Osas

Directions

Soak the rice and urad dal in separate bowls of water for about 2 hours.

The water should cover them by around 1 inch.

Drain. 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.

Empty the mixture into a large bowl.

Put the rice and 6 tablespoons of water into the blender and blend until it turns into a fine granular paste.

Add to the dal with the salt and mix gently.

Cover and leave in a warm place like an airing cupboard to ferment for 24 to 26 hours.

The batter should double in volume.

Add 7 fl oz water fold in gently and leave in a warm place for a further 1½ hours.

Heat 1½ teaspoons of oil in a frying pan and when hot, drop 4 fl oz of batter in the centre of the pan.

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.

Dribble ½ teaspoon of oil over the pancake and another ½ teaspoon round the edges.

Cover and cook for 1½ to 2 minutes, or until the dosa has turned reddish brown.

Turn over and cook uncovered for a further minute or until the second side develops reddish spots.