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Me holding one Besan ka chilla (chickpea flour pancake) with both hands

Besan Ka Chilla

Make this quick and easy Besan Chilla (or cheela), a savoury Indian pancake recipe made with chickpea or gram flour, onions, tomatoes, herbs and spices. It makes for an easy and balanced lunch/breakfast!
4.86 from 7 votes
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Course Breakfast, Lunch
Cuisine Indian
Servings 5 pancakes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup Besan (Gram flour) sub with chickpea flour
  • ⅔ cup Water
  • ½ Red onion (diced) you can also use yellow onion or shallots
  • ½ Tomato (diced)
  • 2 Green chilli peppers (chopped) adjust according to taste
  • 1 tsp Red chilli powder
  • 1 tsp Salt adjust to taste
  • 3-4 tbsp chopped coriander/cilantro
  • ½ tsp Carrom seeds/Ajwain Optional

Instructions
 

  • Sift the besan/chickpea flour through a sifter to prevent lumps (you can also skip to save time).
  • Add the rest of the ingredients except water and oil and mix well. Then add water to the mix and form a loose batter (not too thick or thin. Adjust water,according to feel).
  • Season a skillet with a thin layer of oil. Bring it to about medium heat.
  • Pour 1/3 cup full of the batter on the skillet and with the back of the spoon, spread it a little to form a roughly round shape.
  • Cook for until the top looks about cooked and then flip. You can also cook the pancake on one side on low flame until the top looks cooked through and remove from the skillet without flipping.
  • Serve chilla/pancake hot or warm with a side of Indian pickle, mint coriander chutney, ketchup or a simple yoghurt sauce.

Notes

Storage of the Chillas/Pancakes:
  • Besan Chilla/Savoury Chickpea flour pancakes are best served hot as they are made.
  • If you plan to prep them ahead of time stack them in an airtight jar once they are cooled down and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Once ready to eat, lightly reheat them with some oil on a hot skillet again or microwave them.
  • Keep in mind though, refrigeration makes the chilla/pancakes dry and a bit dense. It doesn't taste the same once reheated. So it's best to make them fresh.
Storage of the Batter:
  • The batter can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
  • Before making the pancakes, mix the batter well.
Keyword besan cheela, Besan chilla, besan ka chilla, chickpea flour pancakes, chickpea pancakes
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