Besan ka cheela is a traditional Indian dish made from gram flour (besan). It’s a versatile dish that can be enjoyed for breakfast, brunch, or even as a light meal. With its crispy edges and soft, savoury centre, It is not only delicious but also nutritious, packed with proteins and other essential nutrients. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of making besan ka cheela that is both easy to prepare and bursting with flavour.
Ingredients:
Before we embark on the culinary journey, let’s gather all the essential ingredients required for making a delicious besan ka cheela:
- 1 cup besan (gram flour)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 small tomato, finely chopped
- 1 small green chilli, finely chopped (adjust quantity based on personal spice preference).
- 2-3 tablespoons fresh coriander leaves, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon red chilli powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
- Salt to taste
- Water, as needed
- Cooking oil or ghee for frying
Optional Ingredients for Filling:
Feel free to add any of the following ingredients :
- Finely chopped vegetables (bell peppers, spinach, grated carrots, etc.)
- Paneer (Indian cottage cheese), crumbled
- Grated cheese
- Boiled and mashed potatoes
Instructions :
1. Prepare the Batter:
- In a mixing bowl, add besan (gram flour), turmeric powder, red chilli powder, cumin powder, and salt.
- Continuously whisk while gradually adding water to prevent the formation of lumps. The consistency of the batter should be smooth and pourable, similar to pancake batter. Start with about 3/4 cup of water and adjust as needed.
- Once the batter is smooth, let it rest for about 10-15 minutes. This allows the besan to absorb the flavours and results in a better texture.
2. Prepare the Filling (Optional):
- While the batter is resting, prepare the filling ingredients if you choose to include them. You can sauté the chopped vegetables in a pan with a little oil until they are slightly tender, or simply use them raw.
3. Heat the Pan:
- Place a non-stick frying pan or skillet on medium heat and add a little oil or ghee to grease the surface. You can also use a cooking spray if preferred.
4. Pour the Batter:
Once the pan is hot, give the batter a quick stir. Pour a ladleful of batter onto the centre of the pan and spread it gently in a circular motion using the back of the ladle. The cheela should be about 6-8 inches in diameter and evenly spread.
5. Add the Filling (Optional):
- If you’re adding any filling ingredients, sprinkle them evenly over the surface of the cheela while it’s still wet. Press them lightly into the batter with the back of the spoon.
6. Cook the Cheela:
- Let the cheela cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes on medium heat until the edges start to lift and turn golden brown. Drizzle a little oil or ghee around the edges to make them crispy.
7. Flip the Cheela:
- Carefully flip the cheela using a spatula once the bottom side is cooked and golden brown. Cook the other side for another 2-3 minutes until it’s evenly cooked and crispy.
8. Serve Hot:
- Once both sides are cooked to perfection, transfer the besan ka cheela to a plate. Duplicate the procedure with the remaining batter.
- Serve the hot cheelas immediately with your favourite chutney, yogurt, or ketchup on the side.
Tips for Perfect Besan ka Cheela:
- Adjust the consistency of the batter by adding more or less water to achieve the desired thickness.
- Use a non-stick pan or skillet to ensure that the cheela doesn’t stick to the surface while cooking.
- Experiment with different fillings and spices to customize the flavour according to your taste preferences.
- For a healthier version, you can add grated vegetables directly to the batter instead of sautéing them separately.
- Serve besan ka cheela hot off the pan for the best taste and texture.
Besan ka cheela is a simple yet satisfying dish that can be enjoyed by everyone. With this easy-to-follow recipe and step-by-step instructions, you can whip up delicious and flavorful cheelas in no time. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast option or a light meal, besan ka cheela is sure to hit the spot. So gather your ingredients, heat up the pan, and get ready to indulge in the irresistible goodness of homemade besan ka cheela!
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