Neer Dosa | Mangalorean Neer Dose

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Thin yet fluffy, lacy and light, this Neer Dosa recipe yields a breakfast that you’re sure to love. Also known as neer dose and a special breakfast from the Mangalorean cuisine, these super soft and tasty Indian crepes are made with a handful of ingredients – rice, water and salt. They also just so happen to be naturally gluten free and vegan, making them the perfect menu item for your weekend brunch.

three folded neer dosas on a white plate with a bowl of veg kurma in the background

About Neer Dosa

Neer dosa are is a popular dosa variant from the Indian state of Karnataka. “Neer” means “water” in the Tulu language, meaning this dish is literally known as “water dosa.” They are so named because the batter is quite thin and watery, unlike the usual thick dosa batter.

One of my aunts – who is from the Bunt community in Mangalore – introduced me to this lovely breakfast specialty. I make them often because they are easy to prepare and don’t require any fermentation (or much forethought).

These lacy dosa pair well with coconut chutney for a delicious breakfast, or can be added to your tiffin box for a nice addition to your packed lunch.

Since they are so light, you can easily devour 5 to 6 of them in one sitting, so make sure you plan accordingly when making the batter.

Neer dosa are easy to prepare as fermentation is not required. You just need to soak the rice for about 4 to 5 hours and then grind it. If you want to eat the neer dosa first thing, you have to soak the rice overnight.

If you’re in a real rush, you can also swap in rice flour to cut back on soaking time. Rice flour requires just a 30 minute soak in water prior to making the batter. I sometimes use this tip when we wake up extra hungry and have cravings for neer dosa. Once the batter is ready, you can start making the crepes and eat them hot from the pan.

Apart from coconut chutney, neer dosa can also be served with Veg Sagu, Vegetable Kurma or Potato Kurma. For kids, it is commonplace to serve this dosa with coconut milk or milk sweetened with some jaggery.

Step-by-Step Guide

How to Make Neer Dosa

Make Rice Batter

1. Soak 1 cup rice for 4 to 5 hours or overnight, using enough water to cover it. I generally soak overnight and then grind or blend the next day.

soaked rice for neer dosa recipe

2. Drain the soaked rice and add the grains to a powerful blender or mixer-grinder.

soaked rice added to a grinder jar

3. Add *just* enough of water for grinding the rice – about ¼ to ⅓ cup. If you add plenty of water, you won’t be able to grind the rice well.

grinding rice with water for making neer dosa recipe

4. Grind or blend to a smooth batter and then pour it in another bowl or pan. The batter should not have any coarse particles of rice. If the mixer-grinder becomes hot, then wait for a few minutes for it to cool down and then grind again.

rice and water batter for neer dosa recipe

5. Add more water to get a thin, flowing, watery consistency almost like that of milk. The addition of water depends on the quality and kind of rice; add water accordingly. Now you can add from 1.5 to 2 cups of water. I added 2 cups of water for 1 cup of rice.

spoon drizzling neer dose batter to show proper consistency

6. Add salt as required and mix well.

adding salt to neer dose batter

Cook Neer Dose

7. In a cast iron skillet or tawa or a nonstick pan, drizzle ½ teaspoon of oil with a high smoke point.

TIP: If using a cast iron skillet, sprinkle some water to check the temperature of the pan before adding the oil. If the water droplets sizzle and evaporate, then the pan is ready to make dosas. Avoid using this method on a nonstick pan as adding water on a hot nonstick pan will affect the coating.

adding oil to a hot tawa

8. Spread the oil all over with a spoon, a small piece of cotton kitchen towel or a halved onion.

spreading the oil over the tawa using the back of a spoon

9. Stir the batter in the bowl and take a ladle full of batter.

ladleful of dosa batter above the hot tawa

10. Then pour the batter moving from the outside of the pan to the inside, like we do for Rava dosa. You can also spread the batter by tilting and rotating the pan.

Do not spread the batter with the back of the ladle like we do for regular dosa.

spreading batter for neer dosa recipe

11. Fill in any large gaps with extra batter.

preparing neer dosas by filling in large gaps with more batter

12. Cover with a lid and cook the neer dosa until cooked through. Don’t brown it.

covered pan

13. In the photo below, the neer dosa is done. When the the batter has firmed up and looks cooked, the dosa is done. The edges or sides will also separate from the pan.

These rice crepes are never flipped. Only the base has to be cooked well.

