Besan Chilla

Besan Chilla, also known as Besan Cheela or Gram Flour Pancake, is a savoury pancake made from chickpea flour (besan) and flavoured with various spices and vegetables. It is a popular breakfast or snack item in Indian cuisine. Here's a recipe to make Besan Chilla:

Ingredients:

1. 1 cup besan (chickpea flour)
2. 1/4 cup finely chopped onions
3. 1/4 cup finely chopped tomatoes
4. 1/4 cup finely chopped bell peppers (capsicum)
5. 2 tablespoons chopped coriander leaves
6. 1 green chilli, finely chopped (adjust according to spice preference)
7. 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
8. 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
9. 1/2 teaspoon red chilli powder (adjust according to spice preference)
10. Salt to taste
11. Water (approximately 3/4 to 1 cup)
12. Oil or ghee for cooking

Instructions:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine besan, cumin seeds, turmeric powder, red chilli powder, and salt.
2. Add water gradually to the besan mixture while whisking to form a smooth batter. The batter should be of pouring consistency, similar to a pancake batter. Ensure there are no lumps.
3. Add chopped onions, tomatoes, bell peppers, green chilli, and coriander leaves to the batter. Mix well to distribute the vegetables evenly.
4. Heat a non-stick pan or tawa over medium heat. Grease it with a little oil or ghee.
5. Pour a ladleful of the besan batter onto the pan and spread it gently into a circular shape, similar to a pancake.
6. Drizzle a few drops of oil or ghee around the edges of the chilla to help it cook and become crispy.
7. Cook the chilla on medium heat for about 2-3 minutes or until the bottom turns golden brown and crisp.
8. Flip the chilla carefully using a spatula and cook the other side for another 2-3 minutes until it turns golden brown and cooked through.
9. Remove the cooked chilla from the pan and repeat the process with the remaining batter to make more chillas.
10. Serve the Besan Chillas hot with mint chutney, tamarind chutney, or yoghurt. They can be enjoyed as a breakfast item or as a snack.