This is my Mom’s chilla recipe. It is also known as pudla. The classic Indian pancake made with chick­pea flour is a popular breakfast in North India. These chillas in the simplest form are easy and perfect for breakfast, a snack, or a side flatbread. For a veggie omelet version, add less water for a thicker batter and add leavening such as baking powder. Add finely chopped vegetables such as zucchini. (Recipe from Vegan Richa’s Indian Kitchen Copyright © 2015 by Richa Hingle. Used by permission Vegan Heritage Press, LLC.)

Chickpea Flour Pancakes (Besan Chilla) [Vegan, Gluten-Free]

Calories

85

Serves

8

Cooking Time

25

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup chickpea flour, garbanzo bean flour, or besan
  • 1 1/2 cups water
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne
  • 1/4 teaspoon carom seeds or cumin seeds
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped red onion
  • 1 hot green chile, finely chopped (remove seeds to reduce heat)
  • 1/4  cup packed chopped cilantro
  • 1-2 tablespoons and 1 teaspoon safflower oil, divided
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Preparation

  1. In a bowl, combine the chickpea flour and 3/4 cup water. Whisk to get a smooth consistency. Whisk in another ½ to ¾ cup water to make a thin lump-free batter. (If using besan, you will need less water).
  2. Add the salt, turmeric, cayenne, carom seeds, onion, chile, cilantro, and 1 teaspoon of oil. Mix well. Let the batter sit for 5 minutes.
  3. Heat a skillet over medium heat. When the skillet is hot, drizzle a few drops of oil on the skillet. Spread the oil using a paper towel. Pour a ladle full (1/4 to 1/3 cup) of the batter onto the skillet. Spread the batter by moving the skillet to make a 6 to 8-inch pancake. Drizzle a few drops of oil on the edges of the pancake.
  4. Cook until the edges start to leave the pan and the bottom is golden brown, 4 to 6 minutes. Flip and cook for 2 to 4 minutes. Continue to make the rest of the pancakes. Serve hot.
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Notes

A portion of the proceeds from the sales of this book will go toward Wildlife SOS, Help Animals India and Animal Aid Unlimited.

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Nutritional Information

Total Calories: 679 | Total Carbs: 63 g | Total Fat: 39 g | Total Protein: 22 g | Total Sodium: 1664 g | Total Sugar: 13 g Per Serving: Calories: 85 | Carbs: 8 g | Fat: 5 g | Protein: 3 g | Sodium: 208 mg | Sugar: 2 g Note: The information shown is based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.