Uddina Pole
A classic Udupi-Mangalore breakfast, Uddina Pole are soft, spongy, and savory pancakes made from a fermented batter of urad dal and rice. Unlike crispy dosas, these are prized for their pillowy texture, making them a comforting and delicious meal when served with fresh coconut chutney.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 20 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Soak the Grains (6 hours)
- b.In a large bowl, combine the urad dal, idli rice, and methi seeds.
- c.Rinse them together under cool running water 3-4 times, until the water runs clear.
- d.Add enough fresh water to cover the ingredients by at least 2 inches. Let it soak for a minimum of 6 hours or up to 8 hours.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Grind the Batter (15 minutes)
- b.About 20 minutes before grinding, rinse the poha and soak it in just enough water to cover it completely. It will soften quickly.
- c.Drain all the water from the soaked dal and rice mixture.
- d.Transfer the drained dal-rice mix and the soaked poha (along with its water) to a wet grinder or a high-speed blender.
- e.Add about 1 cup of fresh water and start grinding. Gradually add more water as needed, scraping down the sides, until you get a smooth, flowing batter. The final consistency should be thick yet pourable, like pancake batter.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Ferment the Batter (10-12 hours)
- b.Pour the batter into a large container, ensuring it's only filled halfway to allow room for it to rise.
- c.Add the salt and mix thoroughly with your clean hands for about a minute. The warmth and natural flora from your hands aid in fermentation.
- d.Cover the container with a lid (do not seal it tightly) and place it in a warm, draft-free spot to ferment for 10-12 hours, or overnight.
- e.The batter is ready when it has visibly risen, is bubbly, and has a pleasant, tangy aroma.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Cook the Uddina Pole (20 minutes)
- b.Once fermented, gently stir the batter once or twice. Avoid over-mixing, as this will deflate the air bubbles.
- c.Heat a cast-iron or non-stick tawa (griddle) over medium heat. To check if it's ready, sprinkle a few drops of water; they should sizzle and evaporate immediately.
- d.Lightly grease the tawa with a little ghee.
- e.Pour a ladleful of batter (about 1/2 cup) onto the center of the tawa. Do not spread it thin like a regular dosa. Let it naturally form a thick pancake, about 6 inches in diameter.
- f.Drizzle about 1/2 teaspoon of ghee around the edges and on top.
- g.Cover with a lid and cook for 1-2 minutes on medium heat. The top surface will look cooked and small holes will appear.
- h.Flip the pole and cook the other side for another minute until it has light golden-brown spots. It does not need to be covered for the second side.
- i.Remove from the tawa and repeat the process with the remaining batter.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Serve
- b.Serve the hot, soft Uddina Pole immediately with coconut chutney, sambar, or a spicy chutney powder (podi).
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Fermentation is key. Place the batter in a warm place, like an oven with the light on (but oven off), for best results.
- 2The batter consistency should be thick yet pourable, similar to a thick pancake batter. Don't make it runny.
- 3Use a well-seasoned cast-iron tawa for a beautiful golden-brown color and non-stick performance.
- 4Cook on a steady medium heat. High heat will brown the outside quickly, leaving the inside raw.
- 5Do not over-mix the fermented batter. A gentle stir is enough to combine it before making the poles.
Adapt it for your goals.
Savory Add-ins
Finely chopped onions, green chilies, coriander leaves, or grated ginger can be mixed into the batter just before cooking for extra flavor and texture.
Healthier GrainHealthier Grain
Replace half of the Idli rice with brown rice or millet for a higher fiber version. Note that this may slightly alter the texture and require adjusted soaking times.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Plant-Based Protein
Urad dal is an excellent source of plant-based protein, which is essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
Promotes Gut Health
The fermentation process breaks down complex nutrients, making the pole easier to digest. It also introduces beneficial probiotics that support a healthy gut microbiome.
Sustained Energy Release
The combination of rice and lentils provides complex carbohydrates, which offer a steady and sustained release of energy, keeping you full and active for longer.
Good Source of Iron
Urad dal is a good source of iron, a mineral that is crucial for preventing anemia and maintaining healthy blood oxygen levels.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, it's a very nutritious breakfast. It's rich in plant-based protein and complex carbohydrates. The fermentation process makes it easy to digest and beneficial for gut health. Using minimal ghee or oil for cooking keeps it relatively low in fat.
