Besan Cheela
A quick and healthy Indian savory pancake made from chickpea flour, packed with veggies and spices. Perfect for a nutritious gluten-free breakfast or a light snack, ready in under 30 minutes!
For 4 servings
3 steps. 20 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Batter (10 minutes)
- b.In a large mixing bowl, combine the sifted besan, ajwain, turmeric powder, red chilli powder, hing, and salt. Whisk the dry ingredients together.
- c.Gradually pour in 1.5 cups of water while whisking continuously to create a smooth, lump-free batter. The consistency should be similar to crepe batter—easily pourable but not watery.
- d.Stir in the finely chopped onion, tomato, green chillies, grated ginger, and fresh coriander leaves until evenly distributed.
- e.Cover the bowl and let the batter rest for at least 15-20 minutes. This step is crucial for hydrating the besan and results in softer cheelas.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Cook the Cheelas (20 minutes)
- b.Heat a non-stick tawa or a well-seasoned cast-iron skillet over medium heat. The pan is ready when a sprinkle of water sizzles and evaporates immediately.
- c.Lightly grease the tawa with about 1/2 teaspoon of oil.
- d.Stir the rested batter once more. Pour a ladleful (about 1/4 cup) onto the center of the hot tawa.
- e.Using the back of the ladle, quickly spread the batter in a circular motion to form a thin pancake, about 6-7 inches in diameter.
- f.Drizzle a few drops of oil around the edges of the cheela.
- g.Cook for 2-3 minutes on medium heat, until the top surface appears dry and the edges start to lift from the pan.
- h.Carefully slide a spatula underneath and flip the cheela. Cook the other side for another 1-2 minutes until golden-brown spots appear.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Serve
- b.Fold the cooked cheela in half and transfer it to a serving plate.
- c.Repeat the process with the remaining batter, greasing the tawa lightly before each cheela.
- d.Serve immediately while hot with mint chutney, tamarind chutney, or plain yogurt.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the smoothest batter, always sift the besan before mixing to eliminate lumps.
- 2Resting the batter is non-negotiable. It allows the besan to fully absorb the water, resulting in a soft, non-brittle texture.
- 3Maintain a consistent medium heat. A pan that's too hot will cook the batter instantly, preventing you from spreading it. A pan that's too cool will cause the cheela to stick.
- 4For a crispier texture, add 1-2 tablespoons of rice flour or fine semolina (sooji) to the dry ingredients.
- 5If the batter thickens while resting, simply add a tablespoon or two of water to bring it back to the correct pourable consistency.
- 6Ensure your tawa (skillet) is well-seasoned or has a good non-stick coating to prevent sticking and ensure easy flipping.
Adapt it for your goals.
Paneer Cheela
Add 1/2 cup of crumbled or grated paneer to the batter for a protein-packed version. You can also use it as a filling after the cheela is cooked on one side.
Vegetable CheelaVegetable Cheela
Incorporate other finely grated vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, cabbage, or chopped spinach into the batter for added nutrients and flavor.
Oats Besan CheelaOats Besan Cheela
For extra fiber, replace 1/2 cup of besan with 1/2 cup of powdered rolled oats. The texture will be slightly different but equally delicious.
Moong Dal CheelaMoong Dal Cheela
For a classic variation, use a batter made from soaked and ground yellow moong dal instead of besan. This version is lighter and has a distinct taste.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Plant-Based Protein
Chickpea flour (besan) is an excellent source of vegetarian protein, which is essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
Supports Digestive Health
High in dietary fiber and containing digestive-friendly spices like ajwain (carom seeds) and hing (asafoetida), this dish aids digestion, prevents bloating, and promotes a healthy gut.
Gluten-Free & Diabetic-Friendly
Naturally gluten-free, it's a safe and delicious option for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. Its low glycemic index helps in the slow release of sugar, aiding blood sugar management.
Packed with Nutrients
The addition of fresh vegetables like onions, tomatoes, and coriander provides a good dose of essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that help boost immunity and overall well-being.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, Besan Cheela is very healthy. It is rich in plant-based protein and fiber from chickpea flour, naturally gluten-free, and packed with vitamins from the added vegetables. Its low glycemic index makes it an excellent choice for managing blood sugar levels.