Indian Dosa (Fermented Pancakes)
Indian Dosa (Fermented Pancakes) is a medium Indian recipe that serves 4. 150 calories per serving. Recipe by Pankaj Sharma on YouTube.
Prep: 12 hrs 30 min | Cook: 15 min | Total: 13 hrs
Cost: $4.35 total, $1.09 per serving
Ingredients
- 140 g Sticky rice (Short‑grain rice, ideal for a sticky texture)
- 140 g Basmati rice (Long‑grain rice, adds lightness)
- 70 g Urid dal (black lentils) (Husked lentils, essential for fermentation)
- 1 c. à café Fenugreek seeds (Optional, soak 4 h then blend, aids fermentation)
- 0.5 c. à café Active dry yeast (Can be replaced by soaked fenugreek seeds)
- 1 c. à café Salt (Adjust to taste)
- 2 c. à soupe Vegetable oil (e.g., sunflower oil) (For cooking, a drizzle is enough)
- Environ 300 ml Water (Add gradually to achieve a smooth batter)
Instructions
Rinsing and soaking the rice
Rinse the sticky rice and basmati rice thoroughly under cold water. Place them in two separate bowls and cover with cold water. Soak for 4 hours (or overnight).
Time: PT4H
Rinsing and soaking the lentils
Rinse the urid dal, place in a bowl and cover with water. Soak for 4 hours, ideally at the same time as the rice.
Time: PT4H
Draining
After soaking, drain the rice and lentils separately, gently pressing to remove excess water.
Time: PT10M
Grinding the rice
Place the sticky rice and basmati rice in the blender, add a little soaking water and blend until you obtain a smooth, slightly granular batter.
Time: PT5M
Grinding the lentils
Blend the soaked urid dal the same way until you obtain a smooth batter.
Time: PT5M
Combining the two batters
Transfer both batters into a large mixing bowl. Incorporate the yeast (or pre‑blended fenugreek seeds) and mix by hand or with a wooden spoon until homogeneous.
Time: PT5M
Adding the salt
Add the salt, mix again for 2 minutes to distribute evenly.
Time: PT2M
Fermentation
Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic lid. Let ferment at room temperature (25‑30°C) for 8 to 12 hours, or until the batter has doubled in volume and emits a mild sour aroma.
Time: PT8H
Temperature: 25-30°C
Adjusting the consistency
Just before cooking, add cold water gradually (about 150‑200 ml) while stirring until you obtain a fluid batter, similar to pancake batter.
Time: PT5M
Cooking the dosas
Heat a non‑stick pan over medium‑high heat (≈200°C). Pour a small ladle of batter into the center, spreading quickly in circular motions from the center to the edges. Lightly drizzle the edges with a little oil. Cook 2‑3 minutes until the edges lift, then flip (optional) or serve as is.
Time: PT15M
Temperature: 200°C
Serving
Fold each dosa into a triangle or roll, top with chutney, sambar, or a filling of your choice, and enjoy immediately.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 150
- Protein
- 5 g
- Carbohydrates
- 30 g
- Fat
- 3 g
- Fiber
- 2 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten‑free, low-calorie, very-low-calorie, low-fat
Allergens: Sunflower oil (possible soy)
Last updated: April 7, 2026






