The Besan ka Cheela recipe is a tasty and healthy Indian dish... It's not only easy to prepare but also very versatile! Made with chickpea flour, this savory pancake is quick to cook and packed with protein and fiber. Therefore, it’s perfect for a nutritious breakfast or a yummy snack!
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Why You'll ❤️ Love This Recipe
- ⏱️ You can whip it up in no time, perfect for busy mornings or snacks! 🍞
- 💪 Packed with protein and fiber, it’s a healthy choice for any meal. 🥦
- 🌶️ Customize it with your favorite veggies or spices.
- 😋 The savory flavor makes it a tasty treat everyone will enjoy.
- 🍳 Great for breakfast, lunch, or even as an appetizer! 🥳
🩵 About Besan Chilla Recipe
The Besan Cheela recipe comes from India and is a popular breakfast choice. It’s also called Besan ka Chilla in some places. Basically, it’s a pancake made from gram flour (besan) mixed with spices and vegetables.
In different parts of India, people simply call it cheela. One of the best things about the besan cheela recipe is how versatile it is. For example, you can add various vegetables or spices based on what you enjoy!
What makes Besan Chilla so appealing is its simplicity. You can easily mix in chopped onions, tomatoes, or spinach to boost the flavor and nutrition.
For an even more delicious breakfast, give these mouthwatering recipes a try: Sambar Rice, Egg Paratha, Moong Dal Recipe, Bise Bele Bath Recipe. Each one offers a unique and tasty way to start your day! 😊🍽️
I remember one Sunday morning when my mother and I decided to make besan cheela together.
While mixing the batter, we chatted and laughed, making it a fun bonding time. When we served the hot chillas with spicy chutney, it felt like a cozy celebration!
Another time, I had a cooking party with my friends. We each added our favorite veggies to the batter. Then, it was hilarious to see who could make the biggest cheela!
After that, we enjoyed our tasty creations and shared funny stories. In the end, it turned out to be a really memorable day!
What is Chilla - Cheela? 🤔🥞
Chilla, also spelled as cheela, are savory pancakes from India made with different lentils and cereals. Instead of being sweet, like regular pancakes, they have a unique twist by using various ingredients that give them a special flavor.
You can make these pancakes using ingredients like chana dal, moong dal, or mixed lentils. Not only do these lentils add a rich, earthy taste, but they also pack in lots of nutrients. So, you get delicious pancakes that are good for you, too!
Mint chutney and tamarind chutney are both refreshing and tangy dips that really enhance the meal. On the other hand, yogurt raita adds a cooling touch, which helps balance out the spices.
What you Need to Make This Chilla Recipe 🥄🍳🥄
🥘 Recipe Ingredients
- Besan (Gram Flour)
- Turmeric Powder
- Cumin Seeds
- Ajwain (Carom seeds)
- Red Chili Powder
- Salt
- Onions
- Tomatoes
- Cilantro (Coriander Leaves)
- Green Chilies (Optional)
- Oil (for cooking)
See recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.
Ingredients Notes
- Besan (Chickpea Flour): High in protein and fiber, gluten-free, and provides a nutty flavor.
- Vegetables: Adds nutrition, color, and flavor; can be customized based on preference.
- Spices: Enhances taste and aroma, making the cheela more flavorful.
How to Make Besan Ka Cheela Recipe 🍳🌿🥙
🔪 Step By Step Instructions-Chilla Recipe
1. Prepare the Chilla Batter 🥄🍛
- First, in a large mixing bowl, combine besan with turmeric powder, cumin seeds, ajwain, red chili powder, and salt.
- Next, add water gradually to create a smooth, lump-free batter. It should have a pancake-like consistency, so make sure it’s not too thick or too runny.
2. Add Vegetables 🥕🌶️🍅
- After that, stir in the chopped onions, tomatoes, cilantro, and green chilies if you want some spice. Mix thoroughly to ensure the vegetables are evenly distributed in the batter.
3. Cook the Chilla 🍳🥞
- Then, heat a non-stick skillet or frying pan over medium heat and add a little oil.
- Once the oil is hot, pour a ladleful of batter onto the pan and spread it into a thin, even circle.
- Cook for about 2-3 minutes on one side until bubbles appear and the edges turn golden brown.
- Flip the chilla and cook for another 1-2 minutes on the other side until it’s crispy and fully cooked.
4. Serve 🍽️😊
- At last, remove the chilla from the pan and place it on a serving plate.
