Besan Chilla
Savory chickpea-flour pancakes loaded with vegetables. A high-protein Indian breakfast staple.
Besan chilla is one of the most reliable plant protein breakfasts in an Indian kitchen. The batter is just chickpea flour, water, spices, and finely chopped vegetables.
Cook it thin like a crepe for a lighter plate, or slightly thicker for a sturdier wrap. Pair with chutney, soy curd, or a fruit side.
Nutrition
Per 2 chillas (half recipe)
- Calories
- 280 kcal
- Protein
- 14 g
- Carbs
- 38 g
- Fat
- 8 g
- Fiber
- 8 g
Dietary
plant based · gluten free
Protein sources
besan
Ingredients
- 11 cup Besan (chickpea flour)
- 23/4 to 1 cup Water
- 31 small Onion, finely chopped (optional)
- 41 Tomato, finely chopped
- 51 Green Chilli, minced
- 62 tbsp Coriander leaves, chopped
- 71/2 tsp Turmeric
- 81/2 tsp Cumin powder
- 9Salt to taste
- 101–2 tsp Oil for cooking
Instructions
- 1
Whisk besan with water until smooth and pourable, with no lumps.
A slightly thinner batter spreads more easily; add water a spoon at a time.
- 2
Stir in turmeric, cumin powder, salt, chilli, tomato, onion (if using), and coriander.
Skip onion for Jain or no-onion versions; add grated carrot, cabbage, or zucchini instead.
- 3
Heat a non-stick or well-seasoned tawa. Lightly oil it.
Medium heat prevents raw centers and burnt edges.
- 4
Pour a ladle of batter and spread into a thin circle.
Do not spread too thick or the middle stays pasty.
- 5
Cook 2–3 minutes until the underside is golden, flip, and cook the other side.
Make a stack and reheat lightly if cooking for more people.
- 6
Serve hot with mint chutney, ketchup, or plant-based curd.
Chutney, pickle, or a glass of soy milk turns this into a complete breakfast.
Protein and calorie boosts
- Add a spoon of flax or hemp seeds to the batter.
- Serve with peanut chutney or soy curd for more protein.
- Stuff with tofu scramble or leftover sabzi for a heavier meal.
Vegetable mix-ins
- Grated carrot, capsicum, spinach, methi, or cabbage all work well.
- Kasuri methi gives a restaurant-style aroma.
- Ajwain (carom seeds) aids digestion and adds a classic chilla flavor.
Used in diet plans
This recipe can fill a meal slot in these day plans.
- High-Protein Diet — Muscle gain / high protein
- Budget Diet — Affordable balanced eating
- North Indian Plan — North Indian staples with protein focus
- No Onion/No Garlic Plan — Simple sattvic-style protein meals