Food blogger had some leftover dosa, here’s what he did next

While we were all in for the culinary experiment, we thought that calling it ‘healthy’ was a stretch. So, we consulted an expert to determine whether it’s really a ‘healthy’ snack, as being claimed.

Read on to know what we learned.

Freezing dosa pieces to fry later and enjoy as a snack can be convenient, but depending on preparation, ingredients, and frying methods, it can have certain health implications, said nutritionist Apeksha Chandurkar, founder of Balanced Bite.

Freezing and nutritional integrity

Freezing a dosa after it has been cooked will help retain its original texture and flavour, if done correctly. “The nutritional content, mostly carbohydrates from rice and proteins from lentils (urad dal), is still largely preserved. If the batter was fermented before it was cooked, freezing will stop microbial activity and preserve the gut-friendly effects of fermentation. This makes dosa-based snacks nutritionally superior to fried items made from refined flour,” said Chandurkar.

Frying and health implications

When frozen dosa pieces are deep-fried, they will soak up a tremendous amount of oil, giving them many more calories with a lot of fat. “Health benefits in the dosa base ingredients might be easily nullified by this activity, particularly if unhealthy oils (e.g., hydrogenated or reused cooking oils are used). Instead, choosing shallow or air fryers can be healthier for you,” said Chandurkar.

What kind of oil you use makes a difference (Source: Getty Images/Thinkstock)

Considerations for healthier options

Preparation: Cut the dosa into small pieces and freeze them in an airtight container to avoid freezer burn, which can degrade the taste and nutrients, said Chandurkar.
Oil quality: Use minimally processed oils. “Avoid reusing the oil as it can cause the formation of trans fats,” said Chandurkar.
Add-ons: Make the snack healthier by eating it with healthy accompaniments such as a yogurt-based dip or a chutney rich in omega-3s, like flaxseed or walnut chutney, suggested Chandurkar.
Portion control: Even healthier fried snacks can lead to weight gain and poor lipid profiles if consumed in excess. Moderation is key.

Fried frozen dosa snacks are okay as an “infrequent indulgence” and can easily fit into a balanced diet. “Bake or air-fry, and watch out for nutrient-rich dips and side dishes. Preparation techniques and mindful consumption will make the difference,” said Chandurkar.

DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.

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