- You can serve the besan ka cheela warm with chutney or yogurt on the side. This step is crucial because the chilla tastes best when it’s freshly cooked and hot!
📖 Variations
- You can make your chilla even more exciting by adding colorful veggies like onions, tomatoes, and spinach.
- For a cheesy surprise, sprinkle some grated cheese on top! If you like spice, toss in green chilies and fresh herbs for extra flavor!
🍴 Serving
- To enjoy your Besan ka Cheela at its best, serve the recipe hot and crisp right after cooking!
- If you need to save them for later, stack them in a steel box to keep them warm. But remember, cooking them fresh is always ideal!
🥡 Storage
I wouldn’t recommend refrigerating the chilla because they can get dry and dense.
Plus, reheating won’t revive their original flavors, making them taste a bit dull. Instead, it’s best to cook the chilla just before serving to enjoy their delicious crispiness!
Reheat Methods
1. Skillet Method 🍳🔥
- First, heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Then, place the chilla in the skillet for about 2-3 minutes on each side until it’s warm and crispy.
2. Oven Method 🍞🔥
- First, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Next, place the cheela on a baking sheet. Then, heat them for about 5-7 minutes. This way, they become nice and crispy!
3. Microwave Method 🍽️⚡
- If you're in a hurry, you can use the microwave. Just place the chilla on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 30-40 seconds. However, this might make them a bit soft.
💡 Expert Tips
✓-Start with Quality: Use fresh besan (gram flour) for the best taste.
✓-Mix Well: Combine besan with water gradually to avoid lumps.
✓-Add Flavor: Include spices like turmeric, cumin, and chili powder for extra flavor.
✓-Chop Veggies: Dice vegetables like onions, tomatoes, and bell peppers to mix in.
✓-Rest the Batter: Let the batter sit for 10-15 minutes; this helps it thicken.
✓-Heat the Pan: Use a non-stick pan and heat it well before pouring the batter.
✓-Oil Smartly: Add a little oil to the pan to prevent sticking, but don’t overdo it.
✓-Cook Until Golden: Flip the cheela when bubbles form; cook until both sides are golden brown.
✓-Serve Hot: Enjoy with chutney or yogurt for a tasty meal!
Did you try this recipe? Leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating below and share it on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest!
❔FAQs
While traditional Besan Chilla uses gram flour, you can experiment with other flours such as rice flour or multigrain flour.
To make the batter, mix besan with water, turmeric, cumin seeds, ajwain, red chili powder, and salt to form a smooth, lump-free mixture. You can adjust the water to achieve a pancake-like consistency.
Freezing Besan Chilla is not recommended as it can affect the texture. They tend to become dry and lose their crispiness upon thawing. It is best to prepare and enjoy them fresh, or store them in an airtight container and reheat as needed.
Besan Chilla Recipe
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 Cup Besan (gram flour)
- ½ Cup Water (adjust as needed)
- ½ teaspoon Turmeric powder
- ½ teaspoon Cumin seeds
- ½ teaspoon Ajwain (carom seeds)
- ½ teaspoon Red chili powder
- ½ teaspoon Salt (or to taste)
- ½ Cup Finely chopped onions
- ½ Cup Finely chopped tomatoes
- ¼ Cup Chopped cilantro (coriander leaves)
- 1-2 Green chilies, finely chopped (optional)
- 1 tablespoon Oil (for cooking)
Instructions
Prepare the Chilla Batter
- In a large mixing bowl, combine besan with turmeric powder, cumin seeds, ajwain, red chili powder, and salt.
- Add water gradually to create a smooth, lump-free batter. This mixture should have a pancake-like consistency. At this point, it is important to ensure the batter is not too thick or too runny.
Add Vegetables
- After that, stir in the chopped onions, tomatoes, cilantro, and green chilies if using. Mix throughly to ensure the vegetables distribute evenly in the batter
Cook the Chilla
- Heat a non-stick skillet or frying pan over medium heat and add a little oil.
- Once the oil is hot, pour a ladleful of batter onto the pan and spread it out into a thin, even circle.
- Cook for about 2-3 minutes on one side, or until bubbles start to appear and the edges become golden brown.
- Flip the chilla and cook for another 1-2 minutes on the other side. This time, make sure it is crispy and cooked through.
Serve
- At last, remove the chilla from the pan and place it on a serving plate.
- You can serve besan ka cheela recipe it warm with chutney or yogurt on the side. This step is crucial as the chilla tastes best when freshly cooked and hot.
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