How to Make Crispy Ragi Dosa: A Step-by-Step Guide
Ragi dosa is a nutritious, gluten-free dish made from finger millet (ragi), which is rich in calcium, fiber, and essential nutrients. It’s perfect for breakfast or a light meal. If you love crispy dosas, this step-by-step guide will help you make the perfect crispy ragi dosa at home.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup ragi flour
- ½ cup rice flour (for extra crispiness)
- ½ cup semolina (sooji/rava)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped (optional)
- 1-2 finely chopped green chilies (optional)
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- Salt to taste
- 3 cups water (adjust as needed)
- Oil or ghee for cooking
- Fresh coriander leaves, chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prepare the Batter:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ragi flour, rice flour, and semolina. Add salt and cumin seeds.
- Slowly add water while stirring continuously to avoid lumps. The batter should be thin and pourable, similar to a pancake batter. This ensures the dosa turns out crispy.
- Let the Batter Rest:
- Allow the batter to rest for about 10-15 minutes. This helps the flours absorb the water and makes the dosa crisper when cooked.
- Prepare the Tava (Griddle):
- Heat a non-stick or cast-iron tava on medium heat. Once hot, drizzle a little oil or ghee and spread it across the surface.
- Pour the Batter:
- Stir the batter well before using. Pour a ladle of the batter onto the hot tava in a circular motion, starting from the edges and moving towards the center. Don’t spread it like regular dosa batter; let it spread naturally for a lace-like texture.
- Cook Until Crispy:
- Drizzle some oil or ghee around the edges of the dosa. Cook on medium heat until the edges turn golden brown and crispy. This usually takes 3-4 minutes. No need to flip the dosa, as it will cook through on one side.
- Add Toppings (Optional):
- Sprinkle finely chopped onions, green chilies, and coriander leaves over the dosa while it's cooking if you want added flavor and crunch.
- Serve Hot:
- Once the dosa is crispy, gently lift it off the pan with a spatula. Serve immediately with coconut chutney, sambar, or a side of your choice.
Tips for the Perfect Crispy Ragi Dosa:
- Batter Consistency: Ensure the batter is thin and runny. Thick batter will result in a softer dosa.
- Heat Control: Cook on medium heat to ensure the dosa turns crispy without burning.
- Tava Preparation: Always grease the tava before pouring the batter to avoid sticking.
Health Benefits of Ragi Dosa:
- Rich in Calcium: Ragi is one of the best sources of plant-based calcium, ideal for bone health.
- High Fiber Content: It helps in digestion and weight management.
- Gluten-Free: Suitable for those with gluten intolerance.
Enjoy your crispy, delicious, and healthy ragi dosa with your favorite chutney or curry!