You can choose to drizzle some oil on the top of the neer dosa if you prefer.

neer dosa after cooking - it is still pale white, but looks lacy and has separated from the tawa

14.Fold the completed neer dosa into a triangle on the tawa or skillet itself.

completed neer dose folded into a triangle on the tawa

15. Then remove the dosa and place it on a plate. Make the remaining neer dosa this way and place them separately – without them touching each other – on a plate.

Once they cool down, you can keep them in a casserole or an airtight container/dabba.

three neer dosas cooling on a plate without touching

16. Serve neer dosa warm with coconut chutney, potato sagu, or veg kurma. Neer dosa will remain soft even after they cool down, so you can serve them later, too.

Since they remain soft, they are a good option to pack in tiffin-box or lunch-box.

Storage

Once the dosas are done cooking, don’t stack them while they are still hot as they will stick to each other. Stack them up only when they are thoroughly cooled. Or you can choose to place them between parchment papers.

You may ask “Can we keep neer dosa batter in fridge?”.

My answer is yes, you can. It stays good for a 1 to 2 days. Store it in an air-tight container. I would not recommend storing it for more than 2 days as the batter can go sour or become rancid.

If in case the batter has thickened a bit after refrigeration, then add a splash of water to thin the consistency slightly.

three folded neer dosas on a white plate with a bowl of coconut chutney in the background

Tips & Tricks for Best Neer Dosa

These simple, lacy rice crepes are rather easy to make. That said, I have assembled a list of my best advice for ensuring they come out perfectly every time.

A Thin Batter is the key to get perfect neer dose

The batter consistency should be watery, thin and flowing. The batter should not be thick. If the batter has a pouring consistency, then you will get the coveted tiny holes and lacy appearance of neer dose. If you cannot easily pour the batter, then you’ll need to add some more water to thin it down.

Thick batter will cause cracks in the neer dosa; be sure to have a pourable, thin consistency.

If the batter becomes too thin, then the dosas will fall flat and break while lifting. In this case, add some rice flour to slightly thicken the batter.

Cooking these soft crepes in the best way

Much like pancakes, you need to heat the skillet or tawa very well before you pour the batter. Before making each neer dose, stir the batter very well with the ladle as it tends to settle over time.

The tawa or skillet should be well-seasoned if you are using a cast iron one. You could also opt to use non-stick pan. If the cast iron skillet is not properly seasoned, the batter or the dosa will stick to the pan.

Variations

The addition of coconut is optional, but adds a lovely flavor and texture. Add about 2 to 3 tablespoons of fresh grated coconut while grinding the batter. You can also consider adding 1 to 2 tablespoons of unsweetened desiccated coconut.

We make neer dose with either of the Indian varieties of rice like sona masuri, surti kolam, ponni or parmal rice. Basmati rice will also work.

FAQs

Can I use rice flour to make these?

Yes, you can. Just soak the rice flour in water for at least 30 minutes and up to 2 hours. For a slightly fermented taste, you can also keep the flour soaking at room temperature overnight.

Why are my dosa coming out crispy instead of soft?

Uh oh, sounds like the batter must have been of a medium to thick consistency. Simply add a few tablespoons of water to loosen it up, stir the batter thoroughly and try again.

Why does Neer dosa crack?

If the batter becomes too thin or thick then the neer dose will crack or break. The batter thickens gradually as it gets up used in preparing the first several dosas. So you need to add a splash of water to thin it a bit. On the contrary if you make a very thin batter, then also the neer dosa will crack.

Once folded, do the neer dosa stick?

When the dosa are hot, they will stick together. That’s why neer dosa are not stacked like regular dosas and are instead set on a plate without touching each other.

Why aren’t they coming out lacy like yours?

If the tawa becomes too hot, then it becomes difficult to get the lacy effect. If you use a cast iron tawa, then sprinkling some water brings down the temperature of the surface.

For nonstick, just remove the tawa from flame for a minute and then place it back on the flame. Do not sprinkle water on nonstick tawa as the nonstick coating wears off.

Can I use basmati rice instead?

Yes! The rice need not be thick and starchy. You can use any regular variety of short-grained or medium-grained rice. For 1 cup of rice flour, start with adding ½ cup water. Stir and then add more water to make a thin batter. Let the rice batter rest for at least 30 minutes before you make the dosa, stirring well before pan-frying.

