4.9 from 30 votes
Besan Chilla (Savory Gram Flour Pancakes)
Besan Chilla is a family favorite, known for its characteristic earthy flavor, which is provided by besan/ gram flour and simple Indian spices and herbs, including chilies and onions. These savory gram-flour pancakes are nutritious and vegan! Perfect to enjoy with your favorite pickle or chutney!
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Total Time
25 mins
Servings:
4
Calories:
170 kcal
Course:
Breakfast, Snacks
Cuisine:
Indian
Ingredients
- 1 cup gram flour aka besan
- 1/4 teaspoon ajwain seeds aka carom seeds
- 2 green chili pepper finely diced
- 1 teaspoon ginger grated
- 1/4 cup red onion finely chopped
- 1/4 cup tomato finely chopped
- 2 tablespoon cilantro chopped, leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
- 1 pinch turmeric powder ground, aka Haldi powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Kashmiri red chili powder adjust to taste
- 1/2 cup water or as needed
- 4 teaspoon neutral cooking oil to cook the chilla, generic cooking oil
Instructions
- In a large bowl, add besan, ajwain, green chili, ginger, onion, tomato, cilantro, salt, turmeric and red chili powder.
- Add water little at a time while whisking to form a medium thick batter. Make sure the batter is not too thick or too runny, it should have a pouring consistency.
- Heat a iron skillet or non-stick pan on medium heat. Once the skillet is hot, take a ladle full of the batter, and pour it at the center of the pan. Using the same ladle, spread the batter on the tala in a circular motion to make a round chilla.
- Drizzle some oil at the edges of the chilla and at the center on the top. Total of about 3/4 to 1 teaspoon.
- Cook the chilla on one side for a couple of minutes, then flip it using a spatula. You should see some golden spots on the top of the chilla after it was flipped.
- Now press with the spatula and cook the other side for 1-2 minutes.
- When the chilla is well cooked on both sides, remove to a plate. Same way make all the chilla's.
- Serve besan chilla right way with chutney or tomato ketchup, and a cup of chai!
Cup of Yum
Notes
- The batter must be lump-free, smooth and flowy
- Use any vegetables of your choice
- If you do not like the flavor of ajwain, use cumin seeds instead
- The tawa should be heated well to prevent the batter from sticking.
Nutrition Information
Calories
170kcal
(9%)
Carbohydrates
21g
(7%)
Protein
7g
(14%)
Fat
7g
(11%)
Saturated Fat
1g
(5%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
2g
(12%)
Monounsaturated Fat
4g
(20%)
Sodium
391mg
(16%)
Potassium
299mg
(6%)
Fiber
4g
(16%)
Sugar
5g
(10%)
Vitamin A
178IU
(4%)
Vitamin C
5mg
(6%)
Calcium
19mg
(2%)
Iron
2mg
(11%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 4 Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 170
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 170kcal | 9% |
| Carbohydrates | 21g | 7% |
| Protein | 7g | 14% |
| Fat | 7g | 11% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Sodium | 391mg | 16% |
| Potassium | 299mg | 6% |
| Fiber | 4g | 16% |
| Sugar | 5g | 10% |
| Vitamin A | 178IU | 4% |
| Vitamin C | 5mg | 6% |
| Calcium | 19mg | 2% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.