Tomato Dosa Recipe
Tomato dosa is a delightful and flavorful variation of the traditional South Indian dosa, which infuses the classic dosa batter with ripe tomatoes for a tangy twist. This crispy, golden-brown dosa pairs beautifully with coconut chutney and a cup of filter coffee, making it an ideal choice for a hearty and delicious breakfast. Below, you’ll find a step-by-step guide to preparing this dish that serves 8, along with nutritional information and helpful tips to ensure your dosas turn out perfectly.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Rice | 1 cup |
| White Urad Dal (split) | 1/4 cup |
| Tomatoes | 3, chopped |
| Fenugreek Seeds | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Salt | As per taste |
| Cooking Soda | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Water | As required |
| Oil or Ghee | For greasing the griddle |
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 160 kcal |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Carbohydrates | 30 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Fat | 2 g |
| Sodium | 180 mg |
| Potassium | 250 mg |
| Calcium | 15 mg |
| Iron | 1.5 mg |
Preparation Time
| Time | Duration |
|---|---|
| Soaking Time | 3-4 hours |
| Total Preparation Time | 260 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 25 minutes |
| Total Time | 285 minutes (approximately 4.75 hours) |
Servings
| Servings | 8 servings |
Cuisine
| Cuisine Type | South Indian |
|---|
Course
| Course | Breakfast (South Indian) |
Diet
| Diet | Vegetarian |
Instructions
Step 1: Soak the Ingredients
To begin, wash the rice, white urad dal, and fenugreek seeds thoroughly. Place them in separate bowls and soak them in plenty of water for 3 to 4 hours. This step is crucial to ensure that the ingredients soften and can be ground into a smooth batter later on.
Step 2: Grinding the Batter
After soaking, drain the water from the rice, urad dal, and fenugreek seeds. Next, transfer them to a blender or wet grinder. Add a little water at intervals to help the grinding process. Grind everything into a smooth batter with a slightly thick consistency, similar to regular dosa batter.
Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Seasoning
Once the base batter is ready, add the chopped tomatoes into the mixture and blend it again until smooth. The tomatoes will infuse the batter with a lovely, tangy flavor. Afterward, transfer the batter to a bowl, and add salt and cooking soda. Mix everything thoroughly to ensure the batter is well combined.
Step 4: Rest the Batter
Allow the batter to rest for about 10 minutes. This resting period helps the cooking soda activate and ensures your dosas are crispy and light when cooked.
Step 5: Heat the Griddle
While the batter is resting, heat a flat griddle (tava) over medium heat. Once it is hot, grease it with a little oil or ghee, spreading it evenly across the surface.
Step 6: Cook the Dosa
Now, pour a spoonful of batter onto the center of the griddle. Using the back of the spoon, spread it out in a circular motion to form a thin, round dosa. Drizzle a little oil or ghee over the dosa, and let it cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the edges start to crisp up.
Step 7: Flip and Cook the Other Side
Once the first side is golden brown and crispy, flip the dosa gently using a spatula and cook the other side for another 1-2 minutes. You want both sides to be evenly cooked and crisp.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Remove the dosa from the griddle and serve it hot. Tomato dosa is best enjoyed with coconut chutney and a hot cup of filter coffee for an authentic South Indian breakfast experience.
Tips for Perfect Tomato Dosa
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Soaking Time: Ensure the rice and urad dal are soaked for at least 3 to 4 hours. This helps achieve a smooth batter and makes the dosa lighter and crispier.
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Grinding Consistency: The batter should not be too runny or too thick. Aim for a consistency that can easily spread across the griddle without being too watery or stiff.
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Resting the Batter: Let the batter rest for 10 minutes after adding salt and cooking soda. This helps the dosa turn crispy and soft inside while cooking.
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Oil vs Ghee: You can use either oil or ghee to cook the dosa. Ghee adds a rich, aromatic flavor, making the dosa even more delicious.
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Tomato Quality: Use ripe and juicy tomatoes for the best flavor. The tanginess from the tomatoes gives a lovely contrast to the savory batter.
Variations and Additions
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Spicy Tomato Dosa: If you like a spicier dosa, you can blend green chilies or red chili powder into the batter. This will give the dosa a nice heat and depth of flavor.
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Vegetable-Infused Dosa: For added nutrition, you can finely chop vegetables like onions, carrots, or spinach and add them to the batter before cooking. This adds texture and color to the dosa.
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Tomato Chutney: For an extra burst of tomato flavor, serve your tomato dosa with a homemade tomato chutney. It pairs beautifully with the dosa and brings out the tanginess of the tomatoes.
Health Benefits of Tomato Dosa
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Rich in Antioxidants: Tomatoes are packed with vitamins and antioxidants, including vitamin C, lycopene, and beta-carotene, which help boost immunity and fight inflammation.
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High in Protein: The combination of urad dal and rice in the dosa batter provides a good source of plant-based protein, making it a healthy vegetarian meal option.
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Digestive Health: The fermentation process of the dosa batter promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria, aiding in digestion and gut health.
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Low in Fat: By using a small amount of oil or ghee, this dosa is relatively low in fat, especially compared to other fried breakfast options.
Conclusion
Tomato dosa is a unique and flavorful variation of the classic South Indian dosa, bringing together the tanginess of tomatoes with the crispy texture of the dosa. Whether you’re serving it for a weekend breakfast or as a light dinner, this dish is sure to impress. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can recreate this delicious recipe in your own kitchen and enjoy the rich, savory flavors of South India. So go ahead, give it a try, and experience the joy of a warm, freshly made tomato dosa with your favorite chutney and a steaming cup of filter coffee!
