Besan Puda – Cheela – Gram Flour Cheela
Ingredients
- 1 cup besan gram flour
- 1/4 cup rice flour chawal ka atta
- 1 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup water, use as needed
- 1/2 tsp cumin seeds jeera
- 1 tsp green chili finely chopped
- 1 cup zucchini shredded
- 1 tabs cilantro finely chopped hara dhania
- 6 tbsp oil for cooking use as needed
Instructions
- Shred the zucchini with the skin and keep aside.
- Mix all the dry ingredients together: besan, rice flour, cumin seeds, and salt. Add the water slowly to make a smooth batter, the consistency of pancake batter or Dosa batter. Add the green chilies, cilantro, and zucchini. Mix well.
- Use a non-stick skillet and place on medium-high heat. Test by sprinkling a few drops of water on it. Water should sizzle right away. Pour about 1/2 cup of the batter into the skillet and spread evenly with a back of spoon. Starting from the center, spiral the batter outward evenly to form a circle about 7″ in diameter.
- When batter starts to dry, gently spread one teaspoon of oil over it. Wait about 30 seconds; flip the puda using a flat spatula.
- Press the puda lightly all around with the spatula to make the puda cook evenly. Turn the puda three to four time, until crisp and brown on both sides.
- Repeat for the remaining pudas.
Notes
How to Make Besan Cheela: Crafting a Delightful Indian Pancake
Besan Cheela is a quick & easy bread based breakfast recipe ideal for those on a gluten free and looking for low fat vegan alternative. Besan cheela, also known as chilla or besan chilla, is a savory Indian pancake that’s not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Made primarily from gram flour (besan), this versatile dish can be customized with various ingredients to suit individual tastes. From shredded vegetables to aromatic spices, each component contributes to the overall flavor and texture of the cheela. Let’s delve deeper into the art of crafting the perfect besan cheela, step by step.
Step 1: Shredding Zucchini for Besan Cheela
The journey to creating the perfect besan cheela begins with the humble zucchini. Its vibrant green hue and delicate flavor make it an ideal addition to this traditional recipe. Start by carefully shredding the zucchini, ensuring to retain its nutritious skin. This step not only adds a delightful texture to the besan cheela but also enhances its nutritional value. Once the zucchini is finely shredded, set it aside, eagerly awaiting its incorporation into the besan cheela batter.
Step 2: Preparing Dry Ingredients for Besan Chilla
The foundation of a perfect besan chilla lies in the precise combination of dry ingredients. In a mixing bowl, amalgamate besan, rice flour, cumin seeds, and salt, creating the essential base for the besan cheela batter. Gradually introduce water, achieving a smooth consistency akin to that of pancake or dosa batter. The inclusion of finely chopped green chilies, fresh cilantro, and the shredded zucchini further enriches the mixture, imparting a burst of flavors and a harmonious medley of textures.
Step 3: Heating the Skillet for Making Besan Cheela
An indispensable element in the besan cheela-making process is a well-heated skillet. Place a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat and confirm its readiness by performing the quintessential water droplet test – the sizzle upon contact indicates the skillet’s optimum temperature for crafting the perfect besan chilla.
Step 4: Pouring and Spreading Batter for Besan Chilla
With the skillet primed and ready, it’s time to pour approximately 1/2 cup of the besan cheela batter onto its surface. Using the back of a spoon, adeptly spread the batter evenly, starting from the center and spiraling outward. This technique ensures the formation of a well-rounded besan chilla, approximately 7 inches in diameter, ready to be adorned with flavorful toppings.
Step 5: Cooking the Besan Cheela to Perfection
As the besan cheela begins to set on the heated skillet, delicately spread a teaspoon of oil over its surface. After a brief interval of about 30 seconds, gracefully flip the cheela using a flat spatula. Applying gentle pressure with the spatula ensures uniform cooking, and this process is repeated three to four times until the besan chilla attains a crisp, golden-brown exterior on both sides, tantalizing the senses with its aroma and visual appeal.
Step 6: Repeating the Process for Besan Cheela
The besan cheela-making process is a delightful rhythm that beckons for subsequent rounds. Repeat the aforementioned steps for the remaining batter, creating a succession of besan chillas, each promising a savory and gratifying experience. Whether enjoyed as a snack or a light meal, besan chillas stand as a testament to their versatility and irresistible charm.
In conclusion, mastering the art of making besan cheela is not only a culinary feat but also a journey of exploration and creativity. With each step carefully executed and each ingredient thoughtfully incorporated, you can create a dish that delights the palate and nourishes the body. So, gather your ingredients, heat up your skillet, and embark on the flavorful adventure of making besan chillas – a dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen repertoire.
