MLA Pesarattu

Pesarattu is a delicacy from Andhra Pradesh. It’s basically a crepe made from green gram. It is very easy to prepare and it is also very nutritious. Pesarattu served with upma is known as MLA pesarattu. It can be combined with different kinds of chutneys like Onion Chutney, Peanut Onion Chutney or plain Coconut Chutney. It tastes best when hot and crispy.

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Soaking time: 4-5 hours or overnight

Cooking time: 5-10 minutes

Serves: 4-5 people

Ingredients	Quantity
Whole Green Gram	½ cup
Split Green Gram (skinless)	½ cup
Rice (Dosa variety)	½ cup
Ginger	1 inch piece or 1 tsp
Green Chilies	3-4 or to taste
Coriander Leaves	½ bunch or ¼ cup
Water	¼ cup
Salt	to taste
Oil	2-3 tbsps.
For filling
Onions (finely chopped)	½ cup
Red Chili Powder	to taste
Lemon Juice	to taste (optional)

Method

Wash whole green gram, split green gram and rice thoroughly and soak in enough water for 4-5 hours or overnight.

Drain the water from the soaked dals and rice. Grind both the dals and rice to a coarse paste. Then add ginger, green chilies, salt, water, coriander leaves and grind till you get a smooth batter.

For filling:

Heat 1 tsp oil in a pan, add the finely chopped onions, ¼ tsp salt and cook till onion is soft. Add chili powder stir for a minute. Turn off heat and transfer to a bowl. Add lemon juice and mix well (this it totally optional).

Allow the batter to ferment in a warm place for 1 hour if you like a crispy dosa. Once the batter is ready, check for the salt.

Heat the pan on medium. Grease the pan with few drops of oil. Sprinkle water and wipe off with the paper towel.

Add two ladles of batter and spread in a circular motion till you get a 5 inch diameter round thin crepe. Take off the excess from the top to make the dosa thin. Add few drops of oil. Sprinkle onion on the crepe.

Look for the brown spots on the bottom side of the dosa, then release the dosa from the edges and serve it hot with upma.

Serve immediately with chutney.

Points to remember:

• The cup measure is the standard measuring cup used for baking etc.