Besan chilla, also known as besan cheela, is a savory pancake-like dish originating from India.
It is made from besan, which is a flour made from ground chickpeas (also known as gram flour or chickpea flour).
Besan chilla is a popular breakfast or snack option and is loved for its simplicity and versatility.
It is a savory pancake made by mixing besan (gram flour) with water, spices, and seasonings.
Key Takeaways:
- Besan chilla is a savory pancake-like dish made from besan (chickpea flour) and various spices.
- It has a nutty, earthy flavor from the besan and a mildly spicy taste from the spices used.
- Besan chilla can be served with chutneys, yogurt, pickles, ketchup, or a fresh salad for added flavor and texture.
- Alternatives to besan chilla include moong dal chilla, oats chilla, rava chilla, buckwheat chilla, and multigrain chilla, offering different flavors and textures.
- Besan chilla is a versatile dish that can be customized with fillings, making it popular among vegetarians.
The Ingredients:
- Besan (gram flour) – 1 cup
- Chopped onion
- Chopped capsicum
- Chopped coriander
- Grated carrot
- Rock salt – 1 tbl spoon
- Chaat masala – 1 tbl spoon
- White oil
How to Make Besan Chilla (Step by Step Images)?
1. Pour besan in a bowl.
2. Add all the vegetables, chaat masala and salt.
3. Mix well
4. Add a little amount of water. Mix well.
5. Add more water in batches and keep mixing.
6. Make sure the batter gets semi-thick consistency.
7. Put a non stick on the gas stove.
8. Brush white oil on it.
9. Take a ladle of the batter and fry it on the pan.
10. Cover the pan with a lid. Cook for a few minutes on a medium-low flame.
11. Take out the lid. Flip the chilla.
12. Brush a few drops of oil. Put the lid back over the pan.
13. Let chilla it be cooked for 5 minutes on low to medium heat.
14. Serve hot with tomato sauce.
Pro Tips for Making Besan Chilla
Here are some pro tips to help you make delicious besan chilla:
Consistency of the batter: The batter should have a smooth and pourable consistency, similar to pancake batter. Ensure there are no lumps in the besan. Gradually add water while whisking to achieve the desired consistency.
Resting time: Let the batter rest for about 10-15 minutes before making the chillas. This allows the besan to absorb the water and helps in achieving a better texture.
Adjust water and besan ratio: If the batter is too thick, add a little more water. If it’s too thin, add a tablespoon of besan at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
Spice it up: Customize the chilla batter by adding your favorite spices and seasonings. Play around with ingredients like chopped onions, green chilies, grated ginger, cumin seeds, turmeric, and fresh herbs like cilantro or mint to enhance the flavor.
Grease the pan well: Ensure the griddle or non-stick pan is properly heated and greased with oil or ghee before pouring the batter. This helps in achieving a crispy texture.
Use a ladle to spread the batter: Pour the batter onto the pan using a ladle, and then gently spread it in a circular motion to form a thin chilla. This helps in evenly cooking the chilla and achieving a uniform thickness.
Cook on medium heat: Cook the chilla on medium heat to ensure it cooks through evenly without burning. Flip it when the bottom side turns golden brown.
Flip it gently: Flip the chilla using a spatula, being careful not to break it. Cook the other side until it turns golden brown as well.
Serve hot: Besan chilla is best enjoyed when served hot off the pan. It retains its crispy texture and delicious flavors when served immediately.
Variations and fillings: Get creative and experiment with different fillings for stuffed chillas. Add grated cheese, paneer, or sautéed vegetables to the center of the chilla before folding it over.
Remember, practice makes perfect, so don’t be discouraged if your first attempt isn’t flawless. Enjoy the process of making besan chilla and adjust the flavors and techniques to suit your taste preferences.
How Does Besan Chilla Taste Like?
Besan chilla has a delicious and distinct taste. Here’s a description of its taste:
Nutty and Earthy: Besan, or chickpea flour, has a nutty and earthy flavor that is unique to this dish. It adds a pleasant depth of taste to the chilla.
Savory: Besan chilla is a savory dish, and the spices and seasonings used in the batter contribute to its savory taste. The combination of flavors from ingredients like onions, green chilies, and spices creates a savory and satisfying experience.
Mildly Spicy: The level of spiciness can vary based on personal preference and the amount of spices used. Typically, besan chilla has a mild to moderate spiciness, which adds a gentle kick of heat to the overall flavor profile.
Herbaceous: Fresh herbs like cilantro or mint are often added to the batter, which imparts a pleasant herbaceous note to the chilla. It adds a refreshing element to the taste.
Balanced Flavors: Besan chilla strikes a balance between the natural flavors of chickpea flour and the spices used. The spices enhance the taste without overpowering the nuttiness of the besan, resulting in a well-rounded flavor profile.
