Adai

Adai is a South Indian pancake or dosa made with a mixture of lentils and rice. It is a nutritious and protein-rich dish that is typically served with coconut chutney, jaggery, or aviyal. Here's a simple recipe for making Adai:

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup rice (any variety)
  • 1/2 cup split pigeon peas (toor dal)
  • 1/4 cup split black gram (urad dal)
  • 1/4 cup split yellow peas (chana dal)
  • 1/4 cup split green gram (moong dal)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2-3 green chilies, chopped
  • 1/2 inch ginger, grated
  • 1 sprig curry leaves, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh coriander leaves, chopped
  • Salt to taste
  • Water, as needed
  • Oil or ghee for cooking

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Lentil-Rice Mixture:

    • Rinse the rice and lentils (toor dal, urad dal, chana dal, moong dal) together in water.
    • Soak them in enough water for 3-4 hours or overnight.
  2. Grind the Batter:

    • Drain the soaked rice and lentils. Grind them into a coarse batter using very little water. The consistency should be thicker than dosa batter.
  3. Add Vegetables and Seasoning:

    • Add finely chopped onion, green chilies, grated ginger, chopped curry leaves, chopped coriander leaves, and salt to the batter. Mix well.
  4. Make Adai:

    • Heat a griddle or non-stick pan on medium heat. Grease it with a little oil or ghee.
    • Take a ladleful of the batter and spread it on the pan to form a pancake (similar to dosa). You can make it thick or thin, as per your preference.
  5. Cook on Both Sides:

    • Drizzle a little oil or ghee around the edges of the Adai. Cook until the bottom is golden brown.
    • Flip the Adai and cook the other side until it becomes golden brown as well.
  6. Serve Hot:

    • Repeat the process for the remaining batter. Serve the Adai hot with coconut chutney, jaggery, aviyal, or any other side dish of your choice.

Adai is a versatile dish, and you can customize it by adding grated vegetables or other spices to the batter. Enjoy this wholesome and nutritious South Indian delicacy!