Preparing the Dosa Batter: Begin by soaking rice and urad dal separately for 4-6 hours. After soaking, drain the water and grind them into a smooth batter, adding water as needed to achieve a slightly thick consistency. Leave the batter to ferment for 8-12 hours or overnight in a warm place. This fermentation step is essential for the dosa's fluffiness and taste. (Time taken: 10-15 mins for grinding, 8-12 hours for fermentation)
Heating the Tava (Griddle): Once your batter is ready, heat a flat, non-stick griddle or tava on medium heat. Make sure the surface is well-heated but not overly hot to avoid burning the dosa. Test the temperature by sprinkling a little water on the griddle—if it sizzles, the tava is ready. (Time taken: 2-3 mins)
Spreading the Batter: Now, take a ladle full of the fermented batter and pour it onto the center of the heated griddle. Quickly spread the batter in a circular motion, starting from the center and moving outward to form a thin, even layer. The thinner you spread the batter, the crispier your dosa will be. (Time taken: 1-2 mins)
Cooking the Dosa: Allow the dosa to cook for a few minutes until the edges start to lift slightly and turn golden brown. Don’t flip the dosa unless you prefer a crispy texture on both sides. Once the dosa is cooked to your liking, it’s time to add butter. Spread a small amount of butter over the surface of the dosa while it’s still hot. Let it melt and soak into the crispy surface. (Time taken: 3-4 mins)
Serving the Butter Dosa: Once the butter is melted and the dosa is golden brown and crisp, gently fold the dosa into a triangle or roll it up. Serve it immediately with your choice of chutneys and sambar. The crispy, buttery dosa is now ready to be enjoyed. (Time taken: 1 min)
Summary: Preparing Butter Dosa is a simple yet delightful process. From fermenting the batter to achieving the perfect golden crisp, each step contributes to creating a delicious, satisfying meal. Whether served with spicy chutneys or mild sambar, this dish is sure to delight your taste buds! (Total time for 4 servings: 15-20 mins for cooking)