Soft Masala Dosa with Red Chutney Recipe
Dosa, a beloved staple of South Indian cuisine, holds a cherished place in breakfast menus and street food stalls across the country. Known for its crispy exterior and soft interior, this savory crepe is made from a fermented rice and lentil batter. While traditional dosas are thin and crispy, this version is delightfully soft on both sides, making it an irresistible treat. Filled with a warm potato masala and paired with a flavorful red garlic chutney, Soft Masala Dosa offers the perfect balance of textures and flavors. This hearty dish is rich in carbohydrates and completely free from sugar or saturated fats, making it a nutritious start to your day.
Perfectly paired with red garlic chutney, this dish will transport you straight to the bustling streets of South India. Let’s dive into the ingredients and steps for preparing this South Indian breakfast favorite!
Cuisine: South Indian Recipes
Course: South Indian Breakfast
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients for Soft Masala Dosa with Red Chutney
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Idli Dosa Batter | 3-1/2 cups |
| Oil | As required (for shallow frying) |
| Chaat Masala Powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Potato Masala | 1-1/2 cups |
| For Aloo Masala | |
| Potatoes (Aloo), boiled and mashed | 2 cups |
| Onion, roughly chopped or sliced | 1 cup |
| Ginger, grated | 1 teaspoon |
| Green Chillies, finely chopped | 2 pieces |
| Turmeric Powder (Haldi) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Curry Leaves, finely chopped | 6 leaves |
| Coriander (Dhania) Leaves, chopped | A small bunch |
| Salt | To taste |
| For Lahsun Ki Chutney (Red Garlic Chutney) | As required (to serve) |
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 4-6
Instructions for Soft Masala Dosa with Red Chutney
-
Make the Potato Masala Filling:
- Begin by preparing the potato masala filling, which forms the heart of the Soft Masala Dosa. In a heavy-bottomed pan, heat some oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add mustard seeds, urad dal (split black gram), and chana dal (split chickpeas). Sauté the ingredients until the dals turn golden brown, releasing a pleasant aroma.
-
Sauté the Aromatics:
- Add grated ginger, chopped onions, curry leaves, and finely chopped green chillies into the pan. Stir well and sauté for a few minutes until the onions soften and turn translucent. Add a pinch of asafoetida (hing) at this stage for an additional burst of flavor.
-
Season the Filling:
- Once the onions have softened, add the turmeric powder and salt to the mixture. Stir everything together, then add the boiled and coarsely mashed potatoes. Combine all the ingredients well so that the potatoes absorb the aromatic spices.
-
Simmer the Masala:
- Lower the heat and cover the pan. Allow the filling to simmer for a few minutes so that the flavors meld together. Once the filling is ready, turn off the heat and set it aside.
-
Prepare the Dosa:
- Heat a non-stick or cast iron griddle (tawa) over medium heat and lightly grease it with oil. Pour a ladleful of the Idli dosa batter onto the tawa and spread it in a circular motion to form a thin layer.
-
Cook the Dosa:
- Let the dosa cook for 2-3 minutes until the edges turn golden brown. Flip the dosa and cook for another 2-3 minutes on the other side. You can drizzle a little oil on top of the dosa if you prefer a crispier texture, but in this recipe, we aim for a soft dosa.
-
Fill and Serve:
- Once the dosa is cooked, add a generous amount of the potato masala filling to the center. Fold the dosa over the filling, ensuring it is wrapped neatly. Serve the Soft Masala Dosa hot with a side of red garlic chutney (Lahsun Ki Chutney) for a perfect flavor combination.
Red Garlic Chutney (Lahsun Ki Chutney)
This tangy and spicy chutney is an essential accompaniment to the soft masala dosa, bringing a punch of flavor that perfectly complements the mildness of the dosa and potato filling.
Ingredients for Lahsun Ki Chutney:
- 8-10 cloves of garlic
- 2 dried red chillies
- 1 tablespoon of tamarind pulp (or lemon juice)
- Salt to taste
- 1 teaspoon of oil
Instructions for Red Garlic Chutney:
- In a small pan, heat the oil and sauté the garlic and dried red chillies until aromatic.
- Remove from heat and allow it to cool. Then, grind the mixture along with tamarind pulp and salt to make a smooth paste.
- Adjust the consistency by adding a little water if needed, and your red garlic chutney is ready to serve.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Soft Masala Dosa with a dollop of Lahsun Ki Chutney on the side for an added kick. This delightful breakfast can be enjoyed with a steaming cup of South Indian filter coffee or masala chai to complete the experience.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 200-250 kcal |
| Protein | 4-5 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 40-45 grams |
| Dietary Fiber | 3-5 grams |
| Fat | 5-7 grams |
| Sodium | 250-300 mg |
| Potassium | 450-500 mg |
| Vitamin A | 150-200 IU |
| Vitamin C | 3-5 mg |
Conclusion
Soft Masala Dosa with Red Chutney is an iconic South Indian breakfast that combines the delicate flavors of fermented rice batter, spiced potato filling, and tangy chutney. With its soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture and vibrant spices, this dish is sure to delight everyone at the table. Whether enjoyed as a fulfilling breakfast or a snack, it provides a balanced mix of carbs, proteins, and healthy fats, all while remaining free from sugar and saturated fats.
Give this recipe a try, and experience the authentic flavors of South India from the comfort of your home!
