wellhealthorganic.com Besan Chilla, also known as Besan ka Cheela, represents a delightful savory Indian pancake crafted from gram flour (besan), onions, tomatoes, herbs, and spices. Elevate its nutritional value by incorporating your preferred grated vegetables, making it an ideal option for a quick breakfast, brunch, or even a late-night snack.
Besan Chilla
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Cuisine: North Indian, Punjabi
- Course: Breakfast
- Diet: Gluten-Free, Vegan, Vegetarian
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Ingredients:
- 1 cup besan
- ¼ cup chopped onions
- ¼ cup chopped tomatoes
- ¼ cup chopped coriander leaves (cilantro)
- ½ to ⅔ teaspoon chopped green chilies
- ½ teaspoon chopped ginger
- ½ teaspoon carom seeds (ajwain)
- 3 pinches turmeric powder
- ¼ teaspoon red chili powder
- ½ to ⅔ cup water
- Salt to taste
- Oil as required
Also Read: Kadhi Pakora
Instructions:
Preparing Chilla Batter:
- In a mixing bowl, combine gram flour with onions, tomatoes, ginger, green chilies, ground spices, carom seeds, coriander leaves, and salt.
- Gradually add ½ cup water and whisk until well mixed.
- Adjust water quantity if needed to achieve a smooth, flowing batter consistency, ensuring there are no lumps.
Cooking Besan Chilla:
- Heat a frying pan or skillet over low to medium-low heat, greasing lightly with oil if using an iron skillet.
- Once the pan is adequately heated, pour a ladleful of batter onto it.
- Gently spread the batter with the back of the ladle to form a thin pancake, taking care not to break it.
- Cook on low flame until the top surface appears cooked.
- Drizzle some oil around the edges and on top of the chilla.
- Continue cooking until the underside turns light golden.
- Flip the chilla and cook the other side until golden spots appear.
- Fold and serve hot or warm.
Serving Suggestions:
- Enjoy Besan Chilla plain or with coriander chutney, mint chutney, tomato ketchup, or plain yogurt (curd) or raita.
- Pair with roti or bread, or use to make sandwiches with coriander chutney and butter.
- To store, keep warm and moist in a steel or roti box. Avoid refrigeration as it can make them dry and dense.
Also Read: Chinese Bhel
Notes:
- Customize by adding your favorite veggies like broccoli, carrots, bottle gourd, pumpkin, or zucchini. Finely chop or grate them for best results.
- Ensure fresh besan is used for optimal flavor.
- Adjust spices according to personal preference or for children.
- Optionally, for a fluffier texture akin to a vegan omelette, add a pinch of baking soda or ¼ teaspoon baking powder to the batter.