Healthy and Delicious Moong Dal Chilla Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 cup Yellow Moong Dal (split yellow gram)
  • 1/2 cup Fresh Curd (Dahi)
  • 1-2 Green Chilies, finely chopped
  • 1 inch Ginger, finely grated
  • 1/2 cup chopped Onion
  • Salt to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon Turmeric Powder (Haldi)
  • 1/2 teaspoon Red Chili Powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Cumin Seeds (Jeera)
  • 1/2 teaspoon Carom Seeds (Ajwain)
  • 1/2 cup Fresh Coriander Leaves, finely chopped
  • Oil, for greasing and cooking

Steps and instructions

  1. Soak the yellow moong dal in enough water for 2-3 hours. After soaking, drain the water.
  2. Blend the soaked and drained moong dal in a mixer to a coarse paste. Do not add any water while blending.
  3. Transfer the paste to a bowl. Add curd, finely chopped green chilies, grated ginger, chopped onion, salt, turmeric powder, red chili powder, cumin seeds, carom seeds, and chopped fresh coriander leaves. Mix everything well until combined. The batter should have a dropping consistency like pancake batter. If it's too thick, add a little water to adjust the consistency.
  4. Heat a non-stick tawa (griddle) on a medium flame and grease it lightly using a little oil.
  5. Pour a ladle full of batter on the tawa and spread it evenly in a circular motion to make a thin circle.
  6. Drizzle a little oil around the edges and cook on a medium flame until the bottom side of the chilla turns golden brown.
  7. Flip the chilla using a spatula and cook on the other side until it turns golden brown.
  8. Repeat the steps to make more chillas.
  9. Once all the chillas are cooked, serve hot with green chutney or sauce of your choice.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Add finely chopped vegetables like grated carrots, bell peppers, or spinach to the batter for added nutrition.
  • Replace yellow moong dal with green moong dal or a combination of both for a different flavor and texture.
  • Add grated cheese on top of the chilla while it's cooking to make it cheesy and more flavorful.
  • Add a pinch of asafoetida (hing) or garam masala to the batter for an enhanced taste.
  • Make it gluten-free by using chickpea flour (besan) instead of moong dal.
  • For a vegan version, skip the curd and use lemon juice or amchur powder (dry mango powder) for tanginess.
  • Make it spicy by adding finely chopped green chilies or red chili flakes to the batter.
  • For a protein-packed version, add some soaked and finely chopped or blended lentils like masoor dal or chana dal to the batter.
  • Include some crushed garlic cloves or garlic powder for a garlicky twist.
  • Make it a sweet chilla by adding a little sugar or jaggery powder to the batter and topping it with some honey or maple syrup.

Recipe overview

Enjoy a delicious and nutritious start to your day with this Moong Dal Chilla recipe. These savory pancakes, made from split yellow gram, are a popular North Indian breakfast dish. Stuffed with protein-rich moong dal and flavored with green chilies, ginger, and aromatic spices, they bring a tantalizing blend of flavors to your palate. The recipe is straightforward to follow, even for beginners. Within just a few steps, you'll have a stack of golden chillas that are crisp and flavorful. Serve them hot with green chutney or your favorite sauce to make a complete meal. Whether you're looking for a light lunch, a hearty breakfast, or a dinner that's easy on the stomach, moong dal chillas are a perfect choice!

Common questions

  1. Can I use whole moong dal instead of split yellow gram (moong dal)?
  2. Yes, you can use whole moong dal instead of split yellow gram. However, the texture and cooking time may vary.
  3. Can I make the batter in advance and store it?
  4. Yes, you can make the batter in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days. Make sure to give it a good stir before making the chillas.
  5. Can I skip adding curd to the batter?
  6. Adding curd helps in making the chillas soft. If you want a slightly different texture, you can skip adding curd, but the chillas may be slightly denser.
  7. Can I make the chillas without onions?
  8. Yes, you can make the chillas without onions. It will still taste delicious.
  9. Can I use ghee instead of oil for cooking the chillas?
  10. Yes, you can use ghee instead of oil for cooking the chillas. It will add a nice flavor to the dish.
  11. Can I freeze the cooked chillas?
  12. Yes, you can freeze the cooked chillas by placing parchment paper between each chilla and storing them in an airtight container. Thaw and reheat them before serving.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Non-stick Tawa - A flat cooking pan with a non-stick surface, used for cooking the chillas.
  • Spatula - A flat and thin utensil used for flipping the chillas while cooking.
  • Mixer - A kitchen appliance used for blending the soaked moong dal into a coarse paste.
  • Bowl - A container used for mixing the batter and other ingredients.
  • Grater - A tool used for finely grating the ginger.
  • Chopping Board - A flat surface used for chopping the onions, green chilies, and coriander leaves.

Origin stories

Moong Dal Chilla, a savory pancake, is an integral part of North Indian cuisine, particularly from the state of Rajasthan. This dish, often considered the Indian version of a pancake or crepe, has a long-standing reputation in Indian homes as a tasty and nutritious option for breakfast or snacks. The chilla is an excellent example of the ingenuity of Indian households, making the most out of common ingredients like Moong Dal (yellow split gram), which is a vital source of plant-based protein in the Indian vegetarian diet. Its versatility is commendable as it can be enjoyed in its simplest form with a dollop of butter or can be stuffed with paneer or any filling of choice. Interestingly, it is also a preferred food during the fasting period due to its high satiety factor, providing sustained energy throughout the day. This humble and hearty dish is a testament to the Indian tradition of creating simple yet nourishing meals.

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.