Instant Quinoa Mysore Masala Dosa (With Red Chutney)

Instant Quinoa Mysore Masala Dosa is a nutritious twist on the classic South Indian crepe, replacing traditional rice with protein-packed quinoa. This gluten-free delicacy offers a healthy and delicious option to enjoy with your favorite chutneys and fillings.

Quinoa Mysore Masala Dosa is a wholesome twist on the classic South Indian crepe, incorporating the nutritional benefits of quinoa into the traditional dosa batter. This gluten-free and nutrient-rich variation offers a delicious and healthier option for those seeking a balanced and flavorful meal.

This savory crepe is made with quinoa and lentils, and no rice is added. Quinoa dosa is topped with a thin layer of red chutney and stuffed with masala (potato stuffing). Serve this protein-rich,  quinoa Mysore masala dosa with some sambar and coconut chutney for a complete power-packed, healthy meal. 

Jump to:

• Quinoa Mysore Masala Dosa
• Ingredients
• Instructions For Quinoa Mysore Masala Dosa
• Substitutions
• Variations
• Storage
• Tips
• FAQ
• Serving
• Instant Quinoa Mysore Masala Dosa (With Red Chutney)
• Related

Quinoa Mysore Masala Dosa

Dosa or also known as Indian savory crepe is a popular dish in South Indian cuisine. Light, and crispy, filled with classic potato filling, served with some sambar and coconut chutney. Dosa makes an excellent breakfast/brunch, lunch, or even dinner for a completely well-balanced meal.

Dosa is served in Indian restaurants around the globe and is much loved by all ages. I grew up eating dosa, my mom used to make dosa quite often. The batter consists of basic rice and lentils, soaked overnight. The next day she would grind the rice and lentils to a smooth consistency batter, and let it ferment for a few hours or until it doubled in size. And there we had a perfect, crisp, appetizing dosa, which I could eat any time of the day.

Traditionally, Dosa is made with fermented dosa batter, made with rice and black gram lentil (urad dal). Here, I am sharing Quinoa dosa, made with a combination of quinoa and lentils, and with no rice added. Thus, making this dosa, light, healthy, fiber, and protein-rich. Quinoa dosa can be enjoyed plain or filled with classic potato stuffing. Add Red chutney to it and you have Quinoa Mysore masala dosa. Either way, this dosa tastes amazing!!

This quinoa dosa does not require to be fermented like a traditional dosa batter. However, I feel that fermenting the dosa batter improves its flavor and texture, makes it light and airy, and also fermented food is good for gut health.

Ingredients

Here's a brief description of each ingredient used in Quinoa Mysore Masala Dosa:

1. Quinoa: Quinoa is a highly nutritious grain that is rich in protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It is gluten-free and considered a complete protein source, containing all nine essential amino acids.
2. Urad Dal (Split Black Gram): Urad dal is a type of lentil commonly used in Indian cooking. It is high in protein and provides a creamy texture to the dosa batter when ground.
3. Fenugreek Seeds (Methi Seeds): Fenugreek seeds add a distinct flavor and aroma to the dosa batter. They also aid in fermentation and help achieve a slightly sour taste in the dosas.
4. Salt: Salt is a crucial ingredient used for seasoning, enhancing the overall taste of the dosa.
5. Water: Water is added to the batter during the grinding process to achieve the desired consistency for dosa making.
6. Oil or Ghee: Oil or ghee is used for greasing the dosa tawa (griddle) and drizzling on the dosas while cooking. It adds flavor and prevents sticking.
7. For The Filling: You can use any filling of your choice. I used classic Potato filling (aloo masala) for this recipe.
8. Red Chutney: You will need the famous Mysore Masala Dosa Chutney (red chutney) to spread it inside the dosa for that fiery kick.

Instructions For Quinoa Mysore Masala Dosa

Here's a step-by-step instructions that will help you make scrumptious quinoa dosas to relish with your favorite sides.

Step 1: Soaking the Ingredients

• Rinse the quinoa, urad dal, and chana dal separately under running water to remove any impurities.
• Soak the quinoa, urad dal, chana dal, and fenugreek seeds in enough water in separate bowls.
• Allow them to soak for 4-6 hours or preferably overnight. Soaking helps soften the ingredients, making them easier to grind and aiding in fermentation.

