Embark on a culinary journey to South India, where flavors dance and spices harmonize. Discover the art of creating rice and bean crepes, also known as dosas and vadas, two iconic dishes that capture the essence of this vibrant region.
In this comprehensive guide, we present two delectable recipes: the classic plain dosa and the savory urad dal vada. Dive into the secrets of preparing the perfect batter, ensuring crisp edges and a soft, fluffy interior for your dosas. Learn the techniques for shaping and frying vadas, achieving a golden-brown crust and a flavorful, lentil-filled center.
With step-by-step instructions and detailed explanations, we'll guide you through each recipe, providing tips and tricks to elevate your cooking skills. Whether you're a seasoned dosa enthusiast or new to South Indian cuisine, this guide will equip you with the knowledge and techniques to create these delightful dishes at home.
SOUTH INDIAN-STYLE YELLOW RICE
This vibrant rice is cooked with turmeric, tempered with mustard seeds, nuts and dal and finished with lemon zest and juice, resulting in an aromatic, bright, tangy and crunchy rice. It's also a great way to revive leftover rice the next day. (See Cook's Note)
Provided by Food Network Kitchen
Categories side-dish
Time 35m
Yield 3 to 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Wash the rice in cold water until the water is no longer cloudy, 3 or 4 times, then drain. This step is important as it removes the starch from the rice and prevents it from clumping up.
- Heat the stock or water in a heavy pan with a tight-fitting lid. Add the turmeric, 1/4 teaspoon salt and the drained rice. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover and cook for 15 minutes. Do not disturb the rice or take a peek while it's in the middle of cooking. Turn off the heat and let it sit, covered, for another 5 to 7 minutes.
- Meanwhile, heat the ghee or oil in a pan large enough to fit the rice over medium-high heat. Add the mustard seeds and let sizzle until you hear popping sounds, about 30 seconds. Add the nuts and cook until golden brown and crunchy, about 2 minutes. Lower the heat to medium and add the urad dal, asafetida, crushed red chiles and curry leaves. Be careful as the curry leaves might sputter. Cook until the urad dal turn golden brown, about 3 minutes. Gently mix in the cooked rice.
- Remove from the heat and add the lemon zest and 2 tablespoons of the lemon juice. Taste and add more salt and lemon juice if needed.
INDIAN RICE AND BEANS
Make and share this Indian Rice and Beans recipe from Food.com.
Provided by -Worker Bee-
Categories White Rice
Time 30m
Yield 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Combine 2 cups vegetable broth, kidney beans, coconut milk, minced jalapño chili, thyme and allspice in heavy large saucepan. Bring mixture to boil over medium-high heat. Stir in rice. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer mixture uncovered until most of liquid is absorbed and rice is almost tender, stirring often, about 20 minutes.
- Mix 3/4 cup green onions into rice. Continue to simmer until rice is very tender and mixture is creamy, adding more broth by 1/4 cupfuls if mixture seems dry, about 5 minutes longer. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Transfer to serving bowl. Sprinkle with remaining 1/4 cup green onions and serve.
WEST INDIAN RICE AND BEANS
Categories Bean Rice Side Vegetarian Quick & Easy Wheat/Gluten-Free Kwanzaa Coconut Jalapeño Bon Appétit
Yield Serves 2
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Combine 2 cups vegetable broth, kidney beans, coconut milk, minced jalapño chili, thyme and allspice in heavy large saucepan. Bring mixture to boil over medium-high heat. Stir in rice. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer mixture uncovered until most of liquid is absorbed and rice is almost tender, stirring often, about 20 minutes.
- Mix 3/4 cup green onions into rice. Continue to simmer until rice is very tender and mixture is creamy, adding more broth by 1/4 cupfuls if mixture seems dry, about 5 minutes longer. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Transfer to serving bowl. Sprinkle with remaining 1/4 cup green onions and serve.
BASIC SOUTH INDIAN RICE AND BEAN CREPES
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- 1. Place the rice in one bowl and the dal and fenugreek seeds in another. Soak both overnight in water to cover by about 2 inches. Drain and grind each one separately in a blender (not a food processor), blending to make a smooth and semi-thick batter, adding up to 1/4 cup water to each mixture, as needed.2. In a large bowl, mix both the batters together and add the salt. Cover and place in a warm, dry spot to ferment until fluffy and full of tiny bubbles, at least 24 hours. Mix in up to 2/3 cup water - just enough to make a semi-thick batter of pouring consistency then whip with a fork to make it fluffier.3. To make the dosa, heat a large cast-iron tava or a nonstick griddle or skillet over medium-high heat until a sprinkling of water sizzles immediately. Wipe the tava and baste it lightly with oil. Using a metal soup ladle, pour about 1/2 cup of batter onto the hot tava and spread it evenly into a 6- to 7-inch circle by lightly pushing the batter outwards in round, circular motions with the back of the ladle.4. As the dosa sets and turns lightly golden on the bottom (which happens very quickly), drizzle 1/2 to 1 teaspoon oil around the edges and a few drops over the top and cook until the bottom takes on a rich golden hue, about 15 seconds. Turn over once and cook until the other side is barely golden, about 30 seconds. Repeat with remaining batter. Serve as is, or fill in some dry-cooked vegetables or meats and transform it into a Stuffed South Indian Crepe (see Breads and Crepes).From "1,000 Indian Recipes." Copyright 2002 by Neelam Batra. Used with permission of the publisher, Wiley Publishing, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Nutrition Facts : Nutritional Facts Serves
Tips:
- To make the perfect batter, use a blender or food processor to grind the rice and lentils together until they are very fine.
- The batter should be thin enough to pour easily, but not too thin that it runs off the spoon.
- If the batter is too thick, add a little water to thin it out.
- If the batter is too thin, add a little more rice flour to thicken it.
- Let the batter rest for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
- This will allow the rice and lentils to soak up the water and become softer.
- When cooking the crepes, use a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
- Pour a thin layer of batter into the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
- Serve the crepes hot with your favorite fillings.
Conclusion:
South Indian rice and bean crepes, also known as dosas, are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. They are easy to make and can be filled with a variety of fillings, making them a great option for any occasion. With the right ingredients and a little practice, you can make perfect dosas at home. So next time you're looking for a tasty and satisfying meal, give this recipe a try.
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