Besan Chilla Recipe (Cheela)

Method10 steps · about 20 min

1. 1

   Step 1: Add besan, ajwain (0.5 tsp), turmeric (0.125 tsp) and salt (⅓–½ tsp) to a mixing bowl. Mix everything well.

   Uses 1 cup gram flour · 0.5 tsp ajwain · ⅓–½ tsp salt · 0.125 tsp turmeric

   
2. 2

   Step 2: Add the grated ginger (1 tsp), finely chopped tomato (3 tbsp), onion (3 tbsp), coriander leaves (1 handful) and green chili (1) to the seasoned gram flour. Add enough of the ⅔–1 cup water for a thick but pourable batter; add a little extra water only if needed.

   Uses 3 tbsp onion · 3 tbsp tomatoes · 1 green chili · 1 tsp ginger · 1 handful coriander leaves · ⅔–1 cup water · extra batter water only as needed · besan mixed with ajwain, turmeric and salt

3. 3

   Step 3: Heat a pan and grease it lightly with a few drops from the listed 2 tsp batch oil. Oil makes the default recipe vegan; ghee is an optional non-vegan replacement.

   Uses a few drops from the 2 tsp batch oil to grease pan

4. 4

   Step 4: Allow it to turn hot and reduce the flame to medium.

5. 5

   Step 5: Mix the batter well from the bottom. Take a ladle of batter and pour it in the center. Quickly spread it to a round cheela.

   Uses gram-flour mixture with vegetables/herbs and enough water

6. 6

   Step 6: Drizzle a little of the remaining batch oil around the edge and centre of the chilla. Share the listed 2 tsp over all 4–5 pancakes, adding more only if needed.

   Uses a little of the remaining 2 tsp batch oil for edges and centre · one ladle of mixed batter spread into a round pancake

7. 7

   Step 7: Allow to cook until the edges leave the pan. Flip it to the other side.

   Uses spread batter with a small portion of batch oil

8. 8

   Step 8: Press down the edges with a spatula. Fry until it is cooked completely and gets golden spots.

   Uses first side set and edges released before flipping

9. 9

   Step 9: Remove to a serving plate. To make the next one ensure the pan is hot enough and not very hot otherwise they will brown too quickly.

   Uses pancake cooked through on both sides with golden spots

10. 10

    Step 10: Serve the cooked chillas with optional ready-made chutney or prepared tea.

    Uses optional ready-made chutney for serving · optional prepared tea for serving · batch pancakes cooked one at a time and plated