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How To Make Soft And Spongy Davangere Benne Dosa

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Davangere benne dosa is a Karnataka-style buttery dosa with a soft, spongy centre and a crisp outer layer. It is cooked generously with fresh white butter (benne), which gives it a rich flavour and melt-in-the-mouth texture. Served hot with potato palya and coconut chutney, this dosa makes for a satisfying breakfast or evening snack. The batter requires overnight fermentation for the best results, ensuring the dosa turns out airy and light when cooked.

prep time 00 Hour 20 Mins
cook time 00 Hour 20 Mins
chef Ankita Singh

The Davangere benne dosa is a speciality from the town of Davangere in Karnataka. Unlike regular dosas, this version uses more butter during cooking, which infuses the dosa with a distinct richness and a slightly sweet aroma from the fermented batter. The surface develops small holes during cooking, giving the dosa a spongy middle and a crisp base.

Traditionally, this dosa is paired with potato palya (a mildly spiced mashed potato filling) and coconut chutney. The batter preparation is key to achieving the correct texture. A blend of rice, urad dal, and a small amount of methi seeds is soaked, ground to a smooth paste, and left to ferment overnight. The fermentation not only helps in leavening but also enhances the flavour.

Nutritionally, the dosa offers carbohydrates from rice, plant-based protein from urad dal, and healthy fats from butter. While it is an indulgent dish, it can still be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet when eaten in moderation.

For best results, the dosa is cooked

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Step 1

Wash and soak raw rice, urad dal, and methi seeds together in water for 4 to 5 hours. Soak poha separately for 15 minutes before grinding.

Step 2

Grind the soaked ingredients along with poha to a smooth batter using enough water. The batter should be slightly thick but pourable.

Step 3

Transfer the batter to a large vessel, add salt, and mix well. Cover and allow it to ferment overnight or for 8 hours in a warm place.

Step 4

Heat a thick iron tawa until hot, then reduce the heat slightly. Pour a ladleful of batter in the centre and spread it gently in a circular motion to make a medium-thick dosa.

Step 5

Add a generous spoon of white butter around the edges and on top of the dosa. Cover with a lid and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the edges are crisp and the centre is soft and spongy.

Step 6

Serve immediately with potato palya and coconut chutney, adding a small dollop of butter on top if desired.

Tips and Tricks

  1. Use fresh white butter for the most authentic taste. If unavailable, you can make it at home by churning fresh cream until it separates into butter and buttermilk. 
  2. Fermentation time is important. In cooler weather, the batter may take longer than eight hours to ferment. You can place it in a warm spot or inside the oven with the light switched on to speed it up. 
  3. Choose an iron tawa for cooking, as it retains heat better than non-stick pans. This gives a better texture with crisp edges and a soft centre. 
  4. Keep the tawa at medium heat while cooking. If the tawa is too hot, the dosa may brown too quickly without turning soft in the middle. 
  5. Do not spread the batter too thin, as Davangere benne dosa is meant to be slightly thicker than regular dosa. This helps create the spongy texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, but the flavour will not be the same. Unsalted butter can be used, though fresh white butter is the traditional choice for its milder taste and creamier texture.

The batter may not have fermented enough, or it could be too thin. Ensure proper fermentation and keep the batter slightly thick for the right texture.

Yes. The batter can be stored in the fridge for up to two days after fermentation. Bring it to room temperature before making dosas for better results.

A common ratio is 4 parts rice to 1 part urad dal, with a small amount of methi seeds. For this recipe, 2 cups rice to ½ cup urad dal works well.

You can replace white butter with plant-based butter, but the taste will not be identical.

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