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.
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