Besan Anda Cheela
A quick and protein-packed savory pancake made with chickpea flour, eggs, and fresh vegetables. This North Indian classic is perfect for a wholesome breakfast or a light evening snack, ready in minutes.
For 4 servings
9 steps. 20 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.In a large mixing bowl, combine the sifted besan, turmeric powder, red chili powder, cumin powder, garam masala, ajwain, and salt. Whisk the dry ingredients together to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Add the finely chopped onion, tomato, green chilies, and coriander leaves to the dry mixture. Give it a quick stir.
- 3
Crack the four eggs into the bowl and add the ginger-garlic paste
- a.Whisk everything vigorously until the eggs are well incorporated with the flour and vegetables.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Gradually pour in about 3/4 cup of water while whisking continuously to create a smooth, lump-free batter. The consistency should be pourable but not too thin, similar to a crepe batter. Add a little more water if it seems too thick. Let the batter rest for 5 minutes.
- 5
Heat a non-stick tawa or skillet over medium heat
- a.Once hot, lightly grease it with about 1/2 teaspoon of oil.
- 6
Pour a ladleful (about 1/4 cup) of the batter onto the center of the hot tawa
- a.Quickly and gently spread it outwards in a circular motion to form a thin pancake, about 6-7 inches in diameter.
- 7
Drizzle a few drops of oil around the edges of the cheela
- a.Cook for 2-3 minutes on medium heat, or until the top surface appears set and the edges start to lift from the pan.
- 8
Carefully slide a spatula underneath and flip the cheela
- a.Cook the other side for another 1-2 minutes until it has light golden-brown spots. Press gently with the spatula for even cooking.
- 9
Remove the cooked cheela and place it on a plate
- a.Repeat the process with the remaining batter, greasing the tawa lightly before each cheela. Serve hot with mint chutney, yogurt, or tomato ketchup.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For a lump-free batter, always add water gradually while whisking continuously.
- 2Letting the batter rest for 5-10 minutes allows the besan to hydrate, resulting in softer cheelas.
- 3Ensure your tawa is medium-hot. If it's too hot, the batter will set too quickly and be difficult to spread. If it's not hot enough, the cheela may stick.
- 4Use a non-stick pan for best results, as it requires minimal oil and prevents the cheela from breaking.
- 5For a crispier texture, spread the batter thinner and cook for a little longer on each side.
- 6Deseeding the tomatoes prevents the batter from becoming too watery.
Adapt it for your goals.
Add Vegetables
Incorporate other finely chopped or grated vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, spinach, or cabbage for added nutrition and flavor.
Vegan VersionVegan Version
Omit the eggs and increase the besan by 1/4 cup. Add a pinch of baking soda for fluffiness and adjust the water to get the right consistency.
Cheesy CheelaCheesy Cheela
After flipping the cheela, sprinkle some grated cheese (like cheddar or mozzarella) on top and let it melt before folding and serving.
Paneer StuffedPaneer Stuffed
Prepare a simple stuffing of crumbled paneer, onions, and spices. Spread it over one half of the cooked cheela before folding it over.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
The combination of chickpea flour (besan) and eggs provides a high-quality protein boost, essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function. It also promotes a feeling of fullness, aiding in weight management.
Naturally Gluten-Free
Made from chickpea flour, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it an excellent and safe choice for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
Rich in Fiber and Nutrients
Besan is a good source of dietary fiber, which aids digestion and helps maintain stable blood sugar levels. The addition of fresh vegetables further enhances its content of essential vitamins and minerals.
Good for Heart Health
This cheela is rich in complex carbohydrates, fiber, and healthy fats (if cooked with minimal oil). Ajwain (carom seeds) is also known to aid digestion and may have benefits for blood pressure.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is a very healthy dish. It's rich in protein from both besan (chickpea flour) and eggs, which helps in muscle building and keeps you full longer. It's also gluten-free and packed with vitamins and minerals from the vegetables.