Learn about What is Benne Masala Dosa. Discover the delicious benne masala dosa, a buttery, crispy South Indian delicacy from Karnataka. Learn about its unique flavor, ingredients, and how it’s served with chutneys and sambar.
Introduction
Benne masala dosa is a variety of dosa that belongs to the southern Indian city of Mysore, in the state of Karnataka. The word Benne means Butter in Kannada and that might have been the reason why there is an essence of butter within the dosa itself. The main ingredients of the dosa are soaked and ground fermented rice and lentils, the mixture is then spread on a hot frying pan with liquid margarine to cook it to crispy perfection on the outside while soft, and nonsticky but still moist on the inside.
Most fillings which I prepared with potatoes as the main stuffing, are generally cooked along with mustard seeds, turmeric, curry leaves, and green chili. It is accompanied by coconut chutney, tomato chutney, and a lentil-based vegetable stew sambar. The departure of crisp dosa, the addition of butter, and the appetizing potato filling make benne masala dosa a much cherished and comfortable offering in the state of Karnataka and most of Southern India.
What is Benne Masala Dosa?
Benne Masala Dosa – a mouth-watering take on the traditional masala dosa. This inventive dish hails from the southern region of India, Karnataka. The ‘Benne’ in this particular recipe comes from the word in Kannada which means Butter and this Dosa has almost excessive amounts of butter, hence the name Dosa. Curd, crisp, and full of flavors this dish is one of the most famous dishes from Karnataka, especially, the state of Mysore. This dosa is unlike the common masala dosa because of the buttery element, which gives the dosa a soft inner, crispy outer layer filled with appetizing flavors.
The History and Origin of Benne Masala Dosa
Benne masala dosa is believed to have originated from the deep-rooted culinary brahmastra of Karnataka more so in the city of Mysore. Generally, dosas are very common breakfast items in South India, however, each state or region has a different way of presenting them. In the case of Mysore, the region is famous for its love of benne (butter) which explains the rationale behind this different take on the regular dosa.
The delicious combination of a crispier version of the traditional dosa fortified with creamy and rich butter gave way to the rise of benne masala dosa in prominence and eventually became a much-loved dish in both restaurants and households.
Its fame spread from Mysore to the neighboring regions of Karnataka and today, it can be found in many restaurants of Karnataka cuisine and has spread all over India and even abroad.
Ingredients Used in Benne Masala Dosa
The preparation of benne masala dosa revolves around key ingredients that create its signature taste and texture:
- Dosa Batter: The batter is also creamy and airy in texture due to its fermentation. The batter is, of course, similar to the one used in making dosa but instead of the regular Brazilian rice and black lentils, fermented rice and urad dal is used.
- Butter: Butter is the key characteristic ingredient in benne masala dosa that is added liberally while cooking. The additional butter tastes good laden onto the crisp dosha which chefs make sure remains soft inside.
- Potato Masala: The stuffing is made from boiled potatoes and spiced up with the addition of mashed onions, turmeric, mustard seeds, curry leaves, and green chilies. This latter masala adds just the right amount of heat to cut through the richness of the dosa while remaining remarkably tasty.
- Chutneys and Sambar: Bene masala dosa is usually served with coconut chutney, tomato chutney, vegetable stew known as sambar, and lentils. These side dishes differ from the dosa in creaminess, sharpness, mildness, and thickness.
Preparation of Benne Masala Dosa
Preparing benne masala dosa involves several steps:
- Making the Batter: The rice and urad dal are rinsed separately for some hours and then ground to a thick smooth paste. The batter is then kept for fermentation for several hours. This process is very important in the cooking of dosa since it gives it a sour taste and lightness which is very essential for dosa.
- Cooking the Dosa: The batter that is allowed to ferment is then ladled and spread evenly on a hot tawa (griddle). When the dosa is being prepared, butter is poured generously on its sides and center. The melted and bubbling butter adds flavor and provides a characteristic golden brown color to the dosa.
- Adding the Masala: A ball of potato masala is placed on the filling towards the end of the preparation when the dosa is nearly ready. The dosa is then folded around the masala creating the final shape of the dish.
- Serving: Several chutneys and sambar are served along with the crispy dosa to create an interesting combination of tastes along with the dish.
Variations of Benne Masala Dosa
Cheese Benne Masala Dosa
While preparing a cheese benne masala dosa, grated cheese comes together with the potato stuffing as well. The buttery dosa saturated with melted cheese makes it rich and creamy to another level altogether. This rendition is suited for the caste of people who adore cheese but still want their traditional fare while incorporating more satisfaction and decadence into the dish.
