Karam Pesarattu | Moong Dal Dosa

When you think of a nourishing breakfast, the first thing that comes to mind is something filling, nutritious, and bursting with flavours. Karam Pesarattu and Moong Dal Dosa are popular for a fulfilling morning meal in Andhra Pradesh. These two recipes perfectly balance healthy green moong dal, fiery spice, and crunchy texture. Today, we will check how to prepare these flavorful dishes that can add a spicy twist to your regular dosa. Read the recipe, tips, and FAQs about Karam Pesarattu and Moong Dal Dosa.

 What Is Karam Pesarattu

Karam Pesarattu is a crispy dosa made from soaked green moong dal, seasoned with a spicy chutney known as “karam chutney” in Andhra. This combination makes for a perfect morning breakfast or an evening snack. On the other hand, Moong Dal Dosa is a healthy alternative to regular dosas, rich in protein and fiber. It is made by grinding soaked green moong dal into a smooth batter. It’s low in calories but high in flavour, making it a favorite among health-conscious individuals.

 How to Make Karam Pesarattu & Moong Dal Dosa?

 Ingredients:

For the Moong Dal Batter:

– 1 cup green moong dal (soaked overnight or for at least 6 hours)

– Salt to taste

For the Karam Chutney:

– 30 dried red chilies

– 3 large onions

– 1 large clove of garlic

– Salt to taste

For the Dosa:

– Oil or ghee for cooking

 Instructions:

1. Preparing the Moong Dal Batter:

Begin by soaking the green moong dal overnight for breakfast, or soak it in the morning if you plan to make it for an evening snack. Once soaked, rinse the dal thoroughly. Now, add the soaked moong dal to a mixie jar, along with a pinch of salt. Grind it to a smooth, thick paste, ensuring it has the right consistency for making dosas. Keep this batter aside for later use.

2. Preparing the Spicy Karam Chutney:

While the moong dal is soaking or after grinding it, you can make the spicy Karam Chutney. This chutney is what gives Karam Pesarattu its unique and fiery taste. Add 30 dried red chillies to a mixie jar for the chutney. Cut three large onions into chunks and add them to the jar. Don’t forget to peel a large clove of garlic and add it. Add salt to taste and grind everything together until smooth. This chutney can last up to a week if stored properly in the fridge. It pairs well with dosas & idlis.

Also try Dondakaya Kobbari Karam

3. Making the Dosa:

Once the chutney is ready and the moong dal batter is prepared, it’s time to make the dosas. Heat a dosa pan or griddle over medium flame. Once the pan is hot, pour a ladle of moong dal batter onto it and spread it into a circular shape. You can make it as thin or thick as you prefer. For a crispy texture, opt for a thin dosa.

Add a little oil or ghee around the edges of the dosa to give it a golden-brown colour and crispy texture. To add extra heat, sprinkle a spoonful of Karam chutney over the dosa. You can also sprinkle it over the dosa for added flavour to boost the spice level. Allow it to cook for a couple of minutes, flip it over and cook the other side until it’s evenly crispy and golden.

Drizzle a little ghee on the dosa while cooking for an even richer taste. It enhances the flavour and gives the dosa a nice golden colour.

4. Serving the Dosa:

Now, the best part – serving. Place the crispy moong dal dosa on a plate and serve it hot with a generous spoon of your homemade Karam Chutney. The spicy chutney complements the soft and crispy texture of the dosa perfectly. Add chopped onions on top of the dosa for extra crunch and flavour.

 Tips for Perfect Karam Pesarattu & Moong Dal Dosa:

– Soaking Moong Dal: The key to an excellent Moong Dal Dosa is soaking the moong dal properly. Ensure you soak the dal for at least 6 hours or overnight to achieve the right texture for grinding.

– Consistency of the Batter: The batter should not be too thick or too runny. If it’s too thick, add a little water to loosen it up. If it’s too thin, the dosa won’t hold its shape.

– Karam Chutney Storage: The chutney can be refrigerated for up to a week. Make sure it’s stored in an airtight container to keep it fresh.

– Adjusting Spice Levels: You can constantly adjust the number of red chillies in the chutney based on your spice preference. If you like a milder chutney, reduce the number of chillies.

– Using Ghee: If you want to enhance the flavour of your dosa, don’t skip the ghee! It gives the dosa a rich taste that oil can’t replicate.

 Why You Should Try Karam Pesarattu & Moong Dal Dosa

– Healthy & Nutritious: Moong dal is a rich protein, fibre, and essential nutrient source. It’s an excellent choice for a breakfast that keeps you energized and full throughout the morning.

– Low in Calories: If you’re watching your calorie intake, Karam Pesarattu is a perfect choice. It’s made with minimal oil or ghee and is naturally gluten-free.

– Packed with Flavor: The Karam Chutney adds a burst of heat and flavour, making this dish irresistible. It’s perfect for those who love spicy food.

– Versatile: You can pair these dosas with chutneys and curries. Whether you like it with tangy coconut chutney or the spicy Karam Chutney, it’s sure to satisfy your cravings.

 FAQs:

Q1: Can I make the Karam Pesarattu without the chutney?

Yes, you can. The moong dal dosa is delicious, but the chutney adds an extra layer of flavour. If you prefer milder flavours, you can skip the chutney.

Q2: Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes, the recipe is already vegan. It contains no dairy products; you can use oil instead of ghee to make it vegan-friendly.

Q3: Can I use other lentils instead of moong dal?

While moong dal is traditionally used in Pesarattu, you can experiment with other lentils like masoor dal or toor dal. However, it will alter the texture and flavour slightly.

Q4: Can I prepare the batter in advance?

You can prepare the batter a day before and store it in the refrigerator. Just make sure to stir it quickly before using it.

 Conclusion

Karam Pesarattu and Moong Dal Dosa are a flavorful and nutritious way to start your day or enjoy a tasty evening snack. With the right balance of spices, crispiness, and a hint of ghee, this dish is a must-try for anyone who enjoys South Indian cuisine. Plus, it’s healthy, easy to make, and satisfies your cravings. So, what are you waiting for? Head to the kitchen and give this spicy treat a try today.