Zucchini Pesarattu Recipe: A Fusion Twist on a South Indian Classic
Zucchini Pesarattu is a fusion recipe that brings together the wholesome, nutritious qualities of the traditional Pesarattu, a South Indian dosa-like dish, with the goodness of zucchini. Pesarattu is traditionally made with green moong dal and rice, creating a crispy, savory pancake-like dish. In this modern twist, zucchini slices are added to the batter, giving the dish a fresh, flavorful crunch, making it an ideal choice for a vegetarian breakfast or brunch. Here’s how you can prepare this healthy, delicious dish that perfectly combines the flavors of South India with the versatility of zucchini!
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity/Measurement |
|---|---|
| Green zucchini | 1, sliced thinly (as needed) |
| Green Moong Dal (Whole) | 1 cup, soaked overnight (8 hours) |
| Rice | 1 cup, soaked overnight (8 hours) |
| Chana Dal (Bengal Gram Dal) | 1-2 tablespoons |
| Green Chillies | 2-3 whole |
| Ginger | 1-inch piece, chopped |
| Asafoetida (Hing) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Sunflower Oil | For cooking |
| Onions | Finely chopped, as needed (optional) |
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: Fusion
Course: South Indian Breakfast
Diet: Vegetarian
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
To make the batter, soak the green moong dal and rice in enough water for at least 8 hours (or overnight). After soaking, drain the water and blend the mixture in a blender. Add green chillies, asafoetida (hing), salt, and ginger to the blender, along with a small amount of water, as the lentils tend to absorb a lot of moisture. Grind everything into a smooth batter with a slightly thick consistency.
Step 2: Slice the Zucchini
Slice the zucchini into very thin rounds, using a mandolin slicer if you have one. The thin slices will help them cook evenly and become crispy when fried.
Step 3: Heat the Tawa
Place a Dosa tawa (or flat skillet) on medium flame and let it heat. Drizzle a little sunflower oil on the tawa to ensure the batter doesn’t stick.
Step 4: Prepare the Dosa
Dip each zucchini slice into the prepared batter, just like you would for bajji (a fried snack). Place the zucchini slices in the center of the tawa, arranging them to form a flower-like pattern, and continue placing more dipped slices around the center, making a circular shape. If you want a thicker texture, fill the gaps with a little extra batter.
Step 5: Cook the Dosa
Once the zucchini is arranged on the tawa, drizzle a little oil on top and cover the dosa with a lid. Let it cook on a low to medium flame for about 5-7 minutes. The batter should cook thoroughly, and the zucchini should soften. Flip the dosa gently, being careful not to break the zucchini slices, and cook on the other side for another 2-3 minutes, allowing it to crisp up.
Step 6: Optional Topping
If you like, you can top the dosa with finely chopped onions for an added crunch and flavor.
Step 7: Serve
Serve your Zucchini Pesarattu hot, alongside Allam Pachadi (a ginger chutney) for a traditional touch. This chutney adds a tangy and spicy kick, perfectly complementing the flavors of the dosa.
Tips for the Perfect Zucchini Pesarattu:
- Adjust Spice Levels: Depending on your preference, you can adjust the number of green chillies in the batter for more or less spice.
- Soaking Tip: Ensure that the lentils and rice are soaked well, as this helps in achieving the right consistency of the batter. If the batter is too thick, add a little water while blending to adjust the texture.
- Crispier Dosa: For a crispier dosa, cook on a slightly higher flame and let it brown before flipping.
- Variations: You can also add other vegetables like carrot or spinach to the batter for added nutrition and flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Healthy & Nutritious: The combination of green moong dal and rice provides a great source of protein and fiber, while the zucchini adds moisture and a unique texture to the dish.
- Easy to Make: The recipe is simple and doesn’t require complicated steps, making it perfect for a quick and healthy breakfast or dinner.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite toppings or chutneys to make it your own!
Enjoy this modern twist on a South Indian classic with a crunchy, veggie-packed twist that’s sure to please everyone at the table!
