Matar Besan and Paneer Cheela Recipe (Green Peas & Paneer Crepes)
Introduction:
Matar Besan and Paneer Cheela is a delicious and wholesome North Indian breakfast dish. A cheela is essentially a savory pancake made from gram flour (besan), and when combined with green peas (matar) and paneer (Indian cottage cheese), it takes on a delightful twist, offering both flavor and nutrition. This simple, vegetarian recipe is perfect for a fulfilling breakfast or an afternoon tea-time snack. The blend of spices and the addition of paneer makes this dish irresistibly soft, with a crispy exterior and a rich, aromatic flavor that will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of North India.
Whether you’re craving a savory meal in the morning or looking for something light to pair with your tea, these cheelas can easily be customized to suit your preferences. Serve them with chutneys of your choice for an added burst of flavor, and enjoy the perfect combination of ingredients in every bite.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Green peas (Matar) | 1 cup (steamed) |
| Gram flour (Besan) | 1 cup |
| Paneer (Homemade Cottage Cheese) | 1/2 cup (grated) |
| Ginger | 1 teaspoon (roughly chopped) |
| Green chillies | 2 (finely chopped) |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Cumin powder (Jeera) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Sunflower oil (for cooking) | 2 teaspoons (for pan roasting) |
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving):
| Nutrient | Value per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 kcal |
| Protein | 7g |
| Carbohydrates | 24g |
| Dietary Fiber | 4g |
| Fat | 8g |
| Saturated Fat | 3g |
| Cholesterol | 15mg |
| Sodium | 250mg |
Preparation Time:
10 minutes
Cooking Time:
30 minutes
Total Time:
40 minutes
Servings:
4
Cuisine:
North Indian
Course:
Breakfast / Snack
Diet:
Vegetarian
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Green Pea Puree:
- Begin by adding the steamed green peas (matar), chopped ginger, and finely chopped green chillies into a blender or mixer grinder. Add a little water and blend the mixture until you get a smooth, thick paste. Set aside.
-
Prepare the Cheela Batter:
- In a large mixing bowl, add the freshly prepared green pea paste. To this, add the gram flour (besan), grated paneer, turmeric powder, cumin powder, and salt. Stir the ingredients together to combine well.
- Gradually add water to the mixture, stirring continuously, until the batter reaches a consistency that is thick enough to spread but still pourable (similar to pancake batter). Adjust the consistency to your preference by adding more water if needed.
-
Heat the Pan:
- Preheat a non-stick or heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. Once heated, add 1 teaspoon of sunflower oil to the pan, ensuring it’s evenly distributed.
-
Cook the Matar Besan and Paneer Cheela:
- Using a medium-sized ladle, pour a scoop of the batter into the center of the pan. Gently spread the batter in a circular motion to form a thin, even layer, similar to a pancake.
- Allow the cheela to cook for about 2-3 minutes on one side until you see golden brown spots forming. At this point, drizzle a little oil around the edges of the cheela to ensure a crispy texture.
- Once the bottom is golden brown and firm, carefully flip the cheela with a spatula and cook the other side for an additional 2-3 minutes. Drizzle a little more oil if needed to help it crisp up.
-
Serving the Cheela:
- Once both sides are cooked to a golden brown, remove the cheela from the pan and transfer it to a serving plate. Repeat the process with the remaining batter.
- Serve the hot Matar Besan and Paneer Cheela immediately with your choice of chutney. Popular accompaniments include tangy tomato onion chutney, spicy tomato garlic chutney, or a mint-based chutney. For a complete breakfast experience, pair it with a steaming cup of masala chai.
Tips and Variations:
- Add Veggies: To enhance the flavor and nutritional value, you can add finely chopped vegetables such as onions, tomatoes, or spinach to the batter.
- Adjust Spice Levels: If you prefer a spicier version, feel free to add more green chillies or a pinch of red chilli powder.
- Make It Gluten-Free: If you are gluten-sensitive, replace the gram flour (besan) with chickpea flour, which is naturally gluten-free.
- Serving Suggestions: Matar Besan and Paneer Cheela pairs wonderfully with a side of curd (yogurt) or even a salad for a well-rounded meal.
Conclusion:
Matar Besan and Paneer Cheela is an easy-to-make, nutritious, and tasty breakfast or snack option that’s both filling and flavorful. The combination of green peas, gram flour, and paneer provides a balanced dish with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, making it a perfect choice for vegetarians and health-conscious individuals. Whether you’re having it with a hot cup of masala chai or your favorite chutney, this cheela is sure to become a family favorite.
