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Dosa (food)

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A dosa is a thin, savory crepe from South India.

Dosa Classic
Dosa Classic

People love it because it can be many different things. It can be thick and soft like a pancake. It can also be very thin and crispy. Many people enjoy eating it for a quick meal. It is often filled with tasty things like vegetables. You might even find versions with cheese or pizza toppings.

Butter Dosa served with coconut chutney and sambhar
Butter Dosa served with coconut chutney and sambhar

Making the batter is a special process. First, you soak rice and black gram in water for 4 to 5 hours. Then, you grind them into a very fine paste. Some people add soaked fenugreek seeds to the mix. You add salt and let the batter sit overnight. This part is called fermentation. It helps the food grow and adds vitamins like B and C. Finally, you pour the batter onto a hot griddle called a tava.

דוסה
דוסה

The history of the dosa is very long. Some say it started in the ancient Tamil country around the first century CE. Other historians believe it came from the town of Udupi in Karnataka. A 12th-century book called Manasollasa even has a recipe for it. The thin and crispy style became popular in present-day Tamil Nadu. In the 1930s, dosa moved to Mumbai with new restaurants. Later, it became popular in North India after 1947.

Paper Masala Dosa
Paper Masala Dosa

There are many different names for this dish. In Tamil, it is called dosai. In Kannada, it is known as dōse. In Telugu, people call it dōsa. Even in Sri Lanka, people eat it and call it thosai. There are also many types to try. A masala dosa has a potato curry inside. An uttapam is a thicker version with vegetable toppings. Some people even make a version with eggs or meat.

Today, dosa is a famous food all over the world. It traveled to Southeast Asia and the Western world through migration. It is even in popular culture. For example, a video game called Venba features a dosa recipe. In 2014, chefs in Hyderabad made a record-breaking dosa. It was the longest dosa in the world! Whether you eat it with sambar or chutney, it is a wonderful dish to share.

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🖼️ Images & Media (4)
File:Dosa Classic.jpg
Dosa Classic.jpg
File:Butter Dosa served with coconut chutney and sambhar.jpg
Butter Dosa served with coconut chutney...
File:דוסה.jpg
דוסה.jpg
File:Paper Masala Dosa.jpg
Paper Masala Dosa.jpg
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