Besan Chilla Recipe (Savory Gram Flour Pancake)

Short Description:
Besan Chilla is a quick, protein-rich savory pancake made from gram flour (besan), mixed with herbs, veggies, and spices. A popular North Indian breakfast or snack, it’s vegan, gluten-free, and can be made in under 20 minutes. Perfect for busy mornings or a healthy evening bite!

📊 Recipe Details

• ⭐ Rating: 9.2/10

• 🧠 Difficulty Level: Easy

• 💰 Budget: $1 – $2 USD

• ⏱️ Cooking Time: 15–20 minutes

• 🍽️ Category: Vegetarian

• 🔥 Meal Type: Breakfast / Snack / Light Lunch

• 👥 Serving Size: 2–3 persons

🧪 Nutrition Facts (Per Chilla)

• 🍛 Calories: ~120 kcal

• 💪 Protein: ~5g

• 🥓 Fats: ~4g

• 🍞 Carbohydrates: ~12g

🛒 Ingredients

• 1 cup besan (gram flour)

• ¼ cup finely chopped onions

• ¼ cup grated carrots or chopped spinach (optional)

• 1 green chili (finely chopped)

• 2 tbsp chopped coriander

• ½ tsp turmeric powder

• ½ tsp red chili powder

• Salt to taste

• ¾ cup water (adjust as needed)

• 1–2 tsp oil for each chilla

👨‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

🥣 Step 1: Make the Batter

1. In a bowl, add besan, turmeric, chili powder, and salt.

2. Gradually add water and whisk until smooth and lump-free.

3. Add onions, green chili, coriander, and optional veggies.

4. Batter should be of pouring consistency (like pancake batter).

🔥 Step 2: Cook the Chilla

1. Heat a non-stick pan or tawa and grease lightly.

2. Pour a ladle of batter and spread gently in circular motion.

3. Drizzle some oil around the edges.

4. Cook on medium flame until golden brown, flip and cook the other side.

🧺 Step 3: Serve

1. Serve hot with mint chutney, ketchup, or yogurt.

2. Pair with tea or a light salad for a complete meal.

🍽️ Serving

• Serves: 2–3 people (makes ~4–5 chillas)

• Best Served: Hot off the pan

• Storage: Best eaten fresh, though batter can be stored for 1 day

• Perfect For: Quick meals, kids’ lunchboxes, healthy snacks

💡 Tips

• Add ajwain (carom seeds) for easier digestion.

• For extra protein, mix in paneer or tofu crumbs.

• Use rice flour along with besan for crispier texture.

• Want it fluffier? Add a pinch of baking soda just before cooking.

🧾 About the Dish

🌍 Origin & History

Besan Chilla is a traditional North Indian dish with roots in Punjabi cuisine, known for its simplicity and health benefits. It was historically used as a vegetarian protein source and a quick, filling breakfast for farmers.

🥄 Taste Profile

• Texture: Soft inside, crisp outside

• Flavor: Earthy from gram flour, mildly spiced with herbs and chilies

• Aroma: Warm, savory, and satisfying

📍 Where Can You Use This Recipe?

• Healthy meal plans and diets

• Fitness-friendly meal apps

• Quick breakfast tutorials on YouTube

• Vegan food content or lunchbox ideas

👤 Who Should Eat It?

• Vegans and Vegetarians

• Kids and adults alike

• People with gluten allergies (it’s gluten-free)

• Fitness-focused eaters needing plant-based protein

🙅‍♂️ Who Should Avoid It?

• Individuals with legume allergies (chickpeas/gram flour)

• People requiring low-fiber or bland diets

• If deep-fried or heavily oiled — not for low-fat diets

➕ Bonus Variations

• Oats Besan Chilla – add oats powder for fiber boost

• Stuffed Chilla – fill with paneer or cheese

• South Indian Style – add curry leaves, mustard seeds

• Sweet Chilla – add jaggery, cardamom, and coconut for a sweet twist