Special पनीर डोसा ₹50/
Special पनीर डोसा ₹50/- 🤤👌 is a medium Indian recipe that serves 4. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Foodies Lab on YouTube.
Prep: 28 hrs 40 min | Cook: 30 min | Total: 29 hrs 25 min
Cost: $5.31 total, $1.33 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 cup Parboiled Rice (soaked 4 hours, then drained)
- 1/4 cup Split Black Gram (Urad Dal) (soaked 4 hours, then drained)
- 1/4 tsp Fenugreek Seeds (adds flavor and aids fermentation)
- 2 cup Water (adjust to batter consistency)
- 1 tsp Salt (to taste)
- 2 tbsp Vegetable Oil (for cooking dosas)
- 2 medium Potatoes (boiled, peeled and mashed)
- 200 g Paneer (crumbed; can use store‑bought or homemade)
- 1 medium Onion (finely chopped)
- 1 medium Tomato (finely chopped)
- 2 pieces Green Chilies (finely chopped, adjust heat)
- 1/4 tsp Turmeric Powder (for color and flavor)
- 1/2 tsp Red Chili Powder (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 tsp Garam Masala (optional warm spice)
- 1/2 tsp Mustard Seeds (for tempering)
- 8 pieces Curry Leaves (for tempering)
- 1 tbsp Oil for Tempering (vegetable oil)
- 1/4 cup Coconut Chutney (optional side, store‑bought or homemade)
Instructions
Soak Rice and Dal
Rinse 1 cup parboiled rice and 1/4 cup urad dal together with 1/4 tsp fenugreek seeds. Soak in enough water for 4 hours.
Time: PT4H
Grind to Smooth Batter
Drain the soaked rice and dal. Transfer to a blender, add 2 cups fresh water and blend to a smooth, slightly thick batter. Scrape sides and blend again if needed.
Time: PT15M
Ferment Batter
Pour the batter into a large bowl, cover with a clean cloth, and let it sit at room temperature (around 25‑30°C) for 24 hours until it rises and develops a mildly sour aroma.
Time: PT24H
Temperature: 25-30°C
Boil Potatoes
While the batter ferments, boil 2 medium potatoes until tender (about 15 minutes). Drain and set aside to cool.
Time: PT15M
Prepare Filling Ingredients
Finely chop 1 onion, 1 tomato, and 2 green chilies. Crumble 200 g paneer. Set aside.
Time: PT10M
Cook Paneer‑Potato Filling
Heat 1 tbsp oil in a pan, add 1/2 tsp mustard seeds and a few curry leaves. When they crackle, add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent. Stir in tomato, green chilies, 1/4 tsp turmeric, 1/2 tsp red chili powder, and 1/4 tsp garam masala. Add the mashed potatoes and crumbled paneer, mix well, and cook for 5 minutes. Season with salt to taste.
Time: PT15M
Temperature: medium heat
Heat Skillet for Dosa
Place the non‑stick skillet over medium‑high heat. Lightly brush with a few drops of oil and let it become hot (about 2 minutes).
Time: PT2M
Temperature: medium‑high heat
Spread Batter and Cook Dosa
Pour a ladleful of batter onto the center of the skillet. Using the back of the ladle, spread in a circular motion to form a thin crepe (≈8‑10 inches). Drizzle a few drops of oil around the edges. Cook for 2‑3 minutes until the surface loses its shine and the edges turn golden brown.
Time: PT3M
Temperature: medium heat
Add Filling and Fold
Place 2‑3 tbsp of the paneer‑potato filling on one half of the dosa, fold the other half over, and press gently. Cook for another minute to let the filling warm through.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: medium heat
Serve
Slide the paneer dosa onto a plate, repeat for remaining batter, and serve hot with coconut chutney.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 350
- Protein
- 15 g
- Carbohydrates
- 45 g
- Fat
- 12 g
- Fiber
- 5 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, High-Protein
Allergens: Milk
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Parboiled Rice: short‑grain rice, idly rice
- Instead of Split Black Gram (Urad Dal): whole urad dal
- Instead of Fenugreek Seeds: none
- Instead of Vegetable Oil: canola oil, sunflower oil
- Instead of Potatoes: sweet potatoes
- Instead of Paneer: cottage cheese, tofu (for vegan)
- Instead of Onion: shallots
- Instead of Tomato: tamarind puree for tang
- Instead of Green Chilies: jalapeño
- Instead of Red Chili Powder: paprika
- Instead of Oil for Tempering: ghee
- Instead of Coconut Chutney: tomato chutney
Equipment Needed
- Mixing Bowl
- Large Fermentation Bowl
- Blender or Wet Grinder
- Non‑Stick Skillet or Dosa Tawa
- Spatula
- Ladle
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Plate
- Grater (optional) (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Soaking and grinding to a smooth batter
- 24‑hour fermentation for proper rise
- Spreading batter thin and evenly on a hot skillet
- Ensuring the pan is hot before pouring batter
Chef Tips from the Video
- For extra crispiness, add a pinch of rice flour to the batter just before cooking.
