Vegan Chickpea Omelette (Besan Chilla)
This savory and protein-rich chickpea flour pancake, known as Besan Chilla, makes for a quick and satisfying meal. It's naturally vegan and gluten-free, packed with vegetables and aromatic spices.
An original recipe by Forkin
- Total time
- 30 min
- Serves
- 2
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Per serving
- 386 kcal
Mise en place
Ingredients
Converted for display; the recipe amounts stay equivalent.
- 120 gchickpea flour
- 240 mlwater
- 0.25 pcsred onion, finely chopped
- 0.5 pcstomato, finely chopped
- 0.5 pcsgreen chili, finely chopped
- 0.5 tspfresh ginger, grated
- 2 tbspfresh cilantro, chopped
- 0.25 tspturmeric powder
- 0.5 tspcumin powder
- 0.25 tspred chili powder(optional)
- 0.5 tspsalt
- 2 tbspoil
Equipment
ladle · whisk · large bowl · non-stick pan
The method
Step by step
- 1
In a large bowl, whisk together the chickpea flour and water until a smooth, lump-free batter forms.
About 2 min
Cook’s note: Ensure the batter is not too thick or too thin; it should have a pourable consistency like pancake batter.
- 2
Add the red onion, tomato, green chili, fresh ginger, fresh cilantro, turmeric powder, cumin powder, red chili powder (if using), and salt to the batter.
About 5 min
Cook’s note: Adjust the amount of green chili and red chili powder to your preferred spice level.
- 3
Mix all the ingredients thoroughly until well combined.
About 1 min
- 4
Heat half of the oil in a non-stick pan or griddle over medium heat.
About 1 min
Cook’s note: A well-heated pan is crucial for a crisp chilla.
- 5
Pour about half of the batter onto the hot pan and spread it evenly into a circular shape, about 6-8 inches in diameter.
About 1 min
Cook’s note: Use the back of a ladle or spoon to gently spread the batter.
- 6
Cook for 3-4 minutes until the edges start to crisp and the top looks set.
About 4 min
- 7
Drizzle a little oil around the edges and carefully flip the chilla.
- 8
Cook for another 2-3 minutes on the second side until golden brown and cooked through.
About 3 min
- 9
Remove the cooked chilla from the pan and repeat with the remaining batter, adding more oil if needed.
About 3 min
- 10
Serve the vegan chickpea omelettes hot with chutney or yogurt.
Per serving
Nutrition
- Calories
- 386kcal
- Protein
- 14g
- Carbs
- 39.1g
- Fat
- 19.5g
- Fibre
- 7.7g
- Sugar
- 8.6g
Estimated from the recipe’s ingredient quantities. Values can vary with brands and substitutions.
Keep it good
Store leftover chillas in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Reheat gently in a dry non-stick pan or microwave until warm.
More recipes
All recipessnack
Apple with Cheddar Cheese
Apple slices paired with cheddar cheese — a classic sweet and savoury combination.
3 min 214 kcalbreakfast
Yogurt with Banana and Honey
Creamy yogurt with sliced banana and honey — naturally sweet and filling.
2 min 218 kcalside dish
Belgian Frites
Crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, these classic Belgian frites are double-fried for the perfect texture. They are a delicious and satisfying side dish that pairs well with many meals.
40 min 458 kcalsnack
Rice Cakes with Almond Butter and Banana
Rice cakes topped with almond butter and banana slices — light, filling, and naturally sweet.
3 min 219 kcallunch
Avocado & Tomato Salad
A simple avocado and tomato salad with olive oil and a squeeze of lemon.
5 min 357 kcalbreakfast
Banana with Peanut Butter
A banana served alongside a spoonful of peanut butter — zero prep, zero cook.
1 min 293 kcallunch
Classic Grilled Cheese Sandwich
This classic grilled cheese sandwich is made with simple ingredients and cooked to golden perfection. It's a comforting and quick meal, perfect for a satisfying lunch or light dinner.
15 min 459 kcal