Rava Polo
A quick and savory Goan pancake made from semolina, fresh coconut, and finely chopped onions. This instant dosa is crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and perfect for a speedy breakfast.
For 4 servings
3 steps. 20 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Batter
- b.In a large mixing bowl, combine the fine rava, rice flour, grated coconut, finely chopped onion, green chilies, grated ginger, and coriander leaves. Mix well to combine all the dry ingredients.
- c.Add the tamarind pulp, sugar, and salt to the mixture.
- d.Gradually pour in about 2.5 cups of water, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. The batter should be thin and flowing, similar to the consistency of buttermilk. It should not be thick like a regular dosa batter.
- e.Cover the bowl and let the batter rest for at least 15-20 minutes. This crucial step allows the rava to absorb the water and soften, which is key to the final texture.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Cook the Rava Polo
- b.After resting, check the batter's consistency. It might have thickened slightly. If so, add a few more tablespoons of water to bring it back to a thin, pourable consistency. Stir well before making each polo, as the rava tends to settle at the bottom.
- c.Heat a non-stick tawa or a well-seasoned cast-iron griddle over medium-high heat. To check if it's ready, sprinkle a few drops of water; they should sizzle and evaporate immediately. Lightly grease the tawa with a few drops of oil.
- d.Pour a ladleful of the batter from a height of a few inches, starting from the outer edge and moving towards the center in a circular motion to create a lacy, net-like pancake. Fill in any large gaps with a little more batter, but do not spread it with the ladle.
- e.Drizzle about half a teaspoon of oil around the edges and on top of the polo.
- f.Cook for 2-3 minutes on medium heat. You will see the top surface looking cooked and the edges turning golden brown and lifting from the pan.
- g.Once the bottom is crisp and golden, carefully flip the polo. Cook the other side for another 1-2 minutes until it has light golden spots.
- h.Remove the polo from the tawa and place it on a serving plate. Repeat the process for the remaining batter, stirring the batter well each time before pouring.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Serve Hot
- b.Serve the Rava Polo immediately while it's hot and crispy.
- c.It pairs wonderfully with traditional Goan coconut chutney, sambar, or a simple tomato-onion chutney.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1The batter consistency is key. It must be thin and watery (like buttermilk) to achieve the signature crispy and lacy texture.
- 2Always stir the batter well from the bottom before making each polo, as the rava settles quickly.
- 3Ensure the tawa is very hot before pouring the batter. A cold or moderately hot tawa will result in a soft, thick polo that sticks.
- 4Pour the batter from a height to help create the net-like pattern. Do not try to spread it with the back of the ladle.
- 5Be patient while cooking the first side. Wait for the edges to become crisp and brown before attempting to flip, otherwise, the polo will break.
- 6Using a non-stick pan is highly recommended, especially if you are new to making this type of dosa.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetable Addition
Add 1/4 cup of finely grated carrots or finely chopped capsicum to the batter for added nutrition and a pop of color.
Spice it UpSpice it Up
For extra flavor and heat, add 1/2 teaspoon of crushed black peppercorns or 1/4 teaspoon of cumin seeds to the batter.
Herb InfusionHerb Infusion
Incorporate 1 tablespoon of finely chopped curry leaves into the batter along with the coriander for a more aromatic South Indian flavor profile.
Vegan OptionVegan Option
This recipe is naturally vegan. Ensure you use a plant-based oil like coconut oil or vegetable oil for cooking.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Source of Instant Energy
Semolina (rava) is rich in carbohydrates, providing a quick and sustained energy boost, making this an excellent breakfast to start your day.
Rich in Antioxidants
Ingredients like onion, ginger, and coriander leaves are packed with antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress and inflammation in the body.
Provides Healthy Fats
The inclusion of fresh coconut adds medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), a type of healthy fat that is easily digested and can provide a quick source of energy.
Good for Iron Levels
Semolina is a good source of iron, an essential mineral for producing red blood cells and preventing anemia.
Frequently asked questions
One serving of Rava Polo, which is typically two pieces, contains approximately 340-360 calories. The exact count can vary based on the amount of oil used for cooking and the size of the polos.