- Garnish the finished dosa with fresh coriander leaves for a burst of freshness.
Troubleshooting
Batter is too thick after grinding
Add a little water (1‑2 tbsp) and blend again until the consistency is pourable.
Dosa sticks to the skillet
Ensure the pan is well‑heated and lightly oiled before each dosa; use a non‑stick surface.
Fermented batter smells overly sour or off
If the batter develops a foul odor, discard it; ensure the fermentation container is clean and covered.
Storage
Refrigerator: Fermented batter keeps 3 days in an airtight container; cooked dosas can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated on a skillet.
Freezer: Not recommended for batter; cooked dosas lose crispness when frozen.
Room temperature: Serve immediately; leftover dosas become soggy at room temperature.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the batter a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator; it will continue to develop flavor.
- The paneer‑potato filling can be made up to 2 hours ahead and kept warm on low heat.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Paneer Dosa in South Indian cuisine?
Paneer Dosa is a modern twist on the traditional South Indian dosa, which originally featured simple potato (masala) filling. Adding paneer reflects the influence of North Indian dairy traditions and makes the dish richer, often served at street stalls and festive breakfasts across India.
What are the traditional regional variations of Dosa in South Indian cuisine?
In South India, dosa variations include plain dosa, Masala dosa with spiced potatoes, Rava dosa made from semolina, and Neer dosa from rice batter. Paneer Dosa is a contemporary adaptation popular in urban areas and fusion restaurants.
How is Paneer Dosa traditionally served in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu?
It is typically served hot with coconut chutney, sambar (lentil stew), and sometimes a tomato chutney. The dosa is folded or rolled, and the paneer‑potato filling is placed in the center before folding.
During which Indian celebrations is Dosa, including Paneer Dosa, commonly prepared?
Dosa is a staple for weekend breakfasts, festivals like Sankranti, and special occasions such as weddings or temple feasts where a light yet filling dish is desired.
What authentic ingredients are essential for a traditional South Indian Dosa batter versus acceptable substitutes?
Authentic batter uses parboiled rice and whole urad dal with fenugreek seeds. Substitutes can include idli rice, short‑grain rice, or split moong dal, though texture and fermentation may differ slightly.
What other South Indian dishes pair well with Paneer Dosa?
Sambar, coconut chutney, tomato chutney, and a side of spiced lentil soup complement Paneer Dosa. A cup of filter coffee or masala chai also makes a classic pairing.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Paneer Dosa?
Common errors include over‑fermenting the batter, using too thick a batter, a pan that isn’t hot enough, and over‑cooking the paneer filling which can make it dry. Follow the critical steps for batter consistency and pan temperature.
Why does this Paneer Dosa recipe use a 24‑hour fermentation instead of a shorter 6‑hour proof?
A 24‑hour fermentation allows the natural lactobacilli to develop fully, giving the dosa its characteristic tang and airy texture. Shorter fermentation may result in a denser, less flavorful crepe.
Can I make Paneer Dosa ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes. The batter can be prepared a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cooked dosas can be refrigerated for 2 days and reheated on a skillet; the filling can be kept warm for up to 2 hours before assembling.
What texture and appearance should I look for when making Paneer Dosa?
The batter should spread thinly and form a glossy surface that loses its shine as it cooks. The edges should turn golden‑brown and crisp, while the center remains slightly soft. The paneer filling should be warm, slightly crumbly, and not watery.
What does the YouTube channel Foodies Lab specialize in?
Foodies Lab focuses on affordable, street‑food‑style Indian recipes, often demonstrating how to create popular dishes at home for under ₹100 per serving, with clear step‑by‑step visuals and budget‑friendly tips.
How does the YouTube channel Foodies Lab's approach to Indian cooking differ from other Indian cooking channels?
Foodies Lab emphasizes ultra‑budget cooking, using minimal ingredients and showcasing cost breakdowns per dish. Unlike many channels that focus on elaborate presentations, Foodies Lab prioritizes practicality, speed, and value for everyday home cooks.
Last updated: August 13, 2026








