Discover the magic of Kal Dosa, a soft and spongy South Indian pancake. Unlike its crispy cousin, this dosa is delightfully thick and porous, perfect for soaking up flavorful sambar and chutney. A truly comforting breakfast classic that requires overnight fermentation.
Prep30 min
Cook20 min
Soak360 min
Ferment600 min
Servings4
Serving size: 2 pieces
292cal
8gprotein
33gcarbs
Ingredients
1.5 cup Idli Rice (Parboiled rice works best)
0.5 cup Urad Dal (Whole, skinned variety)
0.25 cup Poha (Thick variety)
0.5 tsp Fenugreek Seeds (Also known as Methi seeds)
1 tsp Rock Salt (Non-iodized salt aids fermentation)
3 cup Water (For grinding, plus more for soaking)
4 tbsp Gingelly Oil (Also known as sesame oil, for cooking)
Instructions
1
Soak the Rice and Lentils (5-6 hours)
In a large bowl, rinse the idli rice 4-5 times until the water runs clear. Add fresh water to cover the rice by at least 2 inches and set aside to soak.
A flavor-packed South Indian prawn masala where tender prawns are cooked in a thick, spicy, and tangy onion-tomato base. This Chettinad classic is perfect with rice, dosa, or chapati.
Crispy Kal Dosa with tangy, perfectly spiced Eral Thokku – an energy-giving, protein-packed treat!
This chettinad dish is perfect for breakfast. With 560.33 calories and 35.5g of protein per serving, it's a high-fiber, muscle-gain option for your meal plan.
15gfat
In a separate medium bowl, rinse the urad dal and fenugreek seeds together. Add fresh water to cover and set aside to soak.
Allow both bowls to soak for at least 5 to 6 hours.
2
Grind the Batter (25-30 minutes)
About 15 minutes before grinding, rinse and soak the poha in a small amount of water until it softens.
Drain the water from the urad dal and fenugreek seeds. Transfer them to a wet grinder or high-speed blender. Add about 3/4 cup of cold water and grind for 15-20 minutes until the batter is extremely smooth, light, and fluffy. Transfer this batter to a large, deep container (at least double the volume of the batter).
Next, drain the water from the rice and the soaked poha. Add them to the same grinder. Add about 1 cup of water and grind to a smooth, yet slightly grainy texture (like fine semolina).
Pour the rice batter into the container with the urad dal batter. Add the rock salt.
Using your clean hands, mix both batters together thoroughly for 2-3 minutes. This traditional method introduces beneficial microbes and helps kickstart fermentation.
3
Ferment the Batter (8-12 hours)
Cover the container with a lid, but do not seal it tightly; leave a small gap for gases to escape.
Place the container in a warm, draft-free place (like inside a turned-off oven with the light on) to ferment for 8 to 12 hours.
The batter is perfectly fermented when it has doubled in volume, is bubbly and frothy, and has a pleasant, slightly sour aroma.
4
Cook the Kal Dosas (15-20 minutes)
Once fermented, gently stir the batter just once or twice. Do not overmix, as this will deflate the air pockets that make the dosa soft.
Heat a cast-iron or non-stick tawa over medium heat. To check if it's ready, sprinkle a few drops of water; they should sizzle and evaporate immediately. Lightly grease the tawa with oil.
Pour one ladleful of batter (about 1/3 cup) onto the center of the tawa. Do not spread it thin. Gently swirl the ladle to form a thick pancake, about 5-6 inches in diameter.
Drizzle about 1/2 teaspoon of gingelly oil around the edges and on top of the dosa.
Cover the tawa with a lid and cook for 1-2 minutes on medium heat. The top surface will become porous and appear cooked.
Uncover and flip the dosa. Cook the other side for just 30-40 seconds. The Kal Dosa should remain soft and pale, not brown and crispy.
Fold the dosa in half and remove it from the tawa.
5
Serve Hot
Repeat the process with the remaining batter, greasing the tawa lightly between each dosa.
Serve the soft and spongy Kal Dosas immediately with your choice of coconut chutney, kara chutney, or sambar.
268cal
28gprotein
14gcarbs
12gfat
Ingredients
500 g Prawns (Cleaned and deveined)
0.5 tsp Turmeric Powder (For marinade)
1 tsp Red Chili Powder (For marinade, adjust to taste)
0.5 tsp Salt (For marinade)
1 tbsp Lemon Juice (Freshly squeezed)
3 tbsp Gingelly Oil (Also known as sesame oil)
1 tsp Mustard Seeds
1 tsp Fennel Seeds
1 sprig Curry Leaves
2 medium Onion (Finely chopped)
2 whole Green Chili (Slit lengthwise)
1.5 tbsp Ginger Garlic Paste
3 medium Tomato (Finely chopped)
2 tsp Coriander Powder
0.5 tsp Garam Masala
0.5 cup Water (Hot, use as needed)
2 tbsp Coriander Leaves (Freshly chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
1
Marinate the Prawns
In a mixing bowl, combine the cleaned and deveined prawns with 1/2 tsp turmeric powder, 1 tsp red chili powder, 1/2 tsp salt, and the lemon juice.
Mix thoroughly to ensure each prawn is evenly coated.
Set aside to marinate for at least 15 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.
2
Prepare the Masala Base
Heat the gingelly oil in a wide, heavy-bottomed pan or kadai over medium heat.
Add the mustard seeds and wait for them to splutter completely, which takes about 30 seconds.
Add the fennel seeds and curry leaves. Sauté for another 30 seconds until they become fragrant.
Add the finely chopped onions and slit green chilies. Sauté for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions turn soft and golden brown.
Add the ginger-garlic paste and cook for 1-2 minutes until its raw aroma disappears.
3
Cook the Tomatoes and Spices
Add the finely chopped tomatoes and 1 tsp of salt to the pan. The salt helps the tomatoes break down faster.
Cook for 8-10 minutes, mashing the tomatoes with your spatula, until they become completely soft, mushy, and the oil starts to separate from the masala.
Reduce the heat to low. Add the spice powders: 1/4 tsp turmeric powder, 1.5 tsp red chili powder, and 2 tsp coriander powder.
Stir continuously and cook for 1-2 minutes until the raw smell of the spices is gone and the masala is fragrant.
4
Cook the Prawns in the Masala
Add the marinated prawns to the pan with the masala.
Stir gently to coat the prawns evenly with the thick masala base.
Increase the heat to medium and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. The prawns will release some water.
Continue cooking until the prawns curl into a 'C' shape and turn opaque pink. Be careful not to overcook them.
If the thokku becomes too dry, add a splash of hot water (up to 1/2 cup) to reach your desired consistency.
5
Garnish and Serve
Once the prawns are cooked, sprinkle the garam masala and freshly chopped coriander leaves over the top.
Give it a final gentle stir to combine.
Turn off the heat, cover the pan, and let the Eral Thokku rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
