Makai Ka Cheela Recipe – A Delightful North Indian Corn Pancake
If you’re looking for a healthy, hearty breakfast or a quick snack that’s both savory and delicious, Makai Ka Cheela (corn cheela) is the perfect choice! This classic North Indian dish is made with sweet corn, gram flour (besan), and aromatic spices, resulting in a crispy, savory pancake that’s just bursting with flavor. Often served as a breakfast item or an after-school snack for kids, this recipe will surely become a favorite in your home!
Recipe Overview:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Cuisine: North Indian
- Course: Breakfast
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients:
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Sweet corn (makai) | 2 cups |
Gram flour (besan) | 3 tablespoons |
Onion | 1, finely chopped |
Green chillies | 2, finely chopped |
Ginger | 1 teaspoon, grated |
Coriander leaves | A small bunch, finely chopped |
Sunflower oil | For frying |
Salt | To taste |
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Sweet Corn:
- Start by peeling the corn sheath and removing the corn kernels from the cob. Set them aside.
- Use a blender or food processor to pulse the corn into a coarse mixture (not a fine paste), then transfer it into a mixing bowl.
-
Make the Batter:
- To the bowl of corn, add the gram flour (besan), finely chopped onion, green chilies, and grated ginger.
- Season with salt to taste.
- Slowly add water, little by little, mixing it in, until the batter reaches a slightly thick consistency. It should be thick enough to hold together but still spreadable.
-
Cook the Cheela:
- Heat a skillet or non-stick pan over medium flame. Once it’s hot, lightly grease the pan with a little sunflower oil.
- Pour a ladleful of the prepared batter into the pan. Use the back of the ladle to spread it out into a round shape, just like you would for making a dosa.
- Allow the cheela to cook for about a minute, or until the bottom turns golden brown and crispy. Then flip it over and cook for another minute on the other side.
- Repeat this process with the remaining batter, brushing the pan with oil as needed.
-
Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve the cooked Makai Ka Cheela hot with a side of Dhaniya Pudina Chutney (coriander-mint chutney) and a refreshing filter coffee for a traditional breakfast, or as a tasty snack after school for the kids.
Tips for Making the Perfect Makai Ka Cheela:
- Consistency of Batter: The batter should be thick enough to spread, but not too runny. You can adjust the consistency by adding water in small amounts.
- Variation: You can add finely chopped vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or spinach to the batter for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Serving Suggestions: While Dhaniya Pudina Chutney is the most popular accompaniment, you can also serve it with a simple yogurt dip or a tangy tamarind chutney.
- For a Crispier Cheela: If you prefer your cheela extra crispy, you can add a little more gram flour and cook it for a little longer on each side.
Why You’ll Love This Makai Ka Cheela:
This recipe is a wonderful way to enjoy the natural sweetness of corn paired with the richness of gram flour. It’s light, nutritious, and perfect for all ages. Whether you enjoy it for breakfast or as an after-school snack, Makai Ka Cheela is sure to satisfy your taste buds with its delightful flavor and texture.
Moreover, it’s a completely vegetarian dish, making it a great choice for anyone following a plant-based diet. The addition of fresh coriander and the kick from the green chilies add a vibrant, refreshing touch to the dish, while the ginger brings a warmth that ties all the flavors together.
If you’re looking for a simple, wholesome recipe that will leave you feeling energized and full, look no further than Makai Ka Cheela. It’s an easy, fuss-free recipe that can be made in under 30 minutes, yet it tastes like a dish you’d savor at a street food stall in India.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving):
Nutrient | Amount |
---|---|
Calories | Approx. 150-200 |
Carbohydrates | 25g |
Protein | 5g |
Fat | 4g |
Fiber | 3g |
Sodium | 200mg |
Potassium | 300mg |
(Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on the exact quantities and ingredients used.)
With this delicious, nutritious, and easy-to-make Makai Ka Cheela recipe, you can now enjoy a taste of North India right at home. Whether it’s a busy morning or a laid-back evening, this cheela recipe is perfect for any time of day!