A signature breakfast from Andhra Pradesh, these savory crepes are made from soaked whole green gram blended with ginger, green chili, and cumin, then crisped on a hot griddle with onions and herbs on top. Unlike traditional rice-lentil dosa, the batter is 100% moong-based, giving the crepes a protein-rich, earthy flavor and beautifully golden, lacy edges. They are classically served with a fiery ginger-tamarind chutney.
Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time25 mins
Total Time40 mins
Servings4
Yield8 crepes (4 servings)
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (estimated)
- 380 kcalCalories
- 14 gFat
- 2 gSaturated Fat
- 48 gCarbs
- 12 gFiber
- 4 gSugar
- 22 gProtein
- 420 mgSodium
- 950 mgPotassium
- 80 mgCalcium
- 4.5 mgIron
- 10 mgVitamin C
- 35 mcgVitamin A
Ingredients
For the batter
- 2 cups whole green moong (with skin), soaked 4-6 hours
- 1/4 cup raw rice, soaked with the moong
- 1 inch fresh ginger, peeled and roughly chopped
- 2-3 green chilies, roughly chopped
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup water, plus more as needed for blending
For the topping
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 green chilies, slit lengthwise
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 tablespoons oil, for cooking the crepes
For serving (optional)
- 1 cup ginger-tamarind chutney
- 1/2 cup fresh coconut chutney
Directions
- Drain the soaked green moong and rice, then transfer to a blender along with ginger, green chilies, cumin, salt, and 1/2 cup water. Blend to a smooth, thick, pourable batter similar to pancake consistency, adding water 1 tablespoon at a time only if needed.
- Heat a non-stick or seasoned cast-iron tawa over medium heat for about 2 minutes until evenly hot. Test by sprinkling water droplets; they should sizzle and evaporate quickly.
- Lightly grease the hot tawa by rubbing a few drops of oil with a halved onion or paper towel. Pour about 1/3 cup batter in the center and spread outward in a circular motion to form a thin, 7-8 inch round.
- Immediately sprinkle 1-2 tablespoons of chopped onion, a few cilantro leaves, and 1 slit green chili evenly over the wet surface, pressing them in gently so they stick.
- Drizzle 1 teaspoon of oil around the edges and a few drops over the top. Cook for 2-3 minutes on medium heat until the bottom turns deep golden and crisp and the top looks set.
- Carefully flip the crepe using a thin spatula and cook the onion-topped side for another 1 minute until lightly browned and the onions are cooked through.
- Fold the crepe in half or roll it up, then slide onto a plate. Repeat with the remaining batter, greasing the tawa lightly between each crepe.
- Serve hot with ginger-tamarind chutney for an authentic Andhra breakfast, alongside a cup of filter coffee or chai.
Cook’s Notes
- Soaking the whole moong for at least 4 hours is essential for a smooth batter; do not shortcut this step or the crepes will be gritty.
- The batter should be thicker than regular dosa batter but still flow easily when ladled; if it is too thin, the crepes will spread too much and turn rubbery.
- Use whole green moong with skin for the authentic earthy flavor, deep golden color, and high fiber; peeled split yellow moong can be substituted but produces softer, paler crepes.
- A well-seasoned cast-iron tawa gives the crispiest edges; wipe it with an onion dipped in oil between crepes for the traditional non-stick effect.
- For a stuffed version (upma pesarattu), place a spoonful of seasoned semolina upma in the center of the crepe after the bottom has set, then fold to enclose before flipping.
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