If you still have a craving for dosas, I don’t blame you! Here are other varieties of this delightful Indian treat.

More Dosa Varieties!

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three folded neer dosas on a white plate.

Neer Dosa | Mangalorean Neer Dose

Neer Dosa are soft, thin, light and lacy crepes from the Mangalorean cuisine. These soft crepes made with a finely ground batter of rice, water and salt. No fermentation is required for making these naturally gluten-free and vegan crepes.
4.84 from 48 votes
Prep Time 5 hours
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 5 hours 30 minutes
Cuisine Karnataka, South Indian
Course Breakfast
Diet Gluten Free, Vegan
Difficulty Level Moderate
Servings 18 Neer Dosa
Units

Ingredients

  • 1 cup rice – 200 grams, (sona masuri or parmal rice or surti kolam)
  • water as required for soaking rice
  • ¼ to ⅓ cup water to grind or blend
  • 1.5 to 2 cups water to be added later
  • salt as required
  • oil as required

Instructions
 

Making neer dosa batter

  • Rinse the rice grains a few times. Soak them in enough water for 4 to 5 hours or overnight.
  • Later drain the soaked rice and add them in a blender or a mixer-grinder.
  • Add water for grinding or blending the rice. Do not add a lot of water as then you won't be able to grind the rice finely.
  • Grind to a smooth and fine batter and then transfer the batter to another bowl or pan.
  • Add water again to get a thin, flowing, runny and watery consistency. I added 2 cups of water.
  • The addition of water depends on the quality and kind of rice. So add water as needed.
  • Then add salt as required and mix well.

Making neer dosa

  • Heat a cast iron pan or a non stick pan on medium to medium-high heat. Drizzle ½ teaspoon of oil.
  • Just spread the oil all over with a spoon or small piece of cotton kitchen napkin or with half of an onion.
  • Stir the batter in the bowl with the ladle. Then fill the ladle with the batter.
  • Pour the batter moving outwards to inside like the way we do for rava dosa.
  • Fill in the large gaps too with some of the batter.
  • Cover with a lid and cook the dosa till the batter firms up. Don't brown it or flip it. The edges will also separate when the dosa is cooked. You can drizzle a bit of oil on the top of neer dosa if you prefer.
  • Make a triangular fold on the tawa itself.
  • Then remove the dosa and place it in a plate. Make neer dosa this way and place them separately without them touching each other in a plate.
  • Serve neer dosa hot or warm with coconut chutney, veg sagu, veg korma.

Notes

Batter Consistency

  • Keep in mind that the batter consistency for neer dosa should be runny, watery, thin and flowing. It should not be thick or with a medium consistency. If the batter has a pouring consistency, then you will get lacy appearance of neer dose. If you cannot easily pour the batter, then you’ll need to add some more water to thin it down.
  • A thicker batter or a very thin batter will make for cracks in the neer dosa. So make sure to have a pourable, thin consistency.
  • If the batter becomes too thin, then the dosa will fall flat and break while lifting. In this case, add some rice flour to slightly thicken the batter.

Cooking Neer Dose

  • You do need to heat the skillet or tawa very well before you pour the batter. Keep the heat to medium or medium-high. Remember to use a well seasoned cast iron tawa or skillet, so that the batter does not stick. 
  • Before making each neer dose, stir the batter very well with the ladle as the ground rice particles tends to settle over time.

Variations

  • You can consider adding about 2 to 3 tablespoons of fresh grated coconut while grinding the batter. It gives a lovely flavor. 
  • You can use Indian rice varieties like sona masuri, surti kolam or parimal rice. Basmati rice will also work.
 

Storage

  • Once the neer dosa are made, then don’t stack them up while they are hot as then they will stick to each other. Once cooled then you can stack them up. Or you can place a parchment paper between each neer dose. 
  • Neer dosa are best enjoyed hot or warm. But you can also eat them when they cool as they remain soft and taste good. Thereby making them a good option to pack in a tiffin box. 

Nutrition Info (Approximate Values)

Nutrition Facts
Neer Dosa | Mangalorean Neer Dose
Amount Per Serving
Calories 55 Calories from Fat 18
% Daily Value*
Fat 2g3%
Saturated Fat 1g6%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g
Monounsaturated Fat 2g
Sodium 68mg3%
Potassium 12mg0%
Carbohydrates 8g3%
Fiber 1g4%
Sugar 1g1%
Protein 1g2%
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) 1mg67%
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) 1mg59%
Vitamin B3 (Niacin) 1mg5%
Vitamin B6 1mg50%
Vitamin E 1mg7%
Vitamin K 1µg1%
Calcium 4mg0%
Vitamin B9 (Folate) 1µg0%
Iron 1mg6%
Magnesium 3mg1%
Phosphorus 12mg1%
Zinc 1mg7%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

This Neer Dosa from the archives first published in April 2015. It has been updated on November 2024.

