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Chettinad Mixed Bean Adai – High-Protein South Indian Breakfast Pancakes

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Chettinad Mixed Bean Adai Recipe

If you’re one of those who struggles with breakfast ideas, worry no more! Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but it often leaves us in a dilemma about what to prepare. It needs to be healthy, packed with protein, and quick to make. Enter the Chettinad Mixed Bean Adai – the perfect solution! Adai, a staple from South India, are thick, savory pancakes made with a variety of lentils, rice, and spices. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity: no fermentation required! All you need is a blender, and in minutes, you’ll have a delicious, filling meal. With the goodness of lentils and rice, this dish provides the necessary protein and carbohydrates to keep you energized throughout the day.


Ingredients for Chettinad Mixed Bean Adai

Ingredient Quantity
White Urad Dal (Split) 1/4 cup
Arhar Dal (Split Toor Dal) 1/4 cup
Green Moong Dal (Split) 1/4 cup
Basmati Rice 1 cup
Water 2 cups
Dry Red Chillies 3
Cumin Seeds (Jeera) 1 teaspoon
Fennel Seeds (Saunf) 1 teaspoon
Asafoetida (Hing) 1/4 teaspoon
Turmeric Powder (Haldi) 1/2 teaspoon
Salt 1 teaspoon
Oil As required

Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Serves: 4–5 pancakes


Instructions for Making Chettinad Mixed Bean Adai

  1. Soak the Ingredients: Begin by soaking the dals and rice in water for about 4 hours. Ensure the ingredients are well covered with water, then drain the water completely.

  2. Grind the Batter: Transfer the soaked and drained dals and rice into a blender. Add the dry red chillies, cumin seeds, fennel seeds, asafoetida (hing), and turmeric powder. Blend everything into a coarse batter with a thick consistency – it should be thicker than your regular dosa batter.

  3. Season the Batter: Transfer the batter into a bowl. Add salt to taste and mix everything well. The batter should have a thick dropping consistency. If you feel the batter is too thick, add a little water to adjust the texture.

  4. Heat the Tawa: Heat an iron skillet or dosa tawa over medium heat. Once hot, spread a little oil evenly across the tawa’s surface.

  5. Cook the Adai: Pour a ladle of the batter onto the center of the tawa and spread it evenly into a circular shape using the back of the ladle. Drizzle a little oil around the edges and on the center of the circle to help it crisp up.

  6. Flip and Cook: Allow the adai to cook until the top is golden and firm. Then, flip the adai over and cook the other side until it turns golden and crisp as well.

  7. Repeat for Remaining Batter: Repeat this process with the remaining batter, adding oil to the tawa as needed for each new adai.

  8. Optional Toppings: If desired, add finely chopped onions, green chilies, or fresh coriander leaves on top of the batter before cooking for extra flavor and texture.

  9. Serve: Serve your Chettinad Mixed Bean Adai hot with your favorite South Indian chutney, such as Coconut Chutney or Dhaniya Pudina Chutney. It’s a perfect breakfast dish or even a delightful tea-time snack.


Why You’ll Love This Chettinad Mixed Bean Adai

This dish is not only protein-packed but also versatile. The combination of lentils and rice makes it a filling, nutritious breakfast or snack. The spices add a warm, comforting flavor, while the texture of the adai provides a satisfying crunch. Whether you’re enjoying it as part of a traditional South Indian breakfast or as a light dinner, the Chettinad Mixed Bean Adai is a crowd-pleaser that is sure to become a regular in your meal planning.

Packed with health benefits, it’s a great choice for those seeking to increase their protein intake while keeping things vegetarian. Plus, it’s gluten-free, making it suitable for various dietary preferences.


Nutritional Information
(Approximate values per serving)

Nutrient Amount per serving
Calories 180-200 kcal
Protein 8-10g
Carbohydrates 30-35g
Fat 3-5g
Fiber 4-6g
Sodium 350-450mg

Final Thoughts

The Chettinad Mixed Bean Adai is not just a breakfast; it’s an experience that brings a taste of South India right into your kitchen. With its blend of spices, rich texture, and high protein content, it’s a dish that promises both nutrition and flavor. Try it today and see why this simple yet delicious recipe is a favorite in many South Indian households. Whether you’re looking to start your day with something wholesome or need a quick snack, this adai recipe will surely hit the spot!

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