Stuffed Dosa Rolls: Perfect Snacks for Kids and Parties
Dosas are a beloved dish in South India, known for their crispy texture and versatility. While traditional dosas are often served plain or with a spiced potato filling (masala dosa), a fun twist on this classic is the stuffed dosa roll—a creative and delicious snack that is perfect for kids and parties. These stuffed dosa rolls are easy to make, customizable with various fillings, and offer a delightful combination of flavors and textures. Whether you're looking for a quick after-school snack or a party appetizer, stuffed dosa rolls are sure to be a hit!
Why Stuffed Dosa Rolls?
- Versatile Fillings: You can fill them with a wide variety of ingredients, from savory veggies and cheese to chicken or paneer. The options are endless, making them suitable for both vegetarian and non-vegetarian preferences.
- Kid-Friendly: Dosas are typically soft and easy to eat, making them a great choice for children. With fun fillings, you can encourage kids to eat more vegetables or try new flavors.
- Perfect for Parties: Stuffed dosa rolls are bite-sized, easy to serve, and can be made in advance. They’re an ideal party snack that guests of all ages will enjoy.
- Quick and Easy: These rolls can be made in a jiffy. The basic dosa batter is simple to prepare, and the fillings can be prepped beforehand for minimal fuss when cooking.
How to Make Stuffed Dosa Rolls
Basic Dosa Batter Recipe (Makes 4-6 dosa rolls):
- 1 cup rice
- 1/4 cup urad dal (split black gram)
- 1/2 tsp fenugreek seeds (optional)
- Salt to taste
- Water for grinding and adjusting consistency
Instructions:
- Soak the rice, urad dal, and fenugreek seeds in water for 4-6 hours (or overnight).
- Grind the soaked ingredients into a smooth batter, adding water gradually until you achieve a slightly thick, pourable consistency.
- Let the batter ferment for about 8-12 hours in a warm place (if needed).
- Add salt to taste once the batter is ready to use.
Stuffed Dosa Roll Fillings: 5 Fun Variations
1. Veggie and Cheese Stuffed Dosa Roll
This veggie and cheese roll is a nutritious and cheesy delight, packed with colorful vegetables.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup grated mozzarella or cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup finely chopped bell peppers (green, red, yellow)
- 1/4 cup grated carrots
- 1/4 cup sweet corn kernels
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 tsp Italian seasoning (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare your dosa on a hot tawa, cooking it until it’s golden and crispy.
- Sprinkle a generous amount of grated cheese on top of the dosa while it’s still on the tawa, letting it melt slightly.
- Add the finely chopped veggies—bell peppers, carrots, and sweet corn—on top of the melted cheese.
- Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Once the cheese is melted and the veggies are soft, roll up the dosa tightly.
- Slice the roll into bite-sized pieces and serve with ketchup or a creamy dip.
2. Masala Dosa Roll
For a traditional Indian flavor, the masala dosa roll is a fantastic choice. The classic potato filling adds warmth and spice to every bite.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup boiled and mashed potatoes
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onions
- 1/4 tsp mustard seeds
- 1/4 tsp turmeric powder
- 1/2 tsp garam masala
- 1/4 tsp cumin powder
- 1 green chili, finely chopped
- Fresh coriander leaves, chopped
Instructions:
- Heat some oil in a pan and add mustard seeds. Once they crackle, add the chopped onions and sauté until golden.
- Add turmeric, garam masala, cumin powder, and chopped green chili. Stir well.
- Add the mashed potatoes, mix everything together, and cook for 2-3 minutes. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
- Spread the potato filling along the center of the cooked dosa and roll it up.
- Slice into smaller pieces and serve with coconut chutney and sambar.
3. Chicken or Paneer Tikka Stuffed Dosa Roll
For those who enjoy bold flavors, a chicken or paneer tikka filling offers a smoky, tangy bite that pairs wonderfully with crispy dosa.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup cooked chicken (or paneer) tikka cubes
- 2 tbsp yogurt
- 1 tbsp tikka masala or garam masala
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onions
- 1/4 cup cilantro leaves, chopped
- A squeeze of lemon juice
Instructions:
- Marinate the chicken (or paneer) in yogurt and tikka masala, and cook until browned and cooked through.
- Prepare your dosa on the tawa and let it crisp up.
- Place the cooked chicken or paneer tikka in the center of the dosa.
- Add chopped onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lemon juice for extra zing.
- Roll the dosa and slice into small, bite-sized pieces. Serve with a mint chutney dip.
4. Spinach and Ricotta Cheese Stuffed Dosa Roll
For a healthier option, this spinach and ricotta cheese roll is packed with iron and protein, making it a nutritious snack.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/4 cup ricotta cheese or paneer
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- A dash of nutmeg (optional)
Instructions:
- Sauté the chopped spinach in a pan with a little olive oil until wilted. Add garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Remove from heat and mix in ricotta cheese or crumbled paneer. Add a pinch of nutmeg for extra flavor.
- Spread this spinach and ricotta mixture over a cooked dosa and roll it up tightly.
- Slice into bite-sized pieces and serve with a tangy dip or tomato ketchup.
5. Sweet Banana and Nutella Dosa Roll
For a sweet treat, this dessert-inspired dosa roll combines the natural sweetness of bananas with the indulgence of Nutella.
Ingredients:
- 1 banana, sliced
- 2 tbsp Nutella or chocolate spread
- A handful of chopped nuts (walnuts, almonds, or cashews)
- A drizzle of honey (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare your dosa and cook it until crispy.
- Spread Nutella or chocolate spread on the dosa.
- Arrange the banana slices and chopped nuts along the center of the dosa.
- Drizzle honey over the filling for extra sweetness (optional).
- Roll the dosa up tightly and slice into small, bite-sized pieces.
- Serve immediately for a deliciously sweet snack.
Tips for Making Perfect Stuffed Dosa Rolls:
- Adjust the filling: You can get creative with your fillings! Try adding sautéed mushrooms, cheese, or even cooked meat for a new twist.
- Make it crispy: To get a crispy dosa roll, make sure your tawa or griddle is hot enough, and cook the dosa on medium-high heat until the edges turn golden.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables, herbs, and seasonings can elevate the flavor of your fillings, making the rolls tastier.
- Serve with dips: Pair your stuffed dosa rolls with chutneys like coconut, mint, or tamarind for added flavor.
Conclusion
Stuffed dosa rolls are a fun, creative snack that can be tailored to suit a variety of tastes and occasions. Whether you’re serving them at a kids' party, making a quick after-school snack, or just enjoying a savory treat with friends, these rolls are sure to be a hit. With endless possibilities for fillings and dips, stuffed dosa rolls offer a delicious way to enjoy the crispy goodness of dosa in a new, exciting form. So go ahead and experiment with these fillings—your taste buds will thank you!