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South Indian cuisine has a massive fanbase. It is celebrated for its unique flavours and easy digestibility. Among its staples, dosa reigns supreme with multiple options to suit every palate. There’s something for everyone. Two such popular varieties are Set dosa and Benne dosa, both cherished across the country. Wondering how they differ? Celebrity chef Ananya Banerjee broke down the key differences and shared recipes for you to try.
Set dosa: These are typically soft, small, and thick dosas, served in a set of three, and hence the name. Set dosa is more porous, fluffy, and often includes poha (flattened rice) in the batter, making it tender and spongy. They are usually served with vegetable saagu (curry) and coconut chutney.
Benne dosa: Benne means “butter” in Kannada, and Benne dosa is known for its crispy, golden texture. It’s generally thin and lacy on the edges, fried with butter instead of oil for a richer taste. Made famous by Davangere in Karnataka, it has a distinct aroma and is often served with spicy potato palya and coconut chutney.
Set dosa:
Ingredients: Rice, urad dal, poha (flattened rice), fenugreek seeds, salt.
Preparation:
– Soak rice, urad dal, and poha together for a few hours.
– Grind the mixture into a smooth batter, let it ferment overnight.
– Add salt and mix the batter well.
– Heat a tawa (griddle), pour a ladle of batter, and spread slightly (thicker than regular dosa).
– Cook on medium flame without flipping, using a bit of oil.
Benne dosa:
Ingredients: Rice, urad dal, puffed rice (sometimes for crispiness), butter, salt.
Preparation:
– Soak rice and urad dal, grind to a fine batter, and allow it to ferment.
– Heat a tawa, spread a thin layer of batter, and add dollops of butter around the edges.
– Cook until golden and crispy, with a few spots on the surface.
According to Banerjee, set dosa is often considered healthier because it’s soft, uses less butter or oil, and has poha, which contributes to its softer texture. The batter tends to be thicker, requiring less fat during cooking. This makes it lower in calories and fat compared to Benne dosa. With the addition of butter, Benne dosa is richer in fats and calories. Even though it is delicious, it is heavier, making it more indulgent than Set dosa.
