Mini Besan Chilla
Soft, savory chickpea flour pancakes, dotted with tiny bits of vegetables. These mini chillas are perfectly sized for little hands, making them a wonderful and nutritious breakfast or snack for toddlers.
For 4 servings
Prepare the chilla batter
In a mixing bowl, combine the sifted besan, turmeric powder, cumin seeds, and salt. Mix well.
TIPSifting the besan helps in making a lump-free and smooth batter.Add water and vegetables
- Gradually add water to the dry ingredients, whisking continuously to form a smooth, pourable batter. The consistency should be similar to pancake batter, not too thick or too thin.
- Stir in the finely chopped onion, tomato, ginger, green chili, and coriander leaves.
- Mix everything together until well combined.
Rest the batter
Cover the bowl and let the batter rest for 15 minutes. This helps the flavors to meld and results in softer chillas.
TIPDon't skip the resting time; it's key for a better texture, especially for toddlers.Cook the mini chillas
- Heat a non-stick pan or tawa over medium heat. Grease it lightly with a few drops of mustard oil.
- Pour a small ladleful (about 2 tablespoons) of batter onto the pan to form a small, 3-inch circle.
- Cook for 1-2 minutes on one side, or until the edges start to lift and the top looks set.
- Flip the chilla gently and cook for another minute on the other side until golden brown spots appear.
- Repeat with the remaining batter to make about 8 mini chillas.
TIPKeep the heat on medium-low to ensure the chillas cook through without burning.Serve warm
Serve the mini besan chillas warm. They are soft enough for toddlers to eat as is.
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, add water gradually while whisking constantly.
- 2Ensure all vegetables are very finely chopped so they are easy for a toddler to chew.
- 3A non-stick pan is highly recommended for making chillas with minimal oil.
- 4You can add other finely grated vegetables like carrot or zucchini to the batter for extra nutrition.
- 5Cook on medium-low heat to ensure the chillas are cooked through and remain soft.
- 6The batter can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Stir well before using.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is very healthy. Besan is a good source of protein and fiber. The added vegetables provide essential vitamins and minerals, making it a balanced and nutritious meal for a growing toddler.
