What is aadai?
Aadai is a type of pancake from South Indian cuisine, popular in Tamil Nadu. It's a savory dish made from a batter of lentils and rice, and typically served for breakfast or as a snack.
Key aspects of Aadai:
- Ingredients: The batter usually consists of a mix of toor dal, chana dal, urad dal, and raw rice. Sometimes, other lentils like moong dal may also be added. Fenugreek seeds are also often included.
- Preparation: The lentils and rice are soaked for a few hours and then ground into a coarse batter. Unlike dosas, the batter isn't fermented, resulting in a different texture and taste.
- Flavor: Aadai has a slightly nutty and earthy flavor due to the lentils. The spices added, such as ginger, green chilies, and curry leaves, enhance the taste.
- Texture: It's thicker and more substantial than a typical dosa, with a somewhat crispy exterior and a soft, slightly grainy interior.
- Serving: Aadai is commonly served with avial (a mixed vegetable dish in coconut and yogurt sauce), molagapodi (a spicy lentil powder), or chutney. Jaggery can also be served with aadai to provide a touch of sweetness.
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