
• Jaggery (2 inch cube for sweetness)
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

Cook toor dal with turmeric, a piece of jaggery and salt until soft. Mash and set aside. Heat oil, add mustard seeds, curry leaves, and onions. Sauté until translucent.
Add tomatoes, sambar powder, and tamarind paste. Cook for a few minutes.
Add cooked dal and water to adjust consistency. Simmer for 5-7 minutes.
Garnish with coriander leaves and serve hot with masala dosa.

Here’s a simple and flavourful coconut chutney recipe, perfect for pairing with dosa, idli, or vada:

Ingredients: 

Coconut Chutney

• ¾ cup fresh grated coconut
• 2 tablespoons roasted chana dal (split Bengal gram)
• 1 garlic clove (optional)



Coconut Chutney

• 2 green chilies
• ½ teaspoon cumin seeds
• ⅓ cup water (adjust as needed)
• 1½ teaspoons lemon juice
• Salt to taste

For Tempering:

• 1 teaspoon oil
• ¼ teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1 dried red chili
• 1 sprig curry leaves
• A pinch of hing (asafoetida)
• 1 pinch split urad dal (optional)

Instructions:

1️⃣ Blend the chutney: Grind coconut, garlic, cumin seeds, green chillies, salt, roasted chana dal, lemon juice, and water into a smooth paste. Adjust consistency by adding more water if needed.

2️⃣ Prepare the tempering: Heat oil in a small pan, add mustard seeds, dried red chili, and urad dal. Once the dal turns golden, turn off the heat and add curry leaves and hing.

3️⃣ Combine: Pour the tempering over the chutney, mix well, and serve with dosa or idli.

Serving Option:
Traditional South Indian Platter 🌿

✔ Serve Masala Dosa with coconut chutney, tomato chutney, and sambar in separate bowls for an authentic experience.
✔ Add a side of medu vada (crispy lentil fritters) and filter coffee to complete the South Indian spread.

Fusion Twists – Unique Serving Ideas 💡

✔ Cheese Masala Dosa: Sprinkle cheese over the filling for a fusion twist.
✔ Taco Dosa: Fold small dosas into taco shapes and fill with masala stuffing.
✔ Dosa Wraps: Roll the dosa with extra filling and serve as grab-and-go wraps.

Crispy South Indian Masala Dosa filled with spiced potato masala—served hot with coconut chutney and sambar for a flavorful, comforting meal.