Schezwan Dosa: A Fusion Twist on a Classic South Indian Dish
Dosa is a staple dish of South Indian cuisine that has been enjoyed for centuries. It is a savory crepe made from fermented rice and lentil batter and is usually served with a variety of chutneys and sambar. In recent years, chefs have been experimenting with dosa and giving it a fusion twist to create new and exciting dishes. One such dish is Schezwan Dosa, a fusion of South Indian dosa and spicy Szechuan sauce.
Schezwan Dosa is a relatively new dish that has gained immense popularity in India, particularly in the western state of Maharashtra. It is a perfect example of how different cuisines can come together to create something unique and delicious. The dish is made by spreading the traditional dosa batter on a hot griddle and then adding a layer of spicy Schezwan sauce. The filling can be customized as per one’s liking, but a common filling is a mixture of vegetables like onions, capsicum, carrots, and cabbage, along with paneer or tofu. The dosa is then folded and served hot with coconut chutney or any other chutney of your choice.
The Schezwan sauce used in the dish is a fiery, garlicky sauce that originated in the Szechuan province of China. It is made by stir-frying chili peppers, garlic, and Szechuan peppercorns in oil and then adding soy sauce and other ingredients like sugar and vinegar. The sauce is versatile and can be used in various dishes like noodles, rice, and stir-fries. Its spicy and tangy flavor profile complements the mild flavor of the dosa batter, making it a match made in heaven.
The filling of the Schezwan Dosa can be customized to one’s liking, and the options are endless. One can add chicken, shrimp, or any other protein of their choice. The addition of cheese like processed or cheddar cheese is also popular, giving the dish a cheesy twist. To make the dish even healthier, one can add sprouts or tofu instead of paneer. The vegetables used in the filling can also be varied, depending on what’s available or what one prefers.
Schezwan Dosa is not only delicious but also a healthy dish. Dosa is made from fermented batter, which makes it a rich source of probiotics, aiding digestion. The vegetables used in the filling provide essential vitamins and minerals, and the Schezwan sauce is rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties.
To make the Schezwan Dosa at home, one needs to first prepare the dosa batter, which is made from rice and urad dal. The batter is then fermented overnight, giving it a tangy flavor. Once the batter is ready, one can start preparing the filling by stir-frying the vegetables and adding the desired protein. The Schezwan sauce can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for later use. Once the filling is ready, one can start preparing the dosa by spreading the batter on a hot griddle and adding the Schezwan sauce and filling. The dosa is then folded and served hot with chutney.
Conclusion
Schezwan Dosa is a delicious fusion dish that brings together the best of South Indian and Chinese cuisines. It is a perfect example of how different cuisines can come together to create something unique and exciting. The dish is healthy, easy to make, and can be customized to one’s liking. So, the next time you’re in the mood for something spicy and savory, try making Schezwan Dosa at home and indulge in its delightful flavors.
