Delicious and Nutritious Besan Chila: A Traditional Indian Breakfast Recipe

Ingredients

1 cup of Gram Flour (Besan)
1/4 cup of Finely Chopped Onions
1/4 cup of Finely Chopped Tomatoes
1/4 cup of Finely Chopped Green Bell Pepper (Capsicum)
2 Green Chilies, finely chopped
1 tablespoon of Finely Chopped Coriander Leaves (Cilantro)
1/2 teaspoon of Turmeric Powder
1/2 teaspoon of Red Chili Powder
1/2 teaspoon of Carom Seeds (Ajwain)
Salt to taste
Water as needed
2 tablespoons of Vegetable Oil for frying

Steps and instructions

In a large bowl, combine the gram flour, chopped onions, tomatoes, green bell pepper, green chilies, coriander leaves, turmeric powder, red chili powder, carom seeds, and salt.
Add water gradually and whisk the mixture until it forms a smooth batter of pouring consistency. Ensure there are no lumps in the batter.
Let the batter sit for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and lightly grease it with some vegetable oil.
Pour a ladleful of the batter onto the pan and spread it evenly to form a circle, similar to a pancake.
Cook the chila on one side until the edges start to lift from the pan and it becomes golden brown in color.
Drizzle a bit of oil around the edges and flip the chila. Cook the other side until it is also golden brown.
Repeat the process with the remaining batter, greasing the pan as needed.
Serve the besan chila hot, preferably with a side of green chutney or tomato ketchup.

Tools for making

Mixing Bowl - A large bowl to combine the ingredients and prepare the batter.
Whisk - To mix the ingredients and ensure a smooth batter without any lumps.
Non-Stick Pan - To cook the besan chila evenly without it sticking to the pan.
Vegetable Oil - Used for greasing the pan and adding flavor while cooking.
Ladle - To pour the batter onto the pan and spread it evenly.

Recipe variations

Add finely chopped spinach or grated carrots to the batter for added nutrition.
Include grated cheese, such as paneer or cheddar, for a cheesy twist.
Replace gram flour with other flours like rice flour, wheat flour, or millet flour to create a different taste and texture.
Add finely chopped garlic, ginger, and green chilies for an extra kick of flavor.
Experiment with different spices like cumin powder, garam masala, or chaat masala to customize the taste.
Make it gluten-free by using gluten-free flour alternatives like chickpea flour or almond flour.
Create a vegan version by skipping the addition of yogurt or buttermilk and replacing it with plant-based alternatives like almond milk or coconut milk.
For a protein-packed option, add cooked and mashed lentils or boiled quinoa to the batter.
Add a handful of chopped nuts or seeds like peanuts, cashews, or sesame seeds for a crunchy texture.
Make it spicy by adding chopped green chilies or red chili flakes to the batter.

Recipe overview

Besan Chila, also known as gram flour pancake, is a traditional Indian dish that is not only tasty but also incredibly nutritious. Made with gram flour and a medley of finely chopped vegetables, these pancakes are light and flavorful, with a hint of spice. This recipe is straightforward to make, requiring a simple mixture of ingredients that are pan-fried to perfection. Whether served for breakfast, lunch, or a light dinner, Besan Chila is a satisfying and healthy option. Accompanied by a side of green chutney or tomato ketchup, this dish promises a burst of flavors in every bite.

Common questions

Can I make besan chila without onions?
Yes, you can make besan chila without onions. Simply omit the onions from the list of ingredients and proceed with the rest of the recipe as usual.
Can I add other vegetables to besan chila?
Absolutely! Besan chila can be customized with various vegetables of your choice. You can add grated carrots, spinach, or any other finely chopped vegetables to the batter to enhance the flavor and nutritional value.
Can I make the batter in advance?
It is best to make the batter fresh, just before cooking the chila. However, if you need to make the batter in advance, you can refrigerate it for up to 4-5 hours. Before cooking, give it a quick stir and adjust the consistency if needed.
Can I use any other flour instead of gram flour?
Besan (gram flour) is the traditional choice for making chila as it gives a unique flavor and texture. However, you can experiment with other flours like chickpea flour or even a mix of different flours if you prefer.
How do I store leftover chila?
If you have any leftover chila, let them cool completely and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can be reheated on a tava (griddle) or in a microwave before serving.

Serving dishes and utensils

Non-stick Pan - A non-stick pan is ideal for cooking besan chila as it requires less oil and prevents the chila from sticking to the pan.
Whisk - A whisk will help you to mix the besan batter thoroughly and ensure there are no lumps.
Spatula - A spatula is necessary for flipping the chila while cooking, ensuring it is evenly browned on both sides.
Ladle - A ladle will help you pour the batter onto the pan in a controlled manner and create evenly sized chilas.
Chopping Board - A chopping board is essential for chopping onions, tomatoes, green bell pepper, and other vegetables used in the recipe.
Knife - A sharp knife will be needed for chopping the vegetables into fine pieces.
Mixing Bowl - A mixing bowl is required to combine all the ingredients and prepare the besan batter.
Vegetable Oil Brush - An oil brush will help you grease the pan with oil before cooking each chila.

Origin stories

Besan Chila, also known as gram flour pancakes, is a popular breakfast staple hailing from the heartlands of North India. It's a dish that's been passed down through generations, and every household has its own special variant, adding a personal touch to the recipe. In the bustling streets of Delhi or the tranquil homes in Punjab, the aroma of besan chila sizzling on the stove is a familiar and comforting scent. The simplicity of ingredients, coupled with the ease of cooking, makes it a beloved choice for a quick meal. Legend has it that besan chila was birthed out of necessity during times of scarcity, as gram flour was readily available and packed with nutrients. Today, it continues to be celebrated not only for its deliciously savory taste but also for its nutritional value, fulfilling the Indian ethos of food that is both tasty and healthy.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.