Oats and Besan Cheela Recipe (High Protein Spiced Crepes)
This Oats and Besan Cheela is a perfect blend of wholesome ingredients like gram flour (besan), oats, and aromatic spices, making it an ideal choice for a high-protein, nutritious breakfast or a snack. The cheela (Indian-style crepes) is crispy on the outside and soft inside, packed with flavors from fresh onions, green chilies, garlic, and fennel seeds. It is simple to prepare and is a great way to start your day on a healthy note. Serve it with a tangy chutney or yogurt for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Gram flour (besan) | 250 grams |
| Rolled oats (or instant oats) | 80 grams (powdered) |
| Onions | 2 (thinly sliced) |
| Green chilies | 2 (finely chopped) |
| Garlic | 2 cloves (grated) |
| Fennel seeds (saunf) | 1 teaspoon (pounded) |
| Coriander (dhania) leaves | Few leaves (chopped) |
| Salt | To taste |
| Red chili powder | To taste |
| Sunflower oil | For cooking |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~200 kcal |
| Protein | 8-10 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 30 grams |
| Fiber | 5 grams |
| Fat | 6 grams |
| Sodium | 300 mg |
| Vitamin A | 6% of daily value |
| Vitamin C | 10% of daily value |
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary depending on specific ingredients used.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 4
Cuisine
- Cuisine: Indian
- Course: North Indian Breakfast
- Diet: High Protein, Vegetarian
Instructions
-
Prepare the Batter:
Begin by placing 250 grams of gram flour (besan) and 80 grams of powdered oats in a large mixing bowl. Add the thinly sliced 2 onions, finely chopped 2 green chilies, grated 2 cloves of garlic, and 1 teaspoon of pounded fennel seeds. Mix well to combine all the dry ingredients. -
Adjust the Consistency:
Gradually add water to the mixture, stirring continuously to form a thick batter. The batter should have a smooth consistency, similar to a dosa or pancake batter. It should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still pourable. Check the seasoning by tasting the batter and adjust the salt and red chili powder according to your preference. -
Heat the Pan:
Preheat a non-stick skillet or tawa over medium heat. Once hot, drizzle a little sunflower oil on the surface of the pan to prevent sticking. -
Cook the Cheela:
Pour a ladleful of the batter onto the hot pan and gently spread it out into a thin, even circle, just like making a pancake or dosa. Drizzle a little more oil around the edges of the cheela for extra crispiness. Allow it to cook for about 2-3 minutes until the top of the cheela appears set, and the edges start to brown. -
Flip and Cook:
Once the top of the cheela looks cooked and no longer raw, carefully flip it over using a spatula. Cook the other side for an additional 1-2 minutes until it becomes golden brown and crispy. -
Serve:
Once the cheela is perfectly cooked on both sides, transfer it to a plate and repeat the process with the remaining batter. -
Optional:
For an extra burst of flavor, serve the Oats and Besan Cheela with Sweet and Spicy Tomato Chutney and Dhaniya Pudina Chutney. These chutneys add a delightful contrast to the savory, spiced crepes. This dish can also be enjoyed as a tea-time snack or a light weeknight dinner.
Tips for the Perfect Oats and Besan Cheela:
- For Extra Crispy Cheela: Add a tablespoon of rice flour to the batter to make the cheelas even crispier.
- Customizing Spices: Adjust the quantity of green chilies and red chili powder depending on your spice tolerance.
- Make It Vegan: Skip the yogurt-based chutneys and pair with a tangy tamarind chutney or mint chutney for a vegan-friendly option.
- Add Veggies: Feel free to incorporate finely chopped vegetables like carrots, spinach, or bell peppers for extra nutrition and color.
This hearty and flavorful recipe is ideal for those looking for a high-protein, vegetarian option that is both filling and satisfying. Whether you’re preparing it for breakfast, a light dinner, or as a healthy snack, these Oats and Besan Cheelas are sure to please the taste buds while providing essential nutrients.
