Quinoa Dosa is a healthy twist to the delicious South Indian dosa. With no rice and no fermentation, this crispy quinoa dosa is my go-to recipe for a quick south Indian meal.

Two quinoa dosa with sambar, potato and chutney
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My family loves South Indian food. Dosa with sambar and chutney is a favorite for my daughters. They are healthy, gluten-free, and just so delicious.

Traditional dosa is made with rice and lentils (urad dal) and has to be fermented for 8-12 hours, which means you have to prepare at least a day in advance to make dosa.

Let me present to you – Instant Quinoa Dosa. This dosa made without rice requires very little prep, and I love that I can make it almost instantly, which means that even if I decide to make dosa in the morning, it can be ready for lunch, similar to moong dal chilla.

As quinoa is the main ingredient of this dosa recipe, it is also high protein and healthier. All you need to do is soak the quinoa along with rolled oats and dal for 4-5 hours and grind. Also, there is no wait time for the batter to ferment before making the dosa.

Why use Quinoa?

Quinoa is one of the most healthy foods that comes filled with nutritious fibers, minerals, and antioxidants.

Quinoa comes with many health benefits like:

  • It is very high in fiber compared to other whole grains
  • It is a perfect choice for people allergic to gluten and for those following a gluten-free diet.
  • Quinoa provides an excellent source of protein
  • It has a low glycemic index, which is good for keeping your blood sugar in control

These reasons make quinoa a superfood, and it is a versatile ingredient that works well with other recipes as well. I regularly make many recipes with quinoa, like quinoa pulao, Vegetarian Quinoa Chili, and Quinoa Khichdi.

Healthy Dosa Ingredients

While the traditional dosa recipe calls for urad dal and rice and has a fermenting time of 6-10 hours, this high-protein quinoa dosa uses quinoa, oats, and lentils and will be ready almost instantly.

Here are the ingredients I have used for this quinoa dosa:

  • Quinoa: I used white quinoa; however, you can use other color quinoa as well. Just remember the dosa color will be different depending on the quinoa you use.
  • Rolled oats: These help to give a crispy texture to dosa.
  • Urad dal: Adds its signature crispiness to the dosa and retains the original flavor.
  • Chana dal: Gives the right amount of crunch to the dosa.
  • Methi Seeds: I also add methi seeds to the dosa, which adds crispiness and can help with fermentation if you want to keep this batter for some time before making the dosa.

You can also use toor dal or split green moong dal in this batter. With the green moong dal, the dosa will be a bit greenish due to the green lentils.

Quinoa, Urad Dal, Chana Dal, rolled oats and methi seeds in a bowl

How to make Quinoa Dosa?

Let’s start with getting the quinoa dosa batter ready for easy, thin, and crispy dosas.

Soak and Grind the Batter

  • Add all the ingredients listed above to a big bowl and wash them till the water runs clear.
  • Soak them all together in the same bowl for 4-5 hours or overnight.
  • After the soaking time is done, drain the water completely and transfer it to a high-speed blender jar.
lentils and quinoa being grinder for dosa
  • Add some peeled ginger, green chili, and salt to the blender. Green chili is optional and can be skipped.
  • Add cold water gradually to the mix as you blend for a smooth texture. Be careful while adding water, as too much water can make the batter watery.
  • Transfer the smooth batter to a large bowl. The consistency of the batter should not be too thick or runny; it should be free-flowing without any lumps.
Dosa batter in the blender and in a bowl

Keep the batter for an hour before using. However, if you have less time, it is okay to use the batter right away. I have tried it, and it works!

Making Quinoa Oats Dosa

Now that we have the batter ready, the next step is to make crispy dosa. Usually, I use a cast iron griddle; we call it Tawa in India. You can also use a non-stick dosa tawa, but the cast iron griddle is the best for making this quinoa dosa.

But one thing to note is that the cast iron pan is well-seasoned; if not, you will end up fighting with sticky dosa. Learn how to season a cast iron pan here. One of the interesting things about a cast iron pan is that it gets seasoned with use. In case you have a new pan, don’t keep it aside; keep using it!

