Crispy fermented oats dosa with golden edges served as a gluten-free South Indian meal with chutney and sambar
Breakfast and Dinner Recipes, Dosa/ Uttapam, Healthy Recipes, Oats Recipes, Recipes

Oats Dosa, How to make Fermented Oats Dosa

This fermented oats dosa has a soft center with lightly crisp edges and a subtle nutty flavor from oats. It’s easy to digest, naturally gluten-free, and rich in fiber — perfect for a wholesome breakfast or dinner. I’ve shared my quick Instant oats dosa, Oats Rava Dosa and Oats uthappam recipes before — but this time, it’s all about traditional fermentation. I love experimenting with millets and grains that are humble yet rich in health. This recipe is naturally gluten-free, and the fermented batter yields soft, slightly crispy, and delicious dosas with that nutty oats aroma. Perfect for breakfast or dinner!

Dosa has existed in Tamil kitchens since ancient Sangam times — but back then, it was mostly made with black urad and hand-pounded rice. This version adds rolled oats, a newer pantry staple, without losing the fermented soul of dosa. While oats weren’t part of early Tamil cuisine, their easy digestibility makes them a smart addition to today’s wellness-focused cooking.


Jump to Recipe
IngredientRole in the Recipe
Idli RiceBase grain, gives structure and softness
Whole Urad DalFerments the batter and adds fluffiness
PohaHelps in natural fermentation and adds softness
OatsAdds nutrition, mild nutty taste, and softness
SaltEnhances taste and supports fermentation
WaterUsed in grinding; adjust for consistency
Oats Dosa, How to make Fermented Oats Dosa

Oats Dosa, How to make Fermented Oats Dosa

Recipe by Sandhya Riyaz
5.0 from 1 vote
Course: Breakfast, DinnerCuisine: South Indian, FusionDifficulty: Easy
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking time

25

minutes
Soaking Time

6

hours
Fermenting Time

6

hours
Grinding Time

1

hour

Soft, fermented oats dosa made with idli rice, urad dal, and poha. A healthy South Indian breakfast that’s light, naturally gluten-free, and full of flavor.

Ingredients to make Dosa

  • 1 cup, 1 Idli rice

  • 1 cup, 1 Rolled oats or quick oats

  • ½ cup, ½ Whole urad dal

  • 1 tablespoon, 1 Poha/ Aval (flattened rice)

  • Salt, to taste

  • Water, as needed for grinding

Directions to make Fermented Oats Dosa

  • Soak Separately
    Wash and soak idli rice for 6–8 hours.
    Wash and soak urad dal with poha for 4–5 hours.
    Soak oats in plain water for just 1 hour before grinding (do this in the morning if fermenting overnight).
  • Grind Batter
    First grind the urad dal + poha into a smooth, fluffy batter (use less water gradually).
    Grind the soaked rice into a slightly coarse batter.
    Grind oats last into a smooth paste.
  • Mix and Ferment
    Combine all batters in a large vessel, add salt, and mix well with clean hands (helps fermentation).
    Cover and ferment overnight (8–10 hours) in a warm place until the batter doubles and turns airy.
  • Making Dosa
    Heat a dosa tawa. Pour a ladle of batter and spread like dosa. Drizzle ghee or oil around the edges. Cook till golden and crisp on one side. No need to flip. Serve hot with chutney and sambar!

Notes

  • 1 cup = 250 ml

Directions to make FERMENTED oats dosa with step by step images

  • Soak Urad Dal
    Wash and soak urad dal with poha for 4–5 hours.
  • Soak Idli Rice
    Wash and soak idli rice for 6–8 hours.
  • Soak oats
    Soak oats in plain water for just 1 hour before grinding (do this in the morning if fermenting overnight).
  • Grind Urad Dal Batter
    First grind the urad dal + poha into a smooth, fluffy batter (use less water gradually).
  • Grind Rice Batter
    Grind the soaked rice into a slightly coarse batter.
  • Grind Oats Batter
    Grind oats last into a smooth paste.
  • Mix and Ferment
    Combine all batters in a large vessel, add salt, and mix well with clean hands (helps fermentation).
    Cover and ferment overnight (8–10 hours) in a warm place until the batter doubles and turns airy.
  • Making Dosa
    Heat a dosa tawa. Pour a ladle of batter and spread like dosa. Drizzle ghee or oil around the edges. Cook till golden and crisp on one side. No need to flip. Serve hot with chutney and sambar!
  • Use rolled oats or quick oats – never steel-cut.
  • Add a pinch of fenugreek seeds with urad for better fermentation (optional).
  • Batter may take longer to ferment during winters — place in an oven with light on.
  • For crispier dosa, spread the batter thinner and increase heat slightly.

Pair this dosa with coconut chutney, tomato chutney, or a warm bowl of homestyle sambar. It’s light yet filling — ideal for busy mornings or dinner after a long day.

Q: Can I use steel cut oats for dosa batter?

A: No. Steel cut oats are too hard and will not blend well. Use only rolled or quick oats for soft fermented dosa.

Q: Why didn’t my dosa batter ferment properly?

A: Ensure you soaked and ground urad dal well, used clean hands to mix, and kept the batter in a warm place overnight. Also, avoid chlorinated water and ensure your oats aren’t overly processed.

Q: Is this dosa gluten-free?

A: Yes, if you use certified gluten-free oats and avoid wheat additives. This fermented dosa is naturally gluten-free and healthy.

Q: Can I make this dosa without rice?

A: You can replace rice with millets like kodo millet or little millet, but the texture may vary. Traditional rice gives softness to the dosa.

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