Cheese Masala Dosa
Snacks • Malaysia
How to Make Cheese Masala Dosa (Traditional & Healthy Version)
Cheese Masala Dosa is a beloved Malaysian vegetarian snack, bringing together the crispy dosa pancake with a savoury spiced potato masala and a melted cheese topping. Originating from South Indian cuisine, this dish has been warmly embraced by Malaysia’s multicultural food scene, often found in local mamak stalls and vegetarian restaurants. The dosa’s golden crunch pairs perfectly with the creamy, flavourful masala filling, while cheese adds a modern Malaysian twist. This recipe uses local ingredients such as pandan and lemongrass for an added aromatic touch, making it unique to Malaysia. Cheese Masala Dosa is a great choice for health-conscious eaters: it’s packed with vegetables, offers a good balance of carbs and protein, and is vegetarian-friendly. Enjoyed as a breakfast or lunch treat, its popularity in Malaysia reflects the fusion of Indian heritage and local culinary creativity, offering a satisfying yet light option that fits well into a calorie-tracking lifestyle.
Ingredients(for 1 dosa per person)
- 1 cup Rice flour (tepung beras)
- 1/4 cup Urad dal flour (tepung kacang urad)
- 1 piece Pandan leaf (daun pandan, blended) - optional
- 2 medium Potatoes (kentang, boiled & mashed)
- 1 medium Onion (bawang besar, sliced)
- 1 Green chilli (cili hijau, chopped)
- 1 stalk Lemongrass (serai, finely chopped) - optional
- 1/2 cup Cheddar cheese (grated)
- 1/2 tsp Turmeric powder (serbuk kunyit)
- 1/2 tsp Mustard seeds (biji sawi)
- 2 tbsp Fresh coriander (daun ketumbar, chopped) - optional
- to taste Salt
- 2 tbsp Oil (minyak masak, preferably canola or sunflower)
Instructions
- 1
Prepare the dosa batter by mixing rice flour and urad dal flour with water to form a smooth, pourable batter. Add blended pandan for aroma if desired. Let it rest for 10 minutes.
10 minutes
Use cold water for a crispier dosa.
- 2
Heat 1 tbsp oil in a pan. Add mustard seeds, let them splutter, then add sliced onion, green chilli, and lemongrass. Sauté until fragrant.
3 minutes
Stir constantly to avoid burning the spices.
- 3
Add mashed potatoes, turmeric powder, and salt. Cook for 3 minutes, mixing well. Stir in fresh coriander and turn off heat.
5 minutes
Mash potatoes smoothly for a uniform filling.
- 4
Heat a non-stick skillet and lightly grease with oil. Pour a ladle of dosa batter, spread thinly into a circle. Cook until edges crisp up.
3 minutes
Cook on medium-high for best texture.
Why This Dish is Healthy
This dish is a healthy choice because it uses whole, plant-based ingredients, is low in saturated fat due to minimal oil and moderate cheese, and is rich in fibre from vegetables. Including local herbs like lemongrass and pandan boosts the nutritional profile with antioxidants, while the use of urad dal increases protein. The recipe is adaptable for lower calorie and higher protein needs, fitting various dietary goals.
Cheese Masala Dosa provides a balanced mix of carbohydrates from rice flour and potatoes, protein from urad dal and cheese, and essential vitamins and minerals from vegetables and spices such as turmeric (anti-inflammatory) and coriander (rich in antioxidants). Using minimal oil keeps the dish light, while local aromatics like pandan and lemongrass add flavour without extra calories. Each serving is moderate in calories, making it suitable for healthy lifestyles.
Pro Tips
- 💡Tip 1: Use a well-heated non-stick pan for ultra-crispy dosas.
- 💡Tip 2: Add pandan juice to the batter for a fragrant Malaysian twist.
- 💡Tip 3: Prepare the potato masala in advance for faster assembly during busy mornings.
Storage & Serving
Best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 1 day. Reheat on a skillet to restore crispness. Filling can be made ahead and stored separately for 2 days.
Best served: Breakfast or Lunch
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Per 100g |
|---|---|
| Energy | 320.0 kcal |
