Neer Dosa with Mangalorean Prawn Curry

Cook the Neer Dosas (25 minutes)

• Heat a non-stick tawa or a well-seasoned cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. To check if it's ready, sprinkle a few drops of water; if they sizzle and evaporate immediately, the tawa is hot enough.
• Lightly grease the hot tawa with a few drops of oil using a paper towel or half an onion.
• Stir the batter well from the bottom each time before making a dosa, as the rice flour settles very quickly.
• Take a full ladle of batter and pour it quickly onto the hot tawa, starting from the edges and moving towards the center in a circular motion. Do not try to spread it. The batter will naturally form a lacy pattern.
• Drizzle a few drops of oil around the edges if desired.
• Cover the tawa with a lid and cook for about 60-90 seconds on medium heat. The dosa cooks with the trapped steam and does not need to be flipped.
• Once cooked, the edges will begin to lift away from the pan and the surface will look cooked (no raw batter visible).
• Gently fold the dosa in half, and then into a quarter (triangle shape). Remove it from the tawa and place it in a casserole to keep warm.

Repeat and Serve

• Repeat the process for the remaining batter, remembering to stir the batter and lightly grease the tawa before each dosa.
• Serve the Neer Dosas immediately while they are hot and soft, with coconut chutney, sambar, or a spicy curry like Mangalorean Chicken Ghee Roast or Vegetable Kurma.

Simmer the Gravy

• Add the ground masala paste to the pot. Stir well and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the raw smell disappears and oil begins to separate from the sides of the paste.
• Pour the remaining 1 cup of water into the blender jar, swirl it around to collect any leftover paste, and add this water to the pot. Add salt and mix well.
• Bring the curry to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 5 minutes for the flavors to meld.

Cook the Prawns

• Gently add the cleaned and deveined prawns to the simmering gravy.
• Cook for just 3-5 minutes, or until the prawns turn pink and curl up. Do not overcook, as they will become tough and rubbery.
• Turn off the heat as soon as the prawns are cooked.

Garnish and Serve

• Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves.
• Serve hot with steamed rice, neer dosa, or sannas (steamed rice cakes).