Overall, besan chilla is a delicious savory pancake with a combination of nutty, earthy, and mildly spicy flavors.
The taste can be customized by adjusting the spices and seasonings according to individual preferences.
It is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with chutneys, yogurt, or other accompaniments to enhance the overall taste experience.
What to Serve with Besan Chilla?
Here are some delicious accompaniments to serve with besan chilla:
Chutneys: Mint chutney, coriander chutney, or tamarind chutney are popular choices to serve with besan chilla. These tangy and flavorful chutneys complement the savory taste of the chilla.
Yogurt: A side of plain yogurt or raita can provide a cooling contrast to the spices in the chilla. It adds a creamy and refreshing element to the meal.
Pickles: Indian pickles, such as mango pickle, lime pickle, or mixed vegetable pickle, can be served alongside besan chilla. The tangy and spicy flavors of pickles add a burst of taste to each bite.
Ketchup or Tomato Sauce: If you prefer a milder and slightly sweet flavor, you can serve besan chilla with ketchup or tomato sauce. It provides a familiar and complementary taste.
Fresh Salad: A simple salad made with cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, and lemon juice can provide a refreshing crunch and lightness to balance the chilla’s flavors. It adds a refreshing touch to the meal.
Masala Chai: If you’re enjoying besan chilla as a breakfast or evening snack, a cup of masala chai (spiced Indian tea) can be a perfect beverage pairing. The warm and aromatic flavors of masala chai go well with the savory chilla.
Vegetable Curry: If you’re looking for a heartier meal, you can serve besan chilla with a side of vegetable curry or sabzi. It can be any type of vegetable curry, such as mixed vegetable curry, paneer curry, or potato curry. The combination provides a complete and satisfying meal.
These are just a few suggestions, and you can mix and match accompaniments based on your preferences.
The goal is to balance the flavors, textures, and temperatures to create a well-rounded and enjoyable dining experience with besan chilla.
Besan Chilla Alternatives
If you’re looking for alternatives to besan chilla, here are a few options that you might enjoy:
Moong Dal Chilla: Moong dal chilla is made from ground split yellow moong lentils. It has a similar preparation method to besan chilla but offers a slightly different taste and texture. Moong dal chilla has a lighter and milder flavor compared to besan chilla, making it a nutritious and delicious alternative.
Oats Chilla: Oats chilla is a healthier alternative that incorporates oats into the batter. Oats are ground into a flour-like consistency and mixed with spices and other ingredients. Oats chilla is a nutritious option and provides a slightly different texture compared to besan chilla.
Rava (Semolina) Chilla: Rava chilla is made with semolina (also known as rava or sooji) instead of chickpea flour. The batter is prepared by mixing semolina with yogurt, spices, and water. Rava chilla has a unique texture and a slightly nutty flavor that sets it apart from besan chilla.
Buckwheat Chilla: Buckwheat chilla is a gluten-free option made with buckwheat flour. It has a distinct flavor and a slightly nutty taste. Buckwheat chilla is a healthy alternative and a good choice for those with gluten sensitivities or dietary restrictions.
Multigrain Chilla: Multigrain chilla combines different types of flours like besan, wheat flour, rice flour, and other grains to create a nutritious and flavorful alternative. It offers a blend of textures and tastes from different grains, providing a wholesome and filling option.
These alternatives can be customized with various spices, vegetables, and fillings to suit your taste preferences.
Each one offers a unique flavor profile and texture, so feel free to experiment and find the one that appeals to you the most.
Recipe Card:
Besan Chilla (Gram Flour Pancake)
Ingredients
- 1 cup Besan (Gram Flour)
- 1 tablespoon Chopped onion
- 1 tablespoon Chopped capsicum
- 1 tablespoon Chopped coriander
- 1.5 tablespoon Grated carrot
- 1 tablespoon Chaat masala
- 1 tablespoon White oil
- 1 tablespoon Rock salt
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine besan with chopped vegetables, chaat masala, and salt. Mix well until ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Gradually add a small amount of water to the mixture, stirring continuously. Mix well to ensure a smooth and semi-thick batter consistency.
- Heat a non-stick pan on the gas stove. Brush the pan with a small amount of white oil.
- Ladle a portion of the batter onto the pan and spread it in a circular motion to form a thin chilla.
- Cover the pan with a lid and cook the chilla on a medium-low flame for a few minutes, allowing it to cook evenly.
- Remove the lid, flip the chilla using a spatula, and brush a few drops of oil on the cooked side. Place the lid back over the pan.
- Let the chilla cook for another 5 minutes on low to medium heat, until both sides are golden brown and crispy.
- Serve the besan chilla hot, accompanied by tomato sauce or your preferred condiment.
Video
Notes
Nutrition Info (Estimation Only)
Conclusion
You can certainly enjoy this snack at home and as it is easy to make, you can make it any time.
