Osas

Directions

1. 1
   Soak the rice and urad dal in separate bowls of water for about 2 hours.
2. 2
   The water should cover them by around 1 inch.
3. 3
   Drain.
4. 4
   Blend the urad dal with 6 fl oz water in an electric blender for 5 to 8 minutes until it is pale, smooth, light and airy.
5. 5
   Empty the mixture into a large bowl.
6. 6
   Put the rice and 6 tablespoons of water into the blender and blend until it turns into a fine granular paste.
7. 7
   Add to the dal with the salt and mix gently.
8. 8
   Cover and leave in a warm place like an airing cupboard to ferment for 24 to 26 hours.
9. 9
   The batter should double in volume.
10. 10
    Add 7 fl oz water fold in gently and leave in a warm place for a further 1 1/2 hours.
11. 11
    Heat 1 1/2 teaspoons of oil in a frying pan and when hot, drop 4 fl oz of batter in the centre of the pan.
12. 12
    Put the rounded bottom of a soup spoon very lightly into the center of the batter and using a slow, gentle and continuous spiral motion, spread the batter outwards with the back of the spoon until you have a pancake around 7 inches in diameter.
13. 13
    Dribble 1/2 teaspoon of oil over the pancake and another 1/2 teaspoon round the edges.
14. 14
    Cover and cook for 1 1/2 to 2 minutes, or until the dosa has turned reddish brown.
15. 15
    Turn over and cook uncovered for a further minute or until the second side develops reddish spots.