Oats Dosa Recipe – Potato Filling & South Indian Flavors

Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh

Oats Dosa Recipe – Potato Filling & South Indian Flavors

Introduction

Okay, let’s be real – dosas are life, right? That perfect crispy exterior, the soft interior, and the endless possibilities for fillings… pure bliss! But sometimes, you want something a little different, a little healthier, without sacrificing that classic South Indian flavour. That’s where this Oats Dosa recipe comes in. I first made this when I was trying to sneak more oats into my family’s diet, and honestly, they didn’t even notice! It’s become a regular in our kitchen, and I’m so excited to share it with you.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t just another dosa recipe; it’s a delightful twist on a classic. It’s packed with the goodness of oats, making it a more nutritious option. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make, even if you’re new to dosa-making. And the flavour? Absolutely fantastic, especially when paired with a comforting aloo bhaji (potato filling).

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these delicious oats dosas:

• ?? cup rolled oats
• ?? cup rice flour
• ?? cup rava (semolina)
• ?? cup curd (yogurt)
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 inch ginger, finely chopped
• 1 green chilli, finely chopped (adjust to your spice preference!)
• A few curry leaves, chopped
• ?? tsp crushed pepper
• 2 tbsp coriander, chopped
• ?? onion, finely chopped
• 1 tsp salt
• 3 cups water
• Oil for roasting

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients – a few little tips from my kitchen to yours!

• Rolled Oats: Benefits & Selection – I prefer using old-fashioned rolled oats for this recipe. They grind beautifully and give a lovely texture. Quick-cooking oats can work in a pinch, but the dosa might be a little softer. (About 150g of rolled oats is roughly equivalent to 1 cup).
• Rice Flour & Rava (Semolina): The Perfect Blend – The combination of rice flour and rava is key to getting that perfect dosa crispness. Rice flour provides structure, while rava adds a delightful crunch. (1 cup rice flour is approximately 170g, and 1 cup rava is around 150g).
• The Role of Yogurt (Curd) in Dosa Batter – Yogurt adds a lovely tang and helps create a light and fluffy batter. Use plain, unsweetened yogurt for the best results. (1 cup of yogurt is about 240ml).
• South Indian Spices: Cumin, Curry Leaves & More – Don’t skimp on the spices! Cumin and curry leaves are essential for that authentic South Indian flavour. Fresh curry leaves are always best, but dried ones will work too.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. First, grind ?? cup of rolled oats into a fine powder. A coffee grinder or a high-speed blender works great for this.
2. In a large bowl, combine the powdered oats, ?? cup rice flour, ?? cup rava (semolina), ?? cup yogurt, 1 tsp cumin seeds, chopped ginger, green chilli, a few curry leaves, ?? tsp pepper, 2 tbsp coriander, ?? onion, and 1 tsp salt.
3. Now, add 3 cups of water to the bowl and mix everything together until you have a smooth, lump-free batter. It should be thinner than a pancake batter.
4. Cover the bowl and let the batter rest for at least 20 minutes. This allows the rava to absorb the water and the flavours to meld together.
5. While the batter rests, let’s make the aloo bhaji! Heat a little oil in a pan. Add mustard seeds – when they splutter, add cumin seeds, chana dal, urad dal, a pinch of hing (asafoetida), a dried red chilli (broken into pieces), and more curry leaves.
6. Once the spices are fragrant, add chopped onion, green chilli, ginger, and a pinch of turmeric powder. Sauté until the onions are soft and golden brown.
7. Add mashed boiled potatoes, chopped coriander, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Mix well and set aside.
8. Now, heat a flat griddle or non-stick pan over medium heat. Pour a ladleful of dosa batter onto the hot pan and spread it thinly in a circular motion.
9. Drizzle a little oil around the edges of the dosa. Once the dosa starts to crisp up and turn golden brown, add a spoonful of aloo bhaji in the centre.
10. Gently fold the dosa in half and serve immediately with your favourite chutney!

Expert Tips

A few little secrets to help you make the perfect oats dosa:

• Achieving the Perfect Dosa Crispness: The key is a hot pan and a thin batter. Don’t overcrowd the pan – make one dosa at a time.
• Batter Consistency: Getting it Right: If the batter is too thick, add a little more water. If it’s too thin, add a tablespoon of rice flour.
• Tips for Even Spreading: Use the back of a ladle to spread the batter evenly. If you’re struggling, dip the ladle in a little water first.

Variations

Let’s get creative!

• Vegan Oats Dosa: Substitute the yogurt with plant-based yogurt (like coconut or almond yogurt).
• Gluten-Free Oats Dosa: Ensure your oats are certified gluten-free.
• Spice Level Adjustment: Adjust the amount of green chilli and pepper to suit your taste. My friend loves adding a pinch of red chilli powder to the batter for extra heat!
• Festival Adaptations (e.g., Ganesh Chaturthi, Onam): These dosas are a wonderful addition to festive breakfasts. You can even add a little grated coconut to the batter for a special touch during Onam.

Serving Suggestions

Oats dosas are best enjoyed hot and fresh! Serve them with:

• Coconut chutney
• Tomato chutney
• Sambar
• A sprinkle of podi (gunpowder)

Storage Instructions

Leftover dosa batter can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. You might need to add a little water to thin it out before using.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

• Can I use instant oats for this dosa recipe? You can, but the texture won’t be quite as good. The dosa might be a little softer.
• What type of oil is best for making dosas? Traditionally, groundnut oil is used, but any neutral-flavoured oil like sunflower or vegetable oil will work well.
• How can I make the dosa batter ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare the batter a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator.
• Can I add vegetables to the dosa batter itself? Yes, definitely! Grated carrots, finely chopped onions, or spinach are all great additions.
• What chutney varieties pair well with Oats Dosa? Coconut chutney is a classic, but tomato chutney and mint-coriander chutney are also delicious.
• Is this dosa suitable for weight loss? Oats are a healthy and filling ingredient, making this dosa a relatively good option for those watching their weight. However, portion control is still key!