Besan Chilla: A Quick and Nutritious Indian Pancake

Welcome to a delicious, nutritious, and easy-to-make recipe for Besan Chilla! A popular Indian snack, chilla is a savory pancake packed with protein, flavor, and versatility. Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or as a light snack, it's perfect for anyone looking for a wholesome, vegetarian meal that's quick to whip up.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Rest Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Servings: 2-3

Vegetarian: Yes

Vegan: Yes (if made without ghee)

Gluten-Free: Yes (using gluten-free chickpea flour)

Nutrition (per serving)

• Calories: ~434 kcal
• Protein: ~20.1 g
• Carbohydrates: ~61 g
• Fat: ~11.0 g
• Fiber: ~12.5 g
• Sugars: ~9.3 g

Ingredients

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• 1 cup chickpea flour (besan)
• 1/2 cup water (adjust for desired consistency)
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
• 1/4 cup grated carrot or zucchini (optional)
• 2 tbsp finely chopped coriander leaves
• 1/2 tsp cumin seeds
• Salt to taste
• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder (optional)
• 1/4 tsp red chili powder (optional)
• Oil for greasing

• 2 cups chickpea flour (besan)
• 1 cup water (adjust for desired consistency)
• 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
• 1/2 cup grated carrot or zucchini (optional)
• 4 tbsp finely chopped coriander leaves
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• Salt to taste
• 1 tsp turmeric powder (optional)
• 1/2 tsp red chili powder (optional)
• Oil for greasing

• 3 cups chickpea flour (besan)
• 1 1/2 cups water (adjust for desired consistency)
• 3/4 cup finely chopped onion
• 3/4 cup grated carrot or zucchini (optional)
• 6 tbsp finely chopped coriander leaves
• 1 1/2 tsp cumin seeds
• Salt to taste
• 1 1/2 tsp turmeric powder (optional)
• 3/4 tsp red chili powder (optional)
• Oil for greasing

• 4 cups chickpea flour (besan)
• 2 cups water (adjust for desired consistency)
• 1 cup finely chopped onion
• 1 cup grated carrot or zucchini (optional)
• 8 tbsp finely chopped coriander leaves
• 2 tsp cumin seeds
• Salt to taste
• 2 tsp turmeric powder (optional)
• 1 tsp red chili powder (optional)
• Oil for greasing

• 5 cups chickpea flour (besan)
• 2 1/2 cups water (adjust for desired consistency)
• 1 1/4 cups finely chopped onion
• 1 1/4 cups grated carrot or zucchini (optional)
• 10 tbsp finely chopped coriander leaves
• 2 1/2 tsp cumin seeds
• Salt to taste
• 2 1/2 tsp turmeric powder (optional)
• 1 1/4 tsp red chili powder (optional)
• Oil for greasing

Instructions

• Step 1
  Prepare the Batter
  In a mixing bowl, combine chickpea flour, salt, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and cumin seeds. Gradually add water while whisking to avoid lumps, forming a smooth batter.
• Step 2
  Add Veggies
  Add chopped onions, grated carrots or zucchini, and coriander leaves. Mix well.
• Step 3
  Cook the Chilla
  Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and lightly grease it with oil. Pour a ladleful of batter onto the pan, spreading it thinly in a circular shape like a pancake.
• Step 4
  Flip and Serve
  Cook each side for about 2-3 minutes until golden brown. Serve hot with green chutney or yogurt for an extra kick.

Tips for Perfect Chilla

• Veggie Variations: Feel free to add any finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or tomatoes for added flavor and nutrition.
• Consistency: Adjust the water quantity to get a thinner or thicker chilla as per your preference.
• Serving Suggestions: Pair your chilla with mint chutney, yogurt, or even a dash of ketchup for a tangy touch.

Chilla is a fantastic option for a filling and nutritious meal, and it fits into many dietary needs: vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free. Quick, customizable, and delicious - chilla has it all. Try this recipe and elevate your snack game with this traditional Indian delight!