Easy Besan Chilla Recipe
These savory chickpea pancakes are easy to prepare, nutritious, and perfect for any meal.
If you’re in the mood for a dish that’s both nutritious and delightful, look no further than Pakistani Besan Chilla. These savory chickpea pancakes are easy to prepare and perfect for any meal. The lightness of the chickpea flour combined with vibrant spices creates a satisfying experience that brings comfort to your table. Not only are they delicious, but they also offer a wealth of health benefits, making them an excellent choice for any weeknight dinner or weekend brunch. If you’re looking to add even more chickpea goodness to your meals, consider making a chickpea cucumber salad to accompany these pancakes.
Why Make This Recipe
You’ll absolutely love making Pakistani Besan Chilla for several reasons. Firstly, they are incredibly budget-friendly and require just a handful of ingredients that you might already have in your pantry. The dish is also quick to whip up, making it ideal for busy weeknights or impromptu brunches with family and friends. Additionally, it’s a kid-approved dish; kids will enjoy flipping the pancakes and customizing them with their favorite toppings.
How to Make Pakistani Besan Chilla (Savory Chickpea Pancakes)
Making these chickpea pancakes is not only simple but quite rewarding. Here’s a brief overview of how this dish comes together:
- Combine the dry ingredients in a bowl.
- Gradually whisk in water until you achieve a smooth batter.
- Stir in veggies for added flavor.
- Cook them on a non-stick pan until golden brown.
- Serve warm with yogurt or your favorite dipping sauce.
These steps set the framework to create a delicious culinary experience everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
Gather these items to create your flavorful Pakistani Besan Chilla:
- chickpea flour (besan) – 1.00 cup
- turmeric – 0.50 tsp
- red chili powder – 0.25 tsp
- ground cumin – 0.25 tsp
- water – 1.00 cup
- yellow onion – 0.50 cup, diced
- carrots – 0.50 cup, grated
- chopped cilantro – 0.25 cup
- Kosher salt – 0.50 tsp
- olive oil – 1.00 tsp, divided
- Plain Nonfat Greek yogurt – 0.25 cup for serving
Feel free to get creative; this recipe is highly adaptable, and you can swap in your favorite vegetables or spices.
Directions
Here’s how to prepare Pakistani Besan Chilla step-by-step:
- In a bowl, mix the chickpea flour, turmeric, red chili powder, cumin, and salt.
- Gradually whisk in the water until the batter is smooth.
- Fold in the diced onion, grated carrots, and chopped cilantro.
- Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and add 1/4 tsp of olive oil.
- Pour 1/4 cup of the batter onto the pan, spreading it into a thin pancake.
- Cook for about 2–3 minutes on each side, until golden brown.
- Repeat this process with the remaining batter, adding oil as needed.
- Serve hot with a dollop of plain Greek yogurt.
01Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
Vegetables
For Serving
02Method
- Preparation
- Cooking
- Serving
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0 OF 8 DONE03Recipe notes
- 01Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or toaster oven. Suitable for freezing with parchment paper between layers.
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How to Serve Pakistani Besan Chilla (Savory Chickpea Pancakes)
When plating your chickpea pancakes, consider serving them warm with a tangy yogurt dip. You could also add a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a drizzle of olive oil for an extra touch of elegance. Pair them with a side of your favorite salad, such as a refreshing broccoli chickpea pasta for a complete meal.
How to Store
To keep your leftover Pakistani Besan Chilla fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can easily reheat them in a skillet or toaster oven for a quick meal. These pancakes also freeze well; just place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Variations
For those looking to try something different, consider these creative twists on the basic recipe:
- Spicy Spin
- Add finely chopped green chilies for an extra kick.
- Cheesy Delight
- Mix in shredded cheese before cooking for a gooey, cheesy taste.
- Sweet Treat
- For a dessert version, omit the spices, add a pinch of sugar, and top with fruits.
FAQs
Can I make the batter ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the batter and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
What can I substitute for chickpea flour?
A: If you don’t have chickpea flour, you can use regular all-purpose flour, but the flavor and texture will differ.
Are these pancakes gluten-free?
A: Yes, chickpea flour is naturally gluten-free, making these pancakes a great option for those with gluten sensitivities.
Conclusion
Pakistani Besan Chilla are more than just pancakes; they are a canvas for creativity and flavor. If you want to explore more delightful ways to enjoy chickpeas, you might want to check out this recipe for Pakistani Besan Chilla (Savory Chickpea Pancakes) or learn about various variations of these tasty treats with this guide on Besan Chillas: Chickpea Flour Pancakes with Veggies & Shrimp. Enjoy your cooking adventure!
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