When talking about South Indian delicacies, sambhar dosa stands out as an absolute favorite. The combination of a crispy dosa, aromatic sambhar, and fresh coconut chutney is loved by food enthusiasts everywhere. Not only does it taste incredible, but it is also considered quite nutritious. You can easily prepare and serve it for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Making this restaurant-style dish at home involves following a few straightforward steps.
Preparing the Dosa Batter
First, wash the rice, urad dal, and fenugreek seeds separately. After washing, soak them in water for 6 to 8 hours. Once soaked, grind them together to achieve a smooth batter. Add salt to the batter and leave it to ferment overnight or for about 8 hours so it rises properly.
Cooking the Crispy Dosa
Next, heat a non-stick griddle and apply a little oil on it. Pour a ladleful of the batter in the center and spread it out thinly in a circular motion. Drizzle a little oil around the edges and cook on medium heat until it turns golden brown. Once the dosa becomes crisp, fold it gently and take it off the griddle onto a plate.
Making the Aromatic Sambhar
To prepare the sambhar, wash the arhar dal thoroughly and cook it in a pressure cooker with water and turmeric for 3 to 4 whistles. Once done, mash the cooked dal smoothly. Heat oil in a pan and add mustard seeds, asafoetida, dried red chilies, and curry leaves. Once the tempering sizzles, add chopped onions and sauté them until they turn light golden. Then, toss in tomatoes and vegetables of your choice, cooking for 4 to 5 minutes.
Simmering and Finishing the Sambhar
Now, mix in sambhar powder, salt, and tamarind pulp. Pour the cooked and mashed dal into the pan and stir everything well. Add water as needed and let the sambhar boil for 10 minutes. Once the sambhar thickens and releases a rich aroma, turn off the heat.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the piping hot and crispy dosa alongside the prepared sambhar and fresh coconut chutney. If you prefer, you can also stuff a potato masala inside the dosa to turn it into a classic masala dosa. This flavorful South Indian preparation is sure to win the hearts of both your family members and guests.