Be it a cast-iron or non-stick Tawa, set the heat on medium-high and make sure the Tawa is heated well before making dosa. You can test the heat by sprinkling some water, and if it sizzles right away, your Tawa is ready for the batter.

Smear a few drops of oil on the Tawa with the help of a paper towel. Alternatively, you can also use a half-cut onion to spread the oil. The smeared oil helps cool down the Tawa and spread the batter in a thin layer.

While spreading the batter, lower the heat a little bit and switch back to medium-high right after spreading the batter.

Always take a ladle of batter, pour it at the center, and start spreading it immediately in a circular motion. You can go clockwise like I usually do or anti-clockwise and try to spread it as thin as possible.

How to spread dosa

If you are new to dosa, don’t worry much about the shape; you will get it soon enough with practice. Drizzle oil or ghee around the edges of the dosa and also some at the center.

Let it cook until the dosa becomes golden brown and starts to leave or come out from the edges. Typically, you only need to cook one side of the dosa, but if you are new to it and the batter is thick, then flip it over like pancakes to cook the other side.

Always use a flat spatula to remove the dosa without breaking from the Tawa. You either roll it or fold it at the center like a paper with a spatula. Remove from the Tawa and serve it piping hot.

Steps to take dosa from a cast iron griddle with a flat spatula

Always remember to wipe the tawa with a paper towel before the next dosa and repeat the same steps above for a crunchy quinoa dosa. You can also use the half-cut onion trick to spread the oil and cool down the tawa.

Quinoa Dosa with sambar, chutney and potato masala in a plate

Serve the dosa with sambarchutney, and potato masala.

This quinoa dosa batter can be used to make delicious uttapam too.

Tips for perfect crispy and thin dosa

  • Batter: One of the most important things to make crispy dosa is the perfect batter, so do follow the batter instructions. The consistency of the batter should not be too thick or too thin. Pouring and can easily spread.
  • Tawa: The next is a good pan (Tawa) to make the dosa. I highly recommend a cast iron pan or a special non-stick dosa pan.
  • Temperature: It is important to have the Tawa set at the right temperature. So, every time you pour the batter, make sure to lower the heat.
  • Wipe: Always have a couple of paper towels handy to smear the oil onto the pan. This will season the pan as well as keep the girdle ready for a perfect spread.

Common Questions

Can I ferment this quinoa dosa batter?

Yes, you can. Follow the fermentation steps in my traditional dosa batter recipe.

Which tawa is best for dosa?

I highly recommend a cast iron pan or a special non-stick dosa pan. Always keep the dosa tawa separate and only use it for dosa. If you use it for multiple things, it will spoil soon and may not work well for dosa.

My dosa sticks to the pan. How to make dosa without it sticking?

This can happen if the cast iron pan is not seasoned well. Here is a tutorial on how to season a cast iron pan. I usually keep a separate tawa for dosa. Season it after use.
In between dosa’s, lower the heat, clean the pan, and sprinkle some water to cool down the tawa. Wipe with a paper towel and then spread the batter. After spreading, increase the heat to medium-high.

Can this Quinoa dosa batter be stored?

Yes, you can store this batter for up to 3 days. Use it to make dosa and uttapam.

I hope you enjoy this delicious & healthy Quinoa Dosa. Looking forward to see your dosa pics. Share with #pipingpotcurry!

4.83 from 28 votes

Quinoa Dosa

Quinoa Dosa is a healthy twist to the delicious South Indian dosa. With no rice and no fermentation, this crispy quinoa dosa is my go-to recipe for a quick south Indian meal.
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 5 hours
Servings: 14 dosa

Ingredients 

Instructions 

Making the Batter

  • Add urad quinoa, oats, chana dal, urad dal and methi seeds to a large bowl.
  • Rinse till the water runs clear. Soak in about 4 cups of water for 4-5 hours.
  • Drain water from the soaked quinoa and lentils. Add to a high speed blender jar. Add ginger, green chili pepper and salt.
  • Add about 1 cup cold water as needed to grind the batter to a smooth paste. Start with less water and add as needed.
  • Transfer the batter to a large bowl and let it rest for about 30 minutes. The batter consistency should neither be thick nor runny, but rather it should be free flowing.

