Meal Prep · Indian
Besan Cheela
A savory, protein-packed Indian pancake perfect for a quick breakfast or light meal.
Ingredients
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Step-by-step- In a large mixing bowl, combine the besan, finely chopped onion, bell pepper, tomato, green chilies, grated ginger, chopped coriander leaves, turmeric powder, red chili powder, cumin powder, and asafoetida.
- Add salt to taste. Gradually add water, whisking continuously to form a smooth batter without lumps. The batter should have a pouring consistency, similar to pancake batter.
- Heat a non-stick tawa or griddle over medium heat. Lightly grease it with a few drops of oil or ghee.
- Pour a ladleful of batter onto the hot tawa and gently spread it in a circular motion to form a thin pancake (cheela).
- Drizzle a little oil or ghee around the edges and over the top of the cheela. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the edges start to crisp and the top looks cooked.
- Flip the cheela and cook on the other side for another 1-2 minutes, until golden brown spots appear.
- Repeat the process with the remaining batter. Serve hot with green chutney, ketchup, or yogurt.
Nutrition
Per serving| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 200 kcal |
| Protein | 10 g |
| Carbohydrates | 30 g |
| Fat | 5 g |
| Fiber | 5 g |
Storage & Freezer Guide
Make it last Refrigerator 3-4 days
Store leftover cheelas in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They are best consumed fresh but can be stored.
Freezer Up to 1 month
Cooked cheelas can be layered with parchment paper and frozen in an airtight container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheat Stovetop/Microwave
Reheat on a lightly greased tawa over medium heat until warm and slightly crispy, or microwave for 30-60 seconds until heated through.
Chef’s Corner
- **Batter Consistency is Key:** The batter should be thick enough to spread but thin enough to pour. If it’s too thick, the cheelas will be dense; if too thin, they’ll break.
- **Rest the Batter:** Let the batter rest for 10-15 minutes after mixing. This allows the besan to absorb water properly, resulting in softer cheelas.
- **Vary the Veggies:** Feel free to add grated carrots, spinach, or finely chopped capsicum for extra nutrition and flavor.
- **Spice it Up:** Adjust green chilies and red chili powder according to your spice preference. A pinch of garam masala can also be added for extra aroma.
