South Indian food help...Dosas!

[hypomyces]

I was just wondering if a batch of dosa batter can be refrigerated and used the next day, giving the same results as fresh. I will be using a1:2 rice, urad dal ratio with a little fenugreek. I was also wondering about the ratio dal:rice. I've seen recipes 1:2 and 1:3, I have also seen recipes with a little chana dal mixed in with the urad dal. What does the chana dal give to the batter. Thanks in advance for your help.

[hypomyces]

Thanks bulldog and luckyfatima for the quick replies.
Bulldog, thanks for the great links and luckyfatima, thanks for the advice.
My batter is now fermenting and tomorrow morning we will try to make our dosas
My mix is 1urad dal and 2 rice with a pinch of fenugreek. Can't wait!

[luckyfatima]

I am NOT an expert dosa maker, but here are some tips based on your query:

The batter will start to ferment and taste sour. According to tradition, first day batter is used for idlis. Second day batter is used for dosas because slight fermentation is desirable. The third day batter is for uttapam. Putting it in the fridge is fine.

I usually use pre-made dosa batter from the Indian store and I always ask the owner what day the dosa batter comes in and remember to buy it that day. Once it gets too old it gets too sour. Fresh home made should keep for a few days well, though...I see you are in Canada and the cool weather means your batter will ferment slowly and you may need to put it in the oven with the oven light on to help it along so you may have the opposite problem that yours doesn't ferment fast enough. It should have a slight tang.

Typical dosa batter has a larger rice to daal ration, not the opposite.

I cannot advise on portion of idli rice to urad daal, just go by your recipe---my home recipe is 2 cups idli rice, one cup urad daal. Be sure to soak them separately. Once you grind and combine, leave aside for 6-8 hours to ferment. It should expand in volume and look foamy.

I think Andhra Pradesh style dosai have channa daal in them but I am not sure...I have heard of this before but I am not sure what the channa daal does, perhaps someone else can tell us.

South Indians who eat dosai regularly swear that dosai making is the easiest thing in the universe, but for me, grinding properly without too much liquid (grinding well without over grinding is key!!!), getting the correct level of fermentation in a cool North American climate, and even just frying them up is a challenge. Usually, my first 3 dosas suck and then once I get the hang of the pan heat control (I just use non-stick) they start to come out crisp. They NEVER come out restaurant thin at home though. I have a much easier time with uttapam.

Good luck with your dosa!

[Chemicalkinetics]

"The batter will start to ferment and taste sour. According to tradition, first day batter is used for idlis. Second day batter is used for dosas because slight fermentation is desirable."

Wow, I didn't know Dosas is so involved.

[chefj]

Not really involved it just takes time to ferment . No real attention is required you just leave it in a warm place for a while.

[pine time]

while mine also aren't restaurant-thin, I've had best luck cooking them on a griddle.

[bulldog]

Have a look at this thread and the blog link I have given.Hope it is of help to you.

http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/837528