Welcome back to Mellow Bites! In Episode 8 of our Spice Series, we’re diving into a staple of Indian cuisine—Coriander Cumin Powder. We’ll use this aromatic blend to create a delicious Masala Veg Dosa. Let’s get started with our flavorful spice mix.
Crafting the Perfect Coriander Cumin Powder
Ingredients:
- 1 cup coriander seeds
- ¼ cup cumin seeds
- 1 tablespoon peppercorns
Instructions:
- Dry Roast the Spices: Begin by dry roasting the coriander seeds over medium heat until they turn a dark golden brown. Add the cumin seeds and continue roasting until they also reach a dark golden hue. Finally, dry roast the peppercorns until fragrant.
- Cooling and Blending: Transfer the roasted spices to a plate and let them cool completely. This step is crucial as it ensures the flavors settle and blend perfectly. Once cooled, transfer the spices to a blender and blend them into a fine powder. This dark, aromatic powder can elevate any meat dish or fried variety.
Making the Masala for Veg Dosa
Now that we have our homemade spice blend ready, let’s prepare the masala for our veg dosa.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 1 finely chopped onion
- 1 cup diced carrots
- ½ cup diced potatoes
- ½ cup peas
- Salt to taste
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon turmeric
- ¼ cup water
- 2 teaspoons freshly ground coriander cumin powder
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
- Sautéing the Veggies: Heat oil in a pressure cooker and sauté the chopped onion until it turns translucent. Add the diced carrots, potatoes, and peas. Sauté for a minute, enjoying the tricolor beauty of the veggies.
- Adding Spices and Water: Add salt, chili powder, and turmeric to the veggies. Sauté for another 2 minutes. Add ¼ cup of water. This is the perfect amount to cook the veggies without leaving excess water.
- Pressure Cooking: Pressure cook the mixture for just one whistle. Once it cools down, open the cooker to find beautifully cooked veggies.
- Finishing the Masala: Slightly mash the veggies with a spatula if you prefer a smoother texture. Add 2 teaspoons of our freshly ground coriander cumin powder to the mixture. This homemade spice blend is always added at the end to preserve its rich aroma and flavor. Garnish with fresh cilantro.
Making the Perfect Dosa
With our veg masala ready, it’s time to prepare the dosa.
Instructions:
- Heating the Tawa: Heat a tawa (griddle) and pour a ladle of dosa batter onto it. Spread the batter evenly into a circle and drizzle a little oil around the edges.
- Cooking the Dosa: Use a spatula to spread the dosa for a crispy texture. Place a generous portion of the veg masala in the center of the dosa. Wait for the dosa to turn golden and crispy underneath.
- Serving: Fold the dosa over the masala and serve it hot.
Enjoy your homemade Masala Veg Dosa with the rich aroma and flavor of our coriander cumin powder. This delightful dish is perfect for any meal of the day.
Happy Cooking!