(A) Add the Rice to a large bowl.
Wash it thoroughly until the water runs clear. Add 6 cups of water.
Cover & leave to soak for about 5 hours.
Add the Daal to a medium bowl along with the Methi seeds.
Wash it thoroughly until the water runs clear. Add 2 cups of water.
Cover & leave to soak for about 5 hours.
(B) Drain the water from the Rice & Daal.
Grind the Daal to a smooth paste with about a cup of fresh water. (Use the same cup which was used for measuring the Daal & Rice).
Transfer to a large bowl. (Big enough to hold the Daal & Rice together).
Grind the Rice to a smooth paste with about 2 cups of fresh water.
Add it to the ground Daal.
Stir well. Cover.
Keep it in a warm place.
Let it ferment overnight or 8-10 hours.
Note: During hot summers the batter may rise in just 4 to 5 hours & during winters it may take up to 16 hours or so.
(C) When ready to cook, check the consistency of the batter. It shouldnt be too thick or too runny. Add more water if required. A medium consistency is perfect. Add salt. Stir well.
Note: The best time to add salt to the batter is before fermentation in winters & after fermentation in summers. The salt aids in quick fermentation.
Place a large nonstick Tawa/Griddle with handle on high heat.
Brush oil lightly all over the Tawa.
Reduce heat to medium.
Sprinkle a little water.
When you hear a sizzling sound & see the droplets jump, your Tawa is ready for the Dosas.
Pour two ladleful of the batter in the middle of the Tawa & quickly spread it out in a circular motion.
Make it as big & thin as you can leaving a little room on the edges.
Increase the heat to high.
Let it cook for a minute.
Now swirl a little oil on top & around the Dosa.
When the Dosa begins to leave the edges of the Tawa on its own, flip it with the help of a thin plastic or silicone spatula.
Reduce heat to medium.
Cook for a minute.
Flip again & fold or roll the Dosa.
Transfer it to a plate & serve hot.
Repeat.
Note: Sprinkle a little water or Wipe the Tawa with a wet paper towel before the next Dosa. It cleans the Tawa as well as cools it down a little bit making it the right temperature.
I find it very convenient to lift the Tawa with my left hand & pour the batter with my right hand, spread it out & then place it back on high heat. Please do that if you are comfortable
