The fermented rice and lentil batter tradition of South India — producing dosa, idli, uttapam, and related preparations — is one of the most sophisticated fermentation technologies in world cooking. The specific combination of rice and urad dal (black lentil), their ratio, the grinding technique, and the fermentation environment all determine the final product. This tradition predates written records in South India and has been continuously practiced for at least 2,000 years.
The complete South Indian fermented batter system.
INDIAN CULINARY TRADITION — DEEP EXTRACTION