Step 2: Preparing the Dosa Batter

• After soaking, drain the water from the quinoa, urad dal, chana dal, and fenugreek seeds.
• In a blender or wet grinder, add the soaked quinoa, urad dal, chana dal, and fenugreek seeds.
• Grind the ingredients separately, dal and quinoa one by one. Add water gradually to form a smooth batter. The batter should have a slightly thick but pourable consistency. Grinding thoroughly ensures a smooth and uniform texture.

Step 3 (Optional): Fermenting the Batter

• Transfer the ground batter into a large bowl.
• Add salt to taste and mix it well into the batter using your hands. Salt enhances the taste of the dosa batter.
• Cover the bowl with a lid or a cloth to allow air circulation.
• Place the bowl in a warm spot in your kitchen or use a slightly warm oven with the light on to facilitate fermentation. You can also use Instant Pot for fermentation.
• Allow the batter to ferment for about 8-12 hours or until it rises and becomes slightly sour. Fermentation is crucial for the dosas to turn out light and airy.

Step 4: Checking the Fermented Batter

• Once the fermentation is complete, the batter would have risen and increased in volume. There may be small air bubbles on the surface, and it would have a slightly tangy aroma.
• Give the batter a gentle stir to mix it well. Adjust the consistency with water if it's too thick, so it's easy to spread on the tawa.

Step 5: Heating the Dosa Tawa

• Place a non-stick or cast-iron dosa tawa (griddle) on medium heat.
• Allow the tawa to get hot, but not smoking, before pouring the batter. You can test the heat by sprinkling a few drops of water on the tawa - they should sizzle and evaporate.

Step 6: Making the Quinoa Mysore Masala Dosa

• Pour a ladleful of the fermented quinoa dosa batter onto the center of the hot tawa.
• Using the back of the ladle, gently spread the batter in a circular motion to form a thin dosa.
• Drizzle some oil or ghee around the edges and a little on top of the dosa. This helps the dosa cook evenly and become crispy.

Step 7: Cooking the Dosa

• Cook the dosa on medium heat until the bottom turns golden brown and becomes crisp. The edges will start to lift slightly when it's ready to be flipped.

Step 8: Spread The Red Chutney

• Spread some red chutney evenly onto the dosa, and add the filling of your choice. Fold the dosa into half or thirds.

Step 9: Removing and Serving the Dosa

• Once the quinoa dosa is cooked to your desired level of crispness, remove it from the tawa and place it on a plate.
• Repeat the process with the remaining batter to make more dosas.

Step 10: Serving the Quinoa Dosa

• Serve the quinoa dosas hot with coconut chutney, sambar, or any other accompaniment of your choice. Enjoy your nutritious and delicious quinoa dosas!

Substitutions

If you want to make substitutions in the quinoa dosa recipe, here are some options you can consider:

1. Quinoa: Instead of quinoa, you can use other grains like rice (regular or brown rice), millet, or even a combination of different grains. Each grain will bring its unique flavor and nutritional profile.
2. Urad Dal: Urad dal can be substituted with other lentils or pulses like mung dal (split green gram) or whole. Each lentil will affect the texture and taste of the dosa differently.
3. Fenugreek Seeds: Fenugreek seeds contribute to the fermentation process and add a characteristic flavor. If you don't have fenugreek seeds, you can skip them, or use a pinch of fenugreek powder as a substitute.
4. Oil or Ghee: You can use any cooking oil of your choice for greasing the dosa tawa and cooking the dosas. Ghee can be replaced with clarified butter or a plant-based alternative like coconut oil.
5. Salt: The amount of salt can be adjusted to your taste preferences or dietary requirements. You can also consider using low-sodium salt or other salt substitutes if needed.

