Bele Dosa Recipe (Lentil Dosa Recipe)
Description:
Bele Dosa, also known as Lentil Dosa, is a delightful, crispy, and thin crepe popular in Karnataka. “Bele” in Kannada refers to lentils, and this dosa is made using a perfect blend of various lentils, rice, and aromatic spices. The batter for this dosa is prepared by soaking the lentils and rice overnight, which are then ground into a smooth batter. This flavorful dosa makes for a nutritious and wholesome breakfast, paired perfectly with chutneys or sambar. The combination of lentils and rice provides a satisfying meal that is both light and delicious. With a few ingredients and simple steps, you can enjoy this traditional South Indian breakfast right in your kitchen!
Cuisine: Karnataka
Course: South Indian Breakfast
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| White Urad Dal (Whole) | 1 cup |
| Yellow Moong Dal (Split) | 1 cup |
| Arhar Dal (Split Toor Dal) | 1 cup |
| Rice | 2 cups |
| Methi Seeds (Fenugreek Seeds) | 1/4 cup |
| Onion | 1 |
| Green Chillies | 3 |
| Curry Leaves | 1 sprig |
| Fresh Coconut | 1/4 cup |
| Cumin Seeds (Jeera) | 2 teaspoons |
| Salt | To taste |
| Coriander (Dhania) Leaves | 5 sprigs |
Preparation Time: 500 minutes (overnight soaking)
Cooking Time: 10 minutes per dosa
Instructions:
-
Soaking the Ingredients:
Begin by soaking the lentils (White Urad Dal, Yellow Moong Dal, and Arhar Dal) along with rice, fenugreek seeds, and cumin seeds in a large bowl. Make sure all the ingredients are completely immersed in water. Allow them to soak overnight, giving the ingredients enough time to soften and blend together. -
Grinding the Batter:
The next day, drain the soaked lentils and rice mixture and transfer them into a blender or wet grinder. Add the fresh coconut, chopped onion, green chillies, curry leaves, and salt to the mixture. Grind the ingredients into a smooth batter, adding water as needed to achieve a consistency that is slightly thicker than pancake batter. You should be able to pour the batter easily, but it should not be runny. -
Preparing the Dosa:
Heat a flat skillet or tawa over medium heat. Once the skillet is hot, pour a ladle of the batter onto the center of the skillet. Spread the batter in concentric circles, starting from the center and working your way outwards to form a thin dosa. -
Cooking the Dosa:
Drizzle a few drops of oil or ghee around the edges of the dosa. Cover the dosa with a lid and let it cook for a minute or two until the edges begin to turn golden brown and crisp. You will notice that the dosa will naturally release from the skillet when it’s ready to be flipped. Gently lift the edges with a spatula, flip it over, and cook for another minute to crisp up the other side. -
Serving:
Once the dosa is golden brown and crispy, remove it from the skillet and serve hot. Bele Dosa pairs wonderfully with a tangy Tomato Onion Chutney or a warm bowl of Mixed Vegetable Sambar. Enjoy this delicious, protein-packed breakfast with your loved ones!
Tips for Perfect Bele Dosa:
- Make sure to soak the lentils and rice for at least 8 hours or overnight. This allows the batter to ferment slightly and improves the texture of the dosa.
- The batter consistency is key. If the batter is too thick, add a little water to loosen it. If it’s too thin, it may be difficult to spread the dosa evenly.
- If you prefer a lighter dosa, you can reduce the amount of rice and add extra lentils. This will make the dosa crispier and more nutritious.
- For extra flavor, you can add finely chopped onions, green chillies, or coriander leaves directly into the batter for a burst of freshness.
Bele Dosa is not only a great breakfast but also a versatile snack that can be enjoyed any time of the day. It’s a wonderful way to start your day with the goodness of lentils, rice, and spices!
