Hibiscus (Chembaruthi) Neer Dosa Recipe: A Refreshing South Indian Breakfast Delight
Hibiscus (Chembaruthi) Neer Dosa is a refreshing twist on the classic South Indian neer dosa, infused with the vibrant green goodness of hibiscus leaves. This unique recipe offers a soft, delicate dosa thatโs incredibly light and full of flavor. Perfect for a wholesome breakfast or an indulgent snack, this hibiscus-infused neer dosa is sure to become a favorite at your table. With a smooth, pourable batter and a quick cooking process, itโs an easy and delicious way to begin your day. Pair it with tangy coconut chutney or any other side of your choice for a complete meal.
Ingredients for Hibiscus (Chembaruthi) Neer Dosa:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Dosa rice | 1 cup |
| Water | 2 cups |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
| White hibiscus leaves (cleaned & chopped) | 100 grams |
| Sunflower oil (for making dosa) | As required for greasing the pan |
Nutritional Information (per serving, approx.):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 120 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 25 g |
| Protein | 2 g |
| Fat | 1 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sodium | 100 mg |
(Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary depending on ingredients used.)
Prep Time: 8 hours (overnight soaking)
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 8 hours 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: South Indian
Course: South Indian Breakfast
Diet: Vegetarian
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Hibiscus (Chembaruthi) Neer Dosa:
Step 1: Soaking the Rice
Begin by soaking the dosa rice in water for at least 8 hours or overnight. This step is crucial for softening the rice and ensuring the dosa batter blends smoothly.
Step 2: Prepare the Dosa Batter
Once the rice has soaked, drain the water and place the rice in a mixer grinder. Add the chopped hibiscus leaves and 2 cups of water to the grinder. Blend everything together until you get a smooth batter with a flowing consistency. The batter should be thin, almost like a watery pancake batter, which will help it spread easily on the pan. Add salt and pepper to taste. If desired, you can also grind a few green chilies along with the rice and hibiscus leaves for a spicy twist.
Step 3: Preheat the Pan
For the best texture, it’s recommended to use a well-seasoned cast-iron pan. Heat the iron pan until it is sizzling hot. To test the heat, sprinkle a few drops of water on the pan; if the water sizzles and evaporates immediately, the pan is ready for cooking.
Step 4: Making the Hibiscus Neer Dosa
Once the pan is hot, take a ladle of the dosa batter and pour it onto the center of the pan. Starting from the outer edges, pour the batter in a circular motion. The batter will immediately spread on its own, creating small holes in the process, which is characteristic of neer dosa. Avoid spreading the batter with a spatulaโlet it naturally flow and spread out on the pan.
Step 5: Cooking the Neer Dosa
Since neer dosa is incredibly thin, it cooks very quickly. In less than 30 seconds, youโll notice that the top of the dosa is no longer raw. The dosa is ready when the edges start to lift slightly, and the top appears fully cooked.
Step 6: Folding and Serving
Once the dosa is cooked, carefully slide a flat spatula under the edges of the dosa. Fold it in half, and then fold again into a triangular shape. Gently remove the dosa from the pan and place it on a plate. Continue making the remaining dosas in the same way.
Step 7: Storing and Serving
As the dosas are very delicate when hot, place them apart from each other on a plate to prevent them from sticking together. Once they cool down slightly, you can stack them, cover them, and serve them warm. Hibiscus (Chembaruthi) neer dosas are best enjoyed fresh.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve the Hibiscus (Chembaruthi) Neer Dosa with Thenga Thogayal (a coconut-based chutney) and a refreshing glass of Chickoo Banana Date Smoothie for a complete, wholesome breakfast. The subtle flavor of hibiscus leaves enhances the dosa without overpowering it, making it a delicious and healthy start to your day.
Why Youโll Love This Hibiscus Neer Dosa:
- Unique Flavor: The addition of hibiscus leaves gives this neer dosa a distinct color and taste, making it a perfect option for those looking for something different yet familiar.
- Quick and Easy: Despite the lengthy soaking time, the actual preparation and cooking time are quite short, making it a great recipe for busy mornings.
- Healthy: Hibiscus is known for its antioxidant properties, and combined with the natural goodness of rice, this dosa makes for a nutritious meal.
- Customizable: You can experiment by adding green chilies, cumin, or other spices to the batter for a personal touch.
This Hibiscus (Chembaruthi) Neer Dosa is a fantastic way to incorporate the vibrant and healthful hibiscus flower into your meals, and itโs perfect for a South Indian-inspired breakfast that everyone will love!
Enjoy this simple yet flavorful dosa as part of your breakfast spread, and enjoy the combination of natureโs goodness and traditional South Indian flavors!
