Tomato Dosa Recipe: A Flavorful South Indian Breakfast Delight
Tomato dosa is a wonderful variation of the classic South Indian dosa, where the crispy, golden-brown crepes are infused with the tangy sweetness of tomatoes. This variation not only offers a burst of flavors but also adds vibrant color to your breakfast table. With the combination of rice, urad dal (split black gram), and tomatoes, this dosa is both delicious and nutritious.
This recipe is perfect for those who love the traditional dosa but want to try something unique and flavorful. Serve it hot with spicy red chili coconut chutney and a steaming cup of South Indian filter coffee for an authentic breakfast experience.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Raw Rice | 1 cup |
| White Urad Dal (Split) | 1/4 cup |
| Tomatoes | 3 medium-sized, roughly chopped |
| Methi Seeds (Fenugreek Seeds) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Cooking Soda | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Water | As required |
| Sunflower Oil or Ghee | To cook the dosa |
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approx. 120 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 22 g |
| Protein | 3 g |
| Fat | 2 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sodium | Varies (based on salt used) |
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on portion size and specific ingredients used.
Preparation Time:
- Soaking Time: 3-4 hours or overnight
- Grinding & Resting Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 45 minutes (including soaking time)
Servings: 8 dosas
Cuisine: South Indian
Course: South Indian Breakfast
Diet: Vegetarian
Instructions:
Step 1: Soaking the Ingredients
- Begin by washing and rinsing the raw rice, methi seeds, and white urad dal separately in plenty of water. Make sure they are well cleaned.
- Soak each of these ingredients in enough water for about 3-4 hours or, ideally, overnight. Soaking helps to soften them and makes grinding easier the next day.
Step 2: Grinding the Batter
- After soaking, drain the rice, methi seeds, and urad dal. Place them in a blender or wet grinder.
- Add a little water and grind the mixture into a smooth batter, ensuring it’s free from any grainy texture.
- Now, add roughly chopped tomatoes to the batter. Blend again for a few minutes until the tomatoes are fully incorporated, and the batter takes on a pinkish-orange hue from the tomato puree.
Step 3: Preparing the Dosa Batter
- Pour the batter into a large mixing bowl. Add salt to taste and mix it in thoroughly.
- Add the cooking soda to the batter and mix it gently. The soda will help make the dosa crispier and lighter.
- Allow the batter to rest for 10 minutes at room temperature. This will give it time to settle and activate the soda, making it ready for cooking.
Step 4: Cooking the Dosa
- Heat a flat skillet or tawa on medium heat. Sprinkle a little water on the surface of the pan. If the water sizzles, the pan is hot enough for making dosas.
- Pour a ladleful of the prepared tomato dosa batter onto the pan. Immediately, using the back of the ladle, spread the batter in concentric circles from the center outward, forming a thin layer.
- Drizzle a few drops of sunflower oil or ghee around the edges of the dosa. Cover the dosa and allow it to cook for about 2-3 minutes.
- When the edges begin to brown and the dosa starts to lift from the pan, gently flip it over to cook the other side. Let it cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
Step 5: Serving the Tomato Dosa
- Once the dosa is cooked to perfection, remove it from the pan and place it on a serving plate.
- Serve the hot tomato dosa immediately with red chili coconut chutney or coconut chutney of your choice. A cup of strong South Indian filter coffee will make this meal even more enjoyable.
Tips for Perfect Tomato Dosa:
- Consistency of the Batter: The batter should have a smooth, spreadable consistency, not too runny. If it’s too thick, add a little water while grinding to achieve the right texture.
- Pan Temperature: The key to a crispy dosa is the temperature of the pan. Make sure it is sufficiently heated before pouring the batter. Test with a few drops of water to check if the pan is ready.
- Resting Time: Allowing the batter to rest for 10 minutes after adding the cooking soda is crucial. This ensures a lighter, crispier dosa.
- Topping Variations: Feel free to experiment by adding finely chopped onions, coriander leaves, or chilies to the batter for added flavor.
Serving Suggestions:
Tomato dosa pairs beautifully with a variety of chutneys. Here are some popular options:
- Red Chilli Coconut Chutney: A spicy, tangy chutney that complements the mild sweetness of the tomato dosa.
- Coconut Chutney: The classic accompaniment made with fresh coconut, green chilies, and a hint of mustard seeds.
- Sambar: A traditional South Indian lentil soup, perfect to dip your dosa into for a wholesome meal.
For a truly authentic South Indian experience, serve your tomato dosa with South Indian filter coffee, a strong, aromatic coffee that pairs perfectly with the crispy dosa.
Why You’ll Love Tomato Dosa:
- Deliciously Tangy: The addition of fresh tomatoes gives this dosa a tangy, slightly sweet flavor that contrasts beautifully with the crispy texture.
- Healthy & Wholesome: Packed with rice and urad dal, this dosa provides a good source of protein, fiber, and essential carbohydrates, making it a great start to your day.
- Easy to Customize: You can tweak the batter by adding various spices or vegetables to suit your preferences. It’s versatile and easily adaptable to your taste.
Enjoy making and sharing this vibrant South Indian breakfast at home. Whether you’re serving it to family or guests, the Tomato Dosa is sure to be a hit!