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111 Comments

    1. deeps, looks like the batter must have been of medium to thick consistency. then the dosas do turn out crisp. so try to make the batter on the thinner side.

    1. Neer Dosa can only be done with rice flour.
      You should know what quantity of water and rice flour to be added.

  1. Thank You for such delicious recipe, it is very easy and instant substitute of Dosa, I also add some Ginger-Garlic paste, Green Chilly, Onion & Coriander, it’s so yummy. Thanks again

    1. thanks rajesh for this feedback. the variations you have added must have made the neer dosas taste yum.

  2. Hi Dassana,

    I had taken 1.5 cups of sona masuri rice and soaked it overnight. I had added almost 2.25 cups of water to make batter. When I poured in the pan, it started breaking from the pan. While pouring it didn’t give that holes also and was watery. I added more rice flour since I thought it was due to more water. After that it started coming fine and I was able to save some dosa. Again later it began to break and come out of pan. I am confused on whether it is due to more water or less water. Is there a way to check the batter. I had actually got a milk like consistency.
    Please help ?

    1. Remya, If the batter becomes too thin then the dosas will break. It is because of more water. What happens is that when you add rice flour, the rice flour gets used up in preparing the dosa. As a result the batter becomes thin. so as you go on making dosas you can add some more rice flour. this also happens while making rava dosa.

      1. Thanks for the reply.. I made a second batch with less water. Also added some coconut and boiled rice as I got some tips from my maid who was in Mangalore. Came out really well ?

        1. thats great. coconut can be added and with boiled rice also neer dosa tastes good. thanks for sharing these bits.

  3. Once we fold the dosa does it stick or is it unfolded easily? I couldn’t unfold the dosa I prepared. Also few dosa’s had tiny holes and lacy effect but next few were more limpy and less lacy effect and holes than first few. What could be the reason? I was stirring the batter before taking it in the spoon5 stars

    1. once once you fold the dosa, they stick. its difficult to unfold them. thats why neer dosas are not stacked like regular dosas. if the tawa becomes more hot, then it becomes difficult to get the lacy effect. this could have happened with the subsequent dosas. if you use a iron tawa, then sprinkling some water brings down the temperature of the tawa. for non stick just remove the tawa from flame for a few seconds and then keep back on the flame. do not sprinkle water on non stick tawa as the non stick coating wears off.

      1. Next time I will try Not to overheat my pan. I love your recipes. The best part of your recipes is accurate measurement of ingredients. You must have studied and experimented a lot before putting this on your website.

        1. pleased to know this thank you for your kind and positive words 🙂 yes we do a lot of home work and research before posting on the blog.

  4. Hi Dasanna,
    I just love your recipes. Thank you so much for sharing such great recipes with us. I am planning to try your neer dosa recipe today. I have tried many of your recipes and they have always turned out great. My husband loves the meals I prepare and it is possible only because of you. Since we live in the UK, we used to miss Indian food as there are not many good Indian restaurants where we live. Thanks to you I can prepare most of the stuff at home now.

  5. Hi Dassana, I’m a huge fan of your website and use it religiously. Tried the neer dosa but something went wrong, there were no tiny holes and it got brown really fast! Will try it again but any suggestions where I’ve gone wrong?

    1. thanks. i feel the batter needed to be thin. if the batter is even slightly thick, then the holes or lacy effect won’t be there. and getting browned is due to the type/quality of pan. always cook on a low flame when the pan gets heated fast.

  6. Hi, thanks for the recipe. I am from Mangalore, where it is originated from and I add coconut milk to the batter to give it an authentic Mangalore Neer dosa taste.

    1. thankyou smita 🙂 for sharing this information would try next time adding coconut milk and you are welcome.

  7. Hi amit
    Thanks a lot ur recipes r so easy n yummy.
    I tried them n yumm it goes n with no time u canmake it
    Thanks a lot dear
    Keep the good work n give us yummy n easy recipes
    Thanks again5 stars