Traditional Andhra Pesarattu Recipe: A Healthy Green Gram Pancake

Ingredients

1 cup Green gram (Moong dal)
1/4 cup Rice
2 Green chilies
1 inch piece Ginger
2 cloves Garlic
Salt to taste
Water as required for batter consistency
2 tablespoons Oil for frying
1/2 cup finely chopped Onions (for garnish)
1/2 cup grated Carrots (for garnish)
2 tablespoons Cilantro (for garnish)

Steps and instructions

Wash the green gram and rice together until the water runs clear.
Soak the washed green gram and rice in plenty of water for 4-5 hours.
Drain the water and add the soaked green gram and rice to a blender.
Add green chilies, ginger, garlic and salt to the blender.
Blend to make a slightly coarse batter using little water. The batter should be of pouring consistency, similar to dosa batter. Keep the batter for 10 minutes.
Heat a non-stick pan.
Once the pan is hot, pour a ladle full of batter in the center of the pan and spread it to make a thin dosa.
Sprinkle some chopped onions, grated carrots and cilantro on top.
Pour some oil on the sides and cook on medium heat until the bottom side is browned and crispy.
Flip the dosa and cook the other side until browned.
Flip again and fold the dosa. Remove the dosa on a serving plate.
Similarly, make all the dosas.
Serve the Pesarattu hot with coconut chutney or any chutney of your choice.

Tools for making

Blender - Needed to blend the green gram, rice, and other ingredients into a batter.
Non-stick pan - Used to cook the Pesarattu dosas without sticking.
Ladle - Used to pour the batter onto the pan and spread it to make thin dosas.
Spatula - Needed to flip and remove the dosas from the pan.
Cutting board - Required for chopping onions, grating carrots, and preparing garnishes.
Knife - Used to chop onions, grate carrots, and for general food preparation.
Grater - Needed to grate carrots for garnishing.

Recipe variations

Add finely chopped onions, green chilies, and coriander leaves to the batter for extra flavor.
Include grated carrots, cabbage, or finely chopped spinach to the batter for added nutrition.
Replace green gram with split yellow moong dal or a combination of different lentils like masoor dal, chana dal, and toor dal.
Add a pinch of asafoetida (hing) or cumin seeds (jeera) to the batter for enhanced taste.
Add a handful of soaked and peeled split black gram (urad dal) to the batter to make it more nutritious.
Make it spicier by adding more green chilies or red chili powder to the batter.
For a gluten-free option, replace rice with flattened rice (poha) or millet flour.
For a vegan version, skip the ghee or butter used for frying and use oil instead.
Serve with tomato chutney, mint chutney, or sambar for a different taste experience.

Recipe overview

Pesarattu, also known as Moong Dal Dosa, is a popular breakfast dish from the southern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. It is a delicious, crispy, and nutritious pancake made primarily from green gram (moong dal) and rice. This recipe is protein-packed, healthy, and ideal for those who prefer a light but fulfilling breakfast. This recipe will guide you through the process of making the perfect Pesarattu, from creating the batter to frying up these delicious pancakes. Expect to enhance your culinary skills with this traditional Indian dish that combines the flavors of green chili, ginger and garlic, topped with a garnish of finely chopped onions, grated carrots, and cilantro. These pancakes are best served hot with a side of coconut chutney or any chutney of your choice. Enjoy a taste of southern India in your kitchen with this simple and easy-to-follow Pesarattu recipe.

Common questions

Can I use split green gram (moong dal) instead of whole green gram?
Yes, you can use split green gram (moong dal) instead of whole green gram. However, the texture and flavor of the pesarattu may slightly differ.
How long should I soak the green gram and rice?
Soak the green gram and rice for 4-5 hours. This helps in easy grinding and results in a better batter consistency.
What should be the consistency of the batter?
The batter should be of pouring consistency, similar to dosa batter. It should not be too thick or too thin.
Can I add other vegetables for garnish?
Yes, you can add various vegetables like grated beetroot, chopped spinach, or bell peppers for garnish if desired.
Can I make the batter in advance?
Yes, you can make the batter in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Ensure to cover the container tightly. Use the batter within 1-2 days.
What can I serve with Pesarattu?
Pesarattu is typically served with coconut chutney or ginger chutney. It can also be enjoyed with sambar or tomato chutney.

Serving dishes and utensils

Blender - Used to blend the soaked green gram, rice, and other ingredients into a batter.
Non-stick Pan - Used to cook the pesarattu dosas, ensuring they don't stick to the surface.
Ladle - Used to pour and spread the dosa batter evenly on the pan.
Spatula - Used to flip the dosas and remove them from the pan.
Chopping Board - Used to chop the onions, cilantro, and grate the carrots for garnishing.
Knife - Used to chop the onions and cilantro, and to grate the carrots.
Serving Plate - Used to serve the cooked pesarattu dosas.

Origin stories

Pesarattu, also known as green gram dosa, is a heartening culinary gem from the Southern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. The name itself stems from the Telugu language, with 'pesara' meaning green gram and 'attu' translating to dosa, marking its roots deep in the regional culture. Intriguingly, Pesarattu is often served with upma, forming a unique combination known as 'upma pesarattu'. This dish is famous in the city of Guntur and is also widely enjoyed in the city of Hyderabad, where it is served in breakfast with ginger or tamarind chutney. This pride of Andhra cuisine is not just a delight to the taste buds but also a nutritive powerhouse, owing to the green gram which is packed with proteins and dietary fiber. Be it a regular morning breakfast or a special family gathering, Pesarattu, with its crispy texture and healthy ingredients, never fails to impress.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.