Healthy Moong Dal Cheela (Savory Indian Pancakes)
40 minutes
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About Healthy Moong Dal Cheela (Savory Indian Pancakes)
Awaken your taste buds with the savory aroma and vibrant flavors of Moong Dal Cheela, a wholesome Indian pancake that's perfect for a healthy and satisfying breakfast or brunch. Imagine light, protein-packed crepes filled with a colorful medley of spiced vegetables and a hint of cheese.These nutritious crepes are made with ground moong dal (split yellow lentils) and delicately spiced with ginger, green chilies, and cumin. A vibrant filling of carrots, bell peppers, and cabbage adds a delightful crunch and a burst of flavor, enhanced by aromatic spices.Naturally gluten-free and incredibly easy to make, Moong Dal Cheela offers a delicious taste of India any time of day. Serve hot with a dollop of cooling yogurt or your favorite chutney for a truly authentic experience.
Recipe Time & More
Prep25 minutes
Cook15 minutes
Total40 minutes
Ingredients
Batter
Filling
- 1/2 cup Carrot finely chopped
- 1/2 cup Bell Peppers capsicum, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup Cabbage finely chopped
- 1/4 tsp Pepper black
- 1/4 tsp Turmeric Powder haldi
- 2 Tbsp Cheese grated
For Cooking
- 4 Tbsp Oil
Instructions
- Soak the split yellow moong dal in water for 4-5 hours. This softens the lentils and makes them easier to blend.
- Drain the soaked moong dal and add it to a blender along with the green chili and ginger. Blend until a smooth paste forms.
- Transfer the moong dal paste to a bowl. Add the salt, cumin seeds, chopped coriander, and water. Whisk well to create a smooth batter. The batter should be pourable but not too thin.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the chopped carrots, bell pepper, and cabbage. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until the vegetables are slightly softened but still retain a bit of crunch.
- Add the turmeric powder, black pepper, and a pinch of salt to the vegetables. Sauté for another minute until fragrant, then remove from heat.
- Stir in the grated cheese to the cooked vegetables and mix well. The filling is now ready.
- Heat a lightly oiled griddle or non-stick pan over medium heat. Pour a ladleful (about 2 tablespoons) of moong dal batter onto the hot pan and spread it into a thin circle.
- Drizzle about 1 tablespoon of oil around the edges of the cheela. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the edges start to lift and the underside is golden brown.
- Flip the cheela and cook the other side for 1-2 minutes until golden brown. This ensures the cheela cooks evenly.
- Place a spoonful of the prepared vegetable and cheese filling onto one half of the cooked cheela. Fold the other half over the filling to create a semi-circle.
- Serve the Moong Dal Cheela immediately while hot. Enjoy with your favorite chutney or a dollop of yogurt.
Recipe Notes
Good To Know
- For extra crunch and nutrition, add finely chopped spinach, grated beetroot, or spring onions to the batter along with carrots and capsicum.
- If you prefer a more fermented flavor and a softer texture, allow the blended moong dal batter to rest for 2-3 hours at room temperature before making the cheelas.
- To achieve evenly thin and crisp cheelas, use the back of a ladle to gently spread the batter in a circular motion on a well-heated nonstick pan, and drizzle a few drops of oil around the edges for enhanced crispiness.
Expert Tips
- For a richer flavor, try adding a pinch of asafoetida (hing) and some grated ginger to the batter.
- Serve your cheelas hot with a dollop of yogurt or your favorite chutney for a complete and satisfying meal.
- Experiment with different spices like cumin powder, coriander powder, or red chili flakes to customize the flavor of your cheelas.
Storage Instructions
- Leftover cheelas can be cooled, stacked with parchment paper between each, and refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 days; reheat on a skillet before serving to restore their crunch.
Recipe Nutrition
Calories: 615kcalCarbohydrates: 66gProtein: 25gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 7.8gMonounsaturated Fat: 15.6gSodium: 1710mgFiber: 17gSugar: 6g
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Looks so delectable! Thanks for posting.
This looks divine! Can’t wait to make it.
Looks so wonderful! Thanks for posting.
This looks so appealing! Thanks for sharing.
This looks delightful! Thanks for the recipe.