Mysore Benne Masala Dosa
Mysore benne masala dosa is another version that is more spicy as it contains a hot red Mysore chutney that is spread on the dosa before the potato filling. The chutney paste is made of red chillies, garlic, and spices which is a perfect balance to the rich butter and potato masala fillings. In this case, this variation is suited for anyone who loves strong flavors.
Benne Plain Dosa
Benne plain dosa on the other hand is a simpler version of the dish where no potato masala filling is added. This dosa tends to concentrate on the buttery flavor and the crispness of the dosa thus masking the taste of the butter. It is within this stratum that one will find a light yet rich dosa which is complemented by coconut chutney and sambar served on the side for those who do not wish to indulge excessively in dosas.
Nutritional Value of Benne Masala Dosa
Carbohydrates
The batter for the benne masala dosa is predominantly rice, which makes it a carbohydrate-laden dish, typical for breakfast. It should be appreciated that carbohydrates are one of the macronutrients and, consequently, this meal will be perfect for a heavy breakfast or a course. Fermentation helps in minimizing the efforts of the digestive system and this is mainly because carbohydrates can be utilized easier by the body.
Protein
Usually, a portion of urad dal (black gram lentils) is present in the dosa batter. It is worth mentioning that urad is known to be rich in protein. This is important as protein helps to repair tissues, construct new ones, and maintain the body overall. Therefore, not only do benne masala dosas taste great, but also they are a fairly decent source of vegetarian protein, making it easier to follow a healthy diet if moderation is observed.
Vitamins and Minerals
The potato filling of benne masala dosa is also spiced with ingredients such as turmeric, curry leaves, and mustard seeds. Such spices have antioxidant or anti-inflammation benefits. This is because turmeric has a component called curcumin that is beneficial to one’s health, while curry leaves contain sources of vitamins A, B, and C which add nutrients to the dosa.
Cultural Significance
When it comes to benne masala dosa, it is more than just a simple dish in Karnataka. The practice is well rooted in the cuisine of the region and hence people often consider it to be comfort food. In Mysore, this culinary delight which is rich in butter is found in many restaurants as well as street corner centers which serve food and attract many residents and tourists. In addition, the widespread popularity of this food adds to the extensive culinary practices and richness of northern Karnataka to the other parts of the world.
Where to Try Benne Masala Dosa
1. Mylari Hotel
Mylari Hotel is one of the best places to eat in Mysore as it is known for its mouth-watering benne dosas. The small restaurant has a very plain yet traditional setting and serves some of the most wonderful dosas that one can ever imagine. The essence of the dosas lies in the amount of butter that is used to cook the dosas, and how they manage to retain a rich taste. There is coconut chutney also that comes with the dosa completing the meal. Mylari Hotel due to its exquisite offering and mouthwatering benne dosa is every clutcher and tourist’s place in Mysore.
2. Vinayaka Mylari
Vinayaka Mylari is another famous restaurant situated in Mysore which is well-known for its crispy and delicious benne masala dosas. This place serves all dosas that are mastered in the art of making buttery, outside crisp, inside soft, and hot dosas. In addition to that tasty potato masala and fresh chutney, one order of Vinayaka Mylari’s dosa has many dedicated fans. For exploring the delectable cuisine of Mysore and searching for a true benne dosa, this eatery is essential because it has maintained the same quality and taste for a pandan’s age.
3. CTR (Sri Sagar)
CTR (Central Tiffin Room), which is located in Bengaluru, is famous for preparing the best benne dosas in the city. With its dosas that are crispy and golden brown and well accompanied with butter, this place has managed to build up a fanbase over the years. The dosas are enjoyably crunchy on the outer side and soft on the inner side, which is a perfect combination. Besides coconut chutney and sambar, CTR dosas are a must if you are keen on sampling Bengaluru’s South Indian cuisine.
FAQs
Is Benne masala dosa gluten-free?
Yes, masala dosa with butter is intrinsically suitable for celiacs since it is composed of rice and lentils. But it would be best if you always paid attention to the content of any gluten-containing additives.
Is Benne masala dosa healthy?
The benne masala dosa is richly prepared since it is loaded with butter. The dish may, however, be beneficial in that it has carbohydrates from rice, protein from urad dal, and some spices like turmeric and curry leaves which have reactive properties.
Is benne masala dosa vegetarian?
Benne masala dosa is assuredly vegetarian, typically composed of rice, lentils, and the buttery potato dolly. No wonder the vegetarian sect favors this dish.
Conclusion
Benne masala dosa is not just a twist to a regular dosa, it stands out as an elaborate dish combining potato filling, crispy dosa, and a generous portion of butter. This food is typical of Karnataka where such rich and heavy foods are celebrated. Benne masala dosa whether consumed in a crowded joint in Mysore or prepared at home is enjoyable for every foodie.