Besan Chilla is a savory Indian pancake made with gram flour, vegetables, and spices. It is quick to prepare, nutritious, and perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a light meal.
Author:Benchi
Prep Time:20 minutes
Cook Time:5 minutes
Total Time:25 minutes
Yield:2 chillas
Category:Breakfast
Method:Pan-fry
Cuisine:Indian
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
1 cup Besan (gram flour)
1/4 teaspoon Ajwain (carom seeds)
1 teaspoon Red chili powder
1 teaspoon Coriander powder
1/4 teaspoon Turmeric powder
1/4 teaspoon Garam masala
Salt to taste
1 small Green chili, chopped
1/4 cup Tomato, finely chopped
1/3 cup Red onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup Spinach, finely chopped
1/4 cup Capsicum (green bell pepper), finely chopped
1/4 cup Carrots, grated
2 tablespoons Cilantro or coriander leaves, finely chopped
1/4 cup Plain yogurt
1 1/2 cups Water
Oil, to shallow fry cheela
Instructions
In a bowl, mix besan, carom seeds, turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, garam masala, and salt.
Add all chopped vegetables and green chili to the dry mix. Stir until evenly coated.
Add yogurt, then gradually add water while stirring to form a lump-free, runny batter.
Heat a pan on medium heat, add 2 teaspoons of oil and let it warm.
Pour a ladleful of batter onto the hot pan and spread it into a round pancake.
Cook one side for about 2 minutes until golden brown, then drizzle oil on top and edges.
Flip and cook the other side for 1-2 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
Remove from pan and serve hot with chutney or yogurt.
Notes
Use fresh besan to avoid bitterness.
Add water gradually to control batter consistency and prevent lumps.
Resting the batter helps with digestion and flavor blending.
Serve with mint chutney, tamarind chutney, or plain yogurt.