Adai
Category :
Adai is a type of Dosa, but healthier, more nutritious, with no fermentation required. It is typically made using various lentils and rice, and hence is high in protein.
I make a batch of Adai batter almost weekly. And I change up the ingredients a bit to add some variety.
Adai Basic Ingredients:
- Toor Dal – 2/3 cup
- Chana Dal – 2/3 cup
- Urad Dal – 1/2 cup
- Moong Dal – 1/2 cup
- Rice – 2 cups
- Fenugreek Seeds – 2 tbsp
- Red Chilies to taste
- Ginger – 1 to 2 inch piece
- Curry Leaves – 3 to 4 slivers
- Asafetida/Hing – 1/4 tsp
- Salt to taste
I usually replace the Rice with any one, or a combination of the below –
- Quinoa
- Oats
- Brown Rice
- Sabudana
- Sooji
- Poha
I also replace the Dals occasionally with some Beans. I’ve tried using all Beans instead of Dals, but it starts to taste “healthy”, which is actually quite good, but may be hard for some to eat 🙂 So, I usually replace one Dal with one kind of Beans.
- Kala Chana
- Moong Bean
- Whole Black Urad
- Black Eyed Beans
- Rajma
- Saboot Masoor etc.
Additionally, I might add Hemp Seeds, Chia Seeds, etc.
Vegetables and Stuffing:
While making the Adai, I add some vegetables to the batter –
- Onion finely chopped
- Spinach finely chopped
- Mixed Vegetables finely chopped
- Any vegetable on hand
My kids also like to have the Adai stuffed with
- Cheese
- Paneer
- Peanut Butter
- Avocado, etc.
Adai-Avial is the most popular combo. But Yogurt and some Fruits are great accompaniments for Adai for kids.
I also make Adai Waffles, which the kids love, and it is really easy to make.
Spinach Oats Adai
Hemp Seeds Adai
Quinoa Adai with Avial
Moong Bean and Sabudana Mini Adai for LunchBox (with grated carrot and cheese topping)
Grilled Cheese Spinach Onion Waffle Adai with Poha
Adai Pizza with Chia Seeds
Multi Bean Adai
Semolina (Sooji) Adai for LunchBox
Sabudana Adai for LunchBox
Brown Rice and Sabudana Adai for LunchBox
A few stuffing options:
Grated Cheese
Avocado (Guacamole)
Peanut Butter
As you can see it is a very healthy all inclusive meal, with all the Grains, Protein, and Vegetables. Its great for Lunch Boxes as it is very filling – protein helps to stay full for a long time. And it is easy to make, with so many options to change it up every time!
We love it and I hope you try it and like it 🙂
