Tomato Omelette
A savory Indian pancake made with chickpea flour, tomatoes, and onions. This quick, protein-rich dish is a fantastic vegan and gluten-free alternative to traditional egg omelettes, perfect for breakfast.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 20 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Batter
- b.In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the besan (chickpea flour), turmeric powder, red chili powder, ajwain, hing, and salt.
- c.Gradually add about 1.5 cups of water while whisking continuously to form a smooth, lump-free batter.
- d.Add more water as needed, a little at a time, until you reach a flowing consistency similar to crepe or pancake batter—not too thick and not too thin.
- e.Cover the bowl and let the batter rest for 15 minutes. This allows the besan to hydrate fully, resulting in a softer omelette.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Add Vegetables
- b.After the batter has rested, stir in the finely chopped tomato, onion, green chili, grated ginger, and chopped coriander leaves.
- c.Mix everything well until the vegetables are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Cook the Omelettes
- b.Heat a non-stick skillet or a well-seasoned cast-iron tawa over medium heat. Add about 1/2 teaspoon of oil and spread it evenly.
- c.Once the pan is hot, pour a ladleful of batter (about 1/3 cup) onto the center. Quickly and gently spread it outwards in a circular motion to form a 5-6 inch pancake.
- d.Drizzle a few drops of oil around the edges of the omelette.
- e.Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the top surface looks set and the edges begin to turn golden brown and lift from the pan.
- f.Carefully flip the omelette using a spatula and cook the other side for another 1-2 minutes until it's cooked through and has golden-brown spots.
- g.Slide the cooked omelette onto a plate and repeat the process with the remaining batter, adding a little oil to the pan for each one.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Serve
- b.Serve the tomato omelettes hot off the pan.
- c.They pair wonderfully with mint-coriander chutney, tomato ketchup, or a side of toast and your favorite pickle.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Resting the batter for at least 15 minutes is crucial for a soft texture and prevents the omelettes from becoming dry.
- 2Ensure your pan is sufficiently hot before pouring the batter to prevent it from sticking and to achieve crispy edges.
- 3Maintain a consistent medium heat. If the heat is too high, the omelette will brown too quickly on the outside while remaining raw inside.
- 4For a crispier omelette, spread the batter thinner and cook for a little longer on each side.
- 5If the batter thickens upon standing, add a tablespoon or two of water to adjust the consistency.
Adapt it for your goals.
Add More Vegetables
Incorporate other finely chopped or grated vegetables like bell peppers (capsicum), spinach, carrots, or cabbage into the batter for added nutrition and flavor.
Paneer Tomato OmelettePaneer Tomato Omelette
Add 1/2 cup of crumbled paneer (Indian cottage cheese) to the batter for a protein-packed version.
Oats Besan ChillaOats Besan Chilla
For extra fiber, replace 1/4 cup of besan with 1/4 cup of quick-cooking rolled oats, powdered in a blender.
Spicy VersionSpicy Version
Add 1/4 teaspoon of garam masala and a pinch of black pepper to the batter for a warmer, spicier flavor profile.
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 building, tissue repair, and keeping you feeling full and satisfied.
High in Dietary Fiber
The combination of chickpea flour and vegetables provides a significant amount of dietary fiber, which aids digestion, promotes gut health, and helps regulate blood sugar levels.
Excellent for Weight Management
Being high in protein and fiber, this dish has a low glycemic index and promotes satiety, helping to control appetite and reduce overall calorie intake.
Naturally Gluten-Free
This recipe is a perfect and delicious alternative for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, offering a savory pancake experience without any wheat.
Frequently asked questions
One serving, which consists of two tomato omelettes, contains approximately 350 calories. The exact count can vary based on the amount of oil used and the size of the omelettes.