Karam Dosa: The Andhra Breakfast With A Fiery Chilli-Onion Spread

By Aditi Saraswat

August 17, 2026

 If regular dosa feels a bit boring, try having Karam dosa that adds a fiery Andhra twist to the breakfast table. Popular in the Rayalaseema region, it is spread with erra karam, a spicy red chilli-onion chutney, while garlic and roasted besan can add extra depth.

Ingredients

2 cups dosa batter 6–8 dried red chillies 3–4 garlic cloves 1 small onion, chopped 1 tsp cumin seeds 1 tbsp roasted gram dal ½ tsp red chilli powder Salt to taste 1 tsp lemon juice 1–2 tbsp water Oil, as required Fresh coriander, chopped

Step 1

Soak the dried red chillies in warm water for about 10 to 15 minutes. Drain them before using to make the spicy chutney.

Step 2

In a blender, blend the soaked red chillies with garlic, onion, cumin, roasted besan, salt and a few drops of lemon juice to make a smooth paste that can be easily spread.

Step 3

Heat the dosa tawa and pour dosa batter into the centre. Spread the batter thinly and drizzle a little oil around the edges.

Step 4

Once the dosa gets a bit crisp, spread a thin layer of the prepared karam chutney evenly on the dosa surface.

Step 5

Fold the dosa and serve it with coconut chutney or sambar for a delectable breakfast.