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

  1. 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

  2. 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

  3. Draining

    After soaking, drain the rice and lentils separately, gently pressing to remove excess water.

    Time: PT10M

  4. 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

  5. Grinding the lentils

    Blend the soaked urid dal the same way until you obtain a smooth batter.

    Time: PT5M

  6. 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

  7. Adding the salt

    Add the salt, mix again for 2 minutes to distribute evenly.

    Time: PT2M

  8. 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

  9. 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

  10. 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

  11. 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

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Indian Dosa (Fermented Pancakes)

Recipe by Pankaj Sharma

Learn how to make traditional Indian dosas, thin and crispy pancakes made from fermented rice and lentils. The batter is prepared in advance, left to ferment for 8‑12 hours, then quickly cooked in a pan with a drizzle of oil. Ideal for breakfast or a snack, this vegetarian dish is light, flavorful, and gluten‑free.

MediumIndianServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
16h 32m
Prep
20m
Cook
2h 1m
Cleanup
18h 53m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$4.35
Total cost
$1.09
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Rinsing and soaking the rice
  • Rinsing and soaking the lentils
  • Combining the two batters with the yeast
  • Fermentation
  • Cooking the dosas

Safety Warnings

  • Be careful of hot oil splatters during cooking.
  • Operate the blender with the lid securely closed to avoid splashing.

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