Variations

Quinoa dosa is versatile, and you can create various delicious variations by incorporating different ingredients or toppings. Here are some exciting variations to try:

1. Vegetable Quinoa Dosa: Add grated vegetables like carrots, zucchini, spinach, or finely chopped bell peppers to the dosa batter before cooking. This adds extra nutrition and color to the dosas.
2. Cheese Quinoa Dosa: Sprinkle some grated cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or any favorite cheese) over the dosa while it's cooking. The cheese will melt and create a cheesy, gooey filling.
3. Herb-infused Quinoa Dosa: Mix finely chopped fresh herbs like cilantro, mint, or curry leaves into the batter for a burst of refreshing flavor.
4. Savory Quinoa Pancakes: Make smaller, thicker dosa-like pancakes with the batter and serve them with savory toppings like avocado, salsa, or a poached egg.

Storage

To store quinoa dosa batter for later use:

1. Ferment the Batter: Follow the steps for making the quinoa dosa batter as described earlier, up to the point of adding salt. Ensure the batter is well-mixed and allow it to ferment for 8-12 hours or until it rises and becomes slightly sour.
2. Refrigerate the Batter: Once the batter has fermented, add salt to taste and mix it well. Transfer the batter to an airtight container. Leave some space in the container as the batter may expand during storage. Seal the container tightly.
3. Refrigeration Time: The quinoa dosa batter can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Beyond that, the batter may lose its optimal fermentation and may not yield the best dosas.
4. Before Using the Stored Batter: When you're ready to make dosas, take out the batter from the refrigerator. You might notice that the batter has thickened a bit due to refrigeration. In this case, add a little water and mix well to achieve the desired dosa batter consistency.

Remember, freshly fermented batter produces the best dosas. If you know you won't be able to finish the entire batter within a few days, you can freeze a portion of it for later use. Here's how you can freeze the quinoa dosa batter:

1. Portion the Batter: Divide the fermented dosa batter into smaller portions that you plan to use for one serving. This will make it easier to thaw and use only what you need.
2. Freezer Bags or Containers: Place each portion of the batter in separate freezer-safe ziplock bags or airtight containers. Make sure to remove any excess air from the bags before sealing them.
3. Label and Date: Label each bag or container with the date of freezing to keep track of its freshness.
4. Freezing Time: The quinoa dosa batter can be stored in the freezer for up to 1-2 months.
5. Thawing: When you want to use the frozen batter, remove it from the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Before using, make sure to bring the batter to room temperature and give it a gentle stir.

Tips

You'll be able to make delicious and crispy quinoa dosas that are sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Here are some tips to help you make the best quinoa dosa:

1. Fermentation is Key: Fermentation is crucial for achieving the right texture and flavor in quinoa dosa. Allow the batter to ferment in a warm place for at least 8-12 hours or until it rises and becomes slightly sour. You can place the batter in an oven with the light on or in a warm corner of your kitchen for optimal fermentation. Note: If you chose to make instant dosa, you can skip this step.
2. Consistency of Batter: The batter should be slightly thicker than regular dosa batter but still pourable. If the batter is too thick, the dosas will turn out dense. If it's too thin, the dosas may stick to the tawa and become difficult to handle.
3. Non-Stick or Cast-Iron Tawa: Use a good-quality non-stick or seasoned cast-iron tawa (griddle) to make dosas. This ensures that the dosas cook evenly and don't stick to the surface.
4. Right Temperature: The tawa should be hot, but not smoking, before you pour the batter. Test the heat by sprinkling a few drops of water on the tawa - if they sizzle and evaporate, the tawa is ready.
5. Proper Greasing: Grease the tawa lightly with oil or Ghee before making each dosa. This prevents sticking and helps in achieving a crisp dosa.
6. Spread Thin and Even: Pour a ladleful of batter in the center of the tawa and quickly spread it in a circular motion to make a thin dosa. A thin dosa will be crispier.
7. Layer with Chutney: For Mysore Masala Dosa, apply the spicy Red Chutney on the inner surface of the dosa before adding the potato masala. This adds an extra burst of flavors.
8. Cook on Medium Heat: Cook the dosas on medium heat to ensure they cook evenly without burning.
9. Serve Hot: Dosas are best enjoyed hot and fresh off the tawa. Serve them immediately with Coconut Chutney, sambar, or any accompaniment of your choice.

FAQ

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