Moong Dal Dosa

Servings: 2 Total Time: 45 mins Difficulty: Beginner
Moong Dal Dosa pinit

Ever wished you could make a dosa… without waiting overnight for fermentation?

Here’s your shortcut to a crispy, protein-packed Indian breakfast that’s ready in just 30 minutes.

Moong Dal Dosa (also known as Pesarattu in Andhra cuisine) is a fibre-rich, gut-friendly, and super-nourishing alternative to the regular dosa: no rice, no fermentation, no hassle. Just soak, blend, cook, and eat!

If you’re starting a healthy morning routine or want to sneak more protein onto your family’s plate, this dosa is your new best friend.

Why You’ll Love This Moong Dal Dosa

  • High-protein + low-carb = best for weight loss & muscle health
  • Great for diabetics and kids
  • Digest-friendly since it’s made from lentils
  • Ready in minutes — perfect for busy mornings
  • Crispy edges + soft inside + delicious earthy flavor

Ingredient Spotlight

Here’s why the ingredients work so well together:

  • Moong Dal – The star protein source; gives a soft yet crisp texture
  • Red Chillies – Adds gentle heat and color
  • Ginger – Helps digestion + boosts flavor
  • Cumin Seeds – Adds earthiness and prevents bloating
  • Hing (Asafoetida) – Enhances aroma + aids gut health
  • Ghee – Gives that restaurant-style crispness
     

Vegan Swap🌿: use coconut oil or sesame oil instead

How the Recipe Comes Together

Start by soaking moong dal and chillies — just 30 minutes is enough to soften them perfectly. After draining, grind them with ginger, cumin, hing, and salt. Add water gradually, because what you want is a thick, pourable batter — not too runny.

Heat a dosa tawa until it’s nicely hot. Pour and spread the batter gently with the back of the ladle.

As it cooks, drizzle ghee around the sides — that’s what makes the dosa golden and crisp.

Let the base turn deep golden before flipping. Once cooked on both sides, take it off the pan… and it’s eating time.

Pro Tip💡: If the dosa isn’t spreading well, your batter is too thick — add just 1-2 tablespoons of water and try again.

What Goes Along With Moong Dal Dosa

How to Serve

Serve fresh off the tawa — crisp edges guaranteed.
If packing for lunch, make slightly thicker dosas so they stay soft longer.

Packing for Lunchboxes

  • Line the box with butter paper to prevent sticking
  • Let the dosa cool slightly before closing the lid
  • Pair with thick chutney in a leak-proof container
  • Perfect for kids and office lunch!

Party or Bulk Preparation

You can soak + grind batter in advance for up to:

  • Refrigerator: 1 day before
  • Just bring to room temperature before making dosas.

How to Store Moong Dal Dosa Batter

In the fridge: Up to 24 hours.

How to Reheat Moong Dal Dosa

Instead of microwaving:

  • Heat a tawa
  • Place dosa for 30–40 seconds each side
    It becomes good as fresh!

Substitutions

IngredientSubstitute
Moong DalMasoor Dal / Urad Dal mix
GheeSesame Oil (vegan)
Red ChilliesGreen chillies or chili flakes
AsafoetidaSkip for gluten-free strict diets

Other Related Recipes You Might Like:-

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 30 mins Cook Time 15 mins Total Time 45 mins
Servings: 2 Calories: 160

Description

A quick and healthy twist on traditional dosa, this instant moong dal dosa needs no fermentation and comes together in minutes. It’s crisp, light, naturally high in protein, and perfect for busy mornings, kids, or anyone looking for a simple, wholesome meal without extra effort.

Ingredients

Cooking Mode Disabled

To make moong dal dosa

Instructions

Prep Work

  1. Soak dal and chillies

    Soak moong dal and red chilli in enough water for about 30 minutes until softened.

  2. Drain and prep for grinding

    Drain the soaked dal and chillies and keep ready for grinding
  3. Prepare ginger

    Roughly chop the ginger for easier grinding
  4. Heat tawa

    Preheat the tawa before you start making dosas

Method

  1. Grind base mixture

    Add soaked dal, red chilli, ginger, cumin seeds, salt and hing to a mixer jar and grind without water first

  2. Adjust batter consistency

    Add a little water gradually and grind to get a thick but pourable batter
  3. Check seasoning

    Taste the batter and adjust the consistency by diluting it by water and seasoning if needed
  4. Start cooking dosa

    Pour a ladle of batter onto the hot tawa and spread evenly
  5. Add ghee

    Drizzle ghee around and on the center of the dosa while cooking
  6. Cook first side

    Cook until the bottom turns golden and crisp
  7. Flip dosa

    Flip carefully and cook the other side until done
  8. Finish and serve

    Remove once crisp and serve hot with chutney

Equipment

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Nutrition Facts

Servings 2


Amount Per Serving
Calories 160kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 4g7%
Saturated Fat 2g10%
Sodium 180mg8%
Potassium 350mg10%
Total Carbohydrate 22g8%
Dietary Fiber 3g12%
Protein 10g20%

Calcium 25 mg
Iron 2 mg
Phosphorus 90 mg
Magnesium 40 mg
Zinc 1 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Keywords: Moong Dal Dosa, High protein meal, Pesarattu dosa, breakfast recipe
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Frequently Asked Questions

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Do I need to soak the moong dal longer than 30 minutes?

No, 30 minutes softens it enough for smooth grinding.

Can I soak the dal overnight?

You can, but it’s not needed for this instant dosa.

Should I use hot or cold water for soaking?

Room-temperature water works perfectly.

Do I need to wash the dal before grinding?

Yes, rinse well before soaking.

Can I skip red chilli in the soak?

You can, but soaking them helps them blend smoothly.

Does the ginger need to be peeled?

Not necessary if the skin is clean.

Should the tawa be very hot?

Just hot enough that a drop of water sizzles.

How thick should the batter be?

Pourable, not runny — similar to regular dosa batter.

Can I make the batter ahead of time?

Yes, keep it covered in the fridge for a day.

Is hing necessary?

It adds flavour but can be skipped if you don’t use it

Why grind without water first?

You get a smoother paste with better control over texture.

Why add water gradually?

To avoid thinning the batter too much.

Can I skip flipping the dosa?

For extra crispness, flipping helps cook it evenly.

How do I keep the dosa from sticking?

Ensure the tawa is hot and lightly greased.

Why does my dosa break while flipping?

The batter may be too thin; thicken it slightly.

How to get the dosa crisp?

Cook on medium heat with a little ghee.

Can I use oil instead of ghee?

Yes, but ghee gives better crispness and flavor.

Why is my dosa pale?

Increase heat slightly for even browning.

How many dosas will this batter make?

Usually 5–6 medium dosas.

Hema Subramanian
Hema Subramanian Food and Lifestyle Blogger

I love to cook! And through Home Cooking Show, I hope to make cooking fun, easy, and approachable for everyone.

My way of sharing recipes is all about keeping it simple and delicious—no complicated steps, no fancy ingredients, just real home-cooked food that anyone can make. Cooking should be a joy, not a chore! Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned cook, you’ll find something here to inspire you. If you love good food made with love, then you’re in the right place!

- Hema Subramanian

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