Making the Dosa

  • Heat a cast iron griddle (tawa) on medium-high heat. You can also use a non-stick dosa tawa, but cast iron is best for crispy dosa's.
  • Make sure the tawa is heated well before making dosa. You can sprinkle some water to and it should sizzle right away.
  • Put a few drops of oil on the tawa and spread with a paper towel all over the tawa. You can also use an onion cut in half and use the flat side to spread the oil. This helps to cool down the tawa and spread the batter in a thin layer. Lower the heat a little while spreading the batter, and change back to medium-high right after spreading the batter.
  • Take a ladle full of the batter and pour at the center of the tawa. Immediately start to spread the batter from the center out in a circular motion in one direction (I prefer clockwise). Try to spread as thin as possible.
  • Drizzle oil or ghee around the egdes of the dosa and also some at the center. Let it cook until the dosa becomes golden brown and starts to leave or come out from the edges.
  • You typically only need to cook one side of the dosa. If you have spread the dosa thick, then you might want to flip it and cook on the other side.
  • Use a flat spatula to remove the dosa from the edges. You can roll the dosa or fold at the center with the spatula. Remove from the pan and serve immediately.
  • Before making next dosa, wipe the tawa with a paper towel. Spread the oil again, then spread the dosa. Then increase heat to high.
  • Serve dosa with sambarchutney and potato masala.

Notes

Other Lentils: You can also add toor dal, or split green lentils or split Masoor Dal in this recipe. The addition of green lentils give a slight green color to the dosa. 
Tip: If you are new to making Dosa, then I highly recommend reading the whole post as I share lots of tips and tricks to get the perfect batter and how to spread the dosa.
Spreading batter: It is important to have the tawa/griddle at the right temperature when spreading the batter. Otherwise the batter does not spread properly and sticks to the pan. Follow the tips in the recipe. Also, make sure your cast iron pan is seasoned well. 
Fermenting: I did not ferment this quinoa dosa batter. But if you like, you can ferment it by keeping in a warm dark place for 8-10 hours. Make sure to use non-iodized salt if you want to ferment the batter. 
Storing batter: You can store the batter in an airtight container for up to 3 days.  

Nutrition

Calories: 103kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 6gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 179mgPotassium: 148mgFiber: 5gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 5IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 16mgIron: 2mg

Additional Info

Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Indian
Diet: Gluten-free, Vegan
Tried this recipe?Mention @pipingpotcurry or tag #pipingpotcurry!

About Meeta

I strongly believe that each one of us has a chef inside us, we just need to explore the ingredients and create great food. My passion is to share easy, healthy, and wholesome recipes made using Instant Pot & Air Fryer, that are well tested, so you can cook with confidence.

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14 Comments

  1. Hi Meeta,

    Thanks for this recipe. I am on diet and can’t eat fermented foods, so this dosa was a perfect substitute, as I love dosas. I added Thai chilli because I like it a little spicy. Turned out really yummy.

    1. Hi Ana – Thanks for asking. I just added the nutritional info to the dosa recipe. Hope you enjoy it!

  2. Will be making this soon i love dosa perfect for my brunch and dinner everyday will dm you if i make this and let you know how it goes Thanks Ramya

  3. Loved this recipe. All healthy good stuff. Have been craving dosas for a few months but have been on this new diet to avoid rice. This was a great substitute. If the real thing is 10/10 , I would rate this a 8.5/10 .

  4. Please mention the exact quantity of all the ingredients in the ‘quinoa oats dosa’ recipe – It is not mentioned anywhere in the recipe

    1. Hi Sai – The exact quantities are in the recipe card. If you are at the top of the post, you can click the “jump to recipe” button to get to the detailed recipe card.