Pancakes are Universal

Recently, I made Indian dosas for the first time. The dosa, with its perfect crispiness and thin, almost crepe-like texture, has always been a favorite of mine. It's delightful on its own but truly shines when paired with different fillings or side chutneys for dipping. For my dosas, I opted to serve them with coriander chutney and pear chutney. Additionally, I experimented with a few by stuffing them with New Mexican Hatch Green Chile and cheese, a homage to the culinary delights of Santa Fe.

The process of making dosa batter is truly fascinating. It begins with soaking basmati rice, Urad Dal, and fenugreek seeds for at least 8 hours, followed by blending the mixture and letting it ferment for another 24 hours. This slow, methodical process creates over time a delightful acidic flavor. When the batter is ready, it is thinned to the correct consistency and ladled onto a hot cast iron pan lightly coated with ghee. After a few failed attempts that went straight to my dog, I finally mastered the art of creating crispy, golden dosas that were devoured by everyone in my household.

This culinary journey got me thinking about thin, batter-made recipes from around the world, each reflecting the unique culture and ingredients of its origin. Take, for instance, the tortilla in Mexico. Whether made from corn or flour, stuffed or simply served warm with melted butter, the tortilla is a staple throughout the country. Similarly, the French have their beloved crepes, which bear some resemblance to dosas, particularly buckwheat crepes that develop sour notes after fermentation.

In the Middle East, pita bread reigns supreme as a versatile vessel for dips, wraps, and other dishes. With a history dating back thousands of years, pita has been embraced by countless cultures for its utility and flavor. Across Asia, thin pancakes play essential roles in dishes like Chinese Peking Duck or Vietnamese Banh xeo, showcasing the diversity of culinary traditions on the continent.

Even in America, we have our iconic pancakes, which spark endless debates over their ideal thickness and texture. Despite our differences in ingredients and climate, cooks around the world share common techniques such as fermentation, curing, and cooking with fire. It's a testament to both the diversity and universality of food, as we find joy in exploring flavors and techniques from different corners of the globe.

So, whether you're savoring a dosa, indulging in a crepe, or enjoying a tortilla, take a moment to appreciate the rich flavors and traditions that bring these thin, batter-made delights to life. Cheers!

Dosa bubbles in Cast Iron Pan

Hatch Green Chile filled Dosa

Crispy Rolled Dosa

Golden Dosa