Looking for a quick and easy breakfast recipe that is packed with protein? Look no further than Besan Chilla!
This delicious dish is made from besan flour, and it's a great way to start your day.
In less than 30 minutes, you can have a tasty and nutritious vegetarian omelette that will keep you energized all morning long.
The appearance and texture of a rightly prepared Besan Cheela will be similar to an Omelette, except that this version is cholesterol-free and more importantly cruelty-free.
Call it a savory pancake or gram flour pancakes or vegan omelet, but it is sure to please your palate with a full serving of protein.
Try this besan cheela recipe as a quick breakfast option or as an evening snack...
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About this simple recipe
The high-quality protein content in besan helps to keep you feeling fuller for longer, while the iron content aids in keeping your energy levels up.
Additionally, this recipe is a good source of dietary fiber, which is essential for maintaining a healthy digestive system.
So if you're looking for a quick and easy breakfast that will give you sustained energy throughout the morning, be sure to try Besan ka Chilla! It's a delicious way to start your day.
Add a small portion of bell peppers or just green chillies to this tasty, nutritious, and colorful breakfast dish, and customize it how you like it.
I am sure everyone in your family will love to have a nutritious and tasty dish for breakfast.
It is usually paired with green chutney, mint chutney, or coconut chutney but also goes well with mixed fruit jams.
Ingredients notes
Besan flour: This is the main ingredient and it is important that you use fresh flour.
You can make besan flour at home by grinding the whole besan in a blender. I used store-bought besan flour that is vacuum-sealed.
Onions: You can use any type of onion - red, white, or yellow. I tend to use red onions for most dishes like this, as it gives out a bright color contrast.
Turmeric powder: This is optional, but I like to add a pinch of turmeric powder to my cheelas as it gives them a nice golden color.
Ajwain: Ajwain is also known as carom seeds and has a slightly pungent flavor. It is optional, but I like to add it to my besan chilla as it gives them a nice flavor. If you don't have ajwain, you can add cumin seeds.
Green chilies: This is optional because your kids might not like it if it's too spicy. You can add more or less depending on your preference.
See the recipe card for a list of ingredients and quantities, plus recipe instructions. You can find the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Instructions
In a large bowl, mix besan flour, ajwain, and salt.
Next add turmeric powder, chopped ginger, chopped onions, tomatoes, and chopped coriander leaves(cilantro).
Add water and use the whisk to make a smooth, thick batter without any lumps. The consistency of the batter should not be too thin.
Heat a non-stick pan or cast iron pan (Tawa) over medium heat and pour a ladleful of the batter on it. Lightly run the ladle in a circular motion to flatten the cheela.
Drizzle a few drops of oil.
Cook until both sides are golden brown and serve hot with some green chutney, coriander chutney, or coconut chutney.
My kids liked to pair the besan cheelas with a little tomato ketchup.
Recipe FAQ's
Yes, besan chilla is a healthy breakfast option. It is high in protein and fiber, and it also contains iron and other essential vitamins and minerals.
Yes, you can make besan chilla without onions. Just substitute the onions with some other chopped vegetables of your choice.
There is no scientific evidence to support the claim that besan chilla helps reduce weight. However, it is a high-protein and low-calorie breakfast option, so it can help you maintain a healthy weight if eaten in moderation.
Storage
Besan chilla is good when serve warm, but the batter can also be stored in the fridge for a day or two.
Since it only takes 30 minutes or less, make these as needed.
I do not suggest making a large batch for storage. On refrigeration, the chilla becomes dry and lightly dense.
Expert tips
- If the batter is too thick, add a little more water until it is of pouring consistency.
- You can also add some chopped vegetables like spinach, carrots, or green beans to the batter for added nutrition.
- If you don't have ajwain, you can substitute it with cumin seeds.
- For kids, you could skip the green chilies and red chili powder. Spices can be altered as per your taste.
- You can add baking soda or baking powder for a fluffy texture.
- Besan flour is also known as chickpea flour, gram flour, or channa flour.
Enjoy this simple recipe for a delicious, vegan-friendly, Besan Chilla recipe, and let me know how you like it!
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📖 Recipe
Besan Chilla
Process Shot
Check above for step-by-step pictures (most of my recipes include pictures)
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cup besan flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon turmeric powder
- ½ cup chopped tomatoes - or 1 small tomato
- ½ cup chopped onions - 1 small onions
- 2-3 tablespoon cilantro
- ½ - 1 teaspoon ajwain seeds
- 1 ½ cup water
- 2 tablespoon oil
- 1 green chili chopped - if you desired
- ¼ teaspoon chili powder - optional
- 1 teaspoon chopped ginger
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix besan flour, ajwain, and salt.1 ½ cup besan flour, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ - 1 teaspoon ajwain seeds
- Next add turmeric powder, chopped ginger, chopped onions, tomatoes, and chopped coriander leaves(cilantro).¼ teaspoon turmeric powder, ½ cup chopped tomatoes, ½ cup chopped onions, 2-3 tablespoon cilantro, 1 teaspoon chopped ginger, 1 green chili chopped
- Add water and use the whisk to make a smooth, thick batter without any lumps. The consistency of the batter should not be too thin.1 ½ cup water
- Heat a non-stick pan or cast iron pan (Tawa) over medium heat and pour a ladleful of the batter on it. Lightly run the ladle in a circular motion to flatten the cheela. Drizzle a few drops of oil.
- Cook until both sides are golden brown and serve hot with some green chutney, coriander chutney, or coconut chutney. My kids liked to pair the besan cheelas with a little tomato ketchup.
Video
Notes
- If the batter is too thick, add a little more water until it is of pouring consistency.
- You can also add some chopped vegetables like spinach, carrots, or green beans to the batter for added nutrition.
- If you don't have ajwain, you can substitute it with cumin seeds.
- For kids, you could skip the green chilies and red chili powder. Spices can be altered as per your taste.
- You can add baking soda or baking powder for a fluffy texture.
- Besan flour is also known as chickpea flour, gram flour, or channa flour.
YOUR OWN NOTES
Nutrition
Nutritional information is an estimation only.
This recipe was originally posted in September 2017. The recipe is updated and republished with new pictures, videos, and a few paragraphs.
Sudha says
First of all, i ABSOLUTELY love that you indicate the measures of the ingredients in the directions. Most helpful. Wish others did that as well so you are not scrolling back and forth. I am trying to be vegan so your recipes are extremely helpful. Thank you. And much success to you.
Uma Raghupathi says
I am delighted to hear 🙂 Thank you, Sudha! Good luck!
LaKita says
I haven't used besan flour much but this recipe was a great start! It's so tasty, filling, and a great meal to start the day with for breakfast.
Hayley Dhanecha says
This besan chilla looks absolutely delicious! I love how easy this recipe comes together, protein packed dish!
Loreto and Nicoletta says
This is a great breakfast idea for me. My day job is very physical, I need something substantial. Love the color and I can just smell the aroma!
Thanks for sharing!😍❤