Besan Aur Pyaz Ka Cheela Recipe: A Delightful North Indian Breakfast
Introduction
Indian cuisine is a treasure trove of delicious and aromatic dishes, each telling a unique story of culture, tradition, and history. One of the culinary tales I love to recount is from my travels across India, particularly in the city of Kolkata. It was there that I had my first encounter with Besan Aur Pyaz Ka Cheela, a flavorful pancake-like dish made with gram flour (besan) and onions, served with tangy chutneys. The cool evenings, paired with the hot cheelas and refreshing Shikanji (Indian lemonade), left an everlasting impression on me. Every bite was a burst of flavor, making it the perfect comfort food. Whether enjoyed as a breakfast, tea-time snack, or even a light weeknight dinner, Besan Aur Pyaz Ka Cheela offers a satisfying and protein-packed option. Let’s explore this simple yet delicious recipe that will transport you to the streets of Kolkata.
Cuisine: Indian
Course: North Indian Breakfast
Diet: High-Protein Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Besan Aur Pyaz Ka Cheela:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Gram flour (besan) | 1 cup |
| Onions, finely chopped | 1 medium onion |
| Green chillies, finely chopped | 2 |
| Fennel seeds (saunf), pounded | 1 teaspoon |
| Coriander (dhania) leaves, chopped | A few sprigs |
| Salt | To taste |
| Extra virgin olive oil | For cooking |
For Serving:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Onions, thinly sliced | A few slices |
| Green chutney (coriander & mint) | For serving |
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Serves: 2-3
Instructions
-
Prepare the Cheela Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the gram flour (besan), finely chopped onions, green chillies, pounded fennel seeds, and chopped coriander leaves. Add salt to taste and mix well. Gradually add water to the mixture, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. The batter should have a thick, smooth consistency similar to that of dosa or pancake batter, which should be able to coat the back of a spoon. Adjust the salt and spice levels to your preference. -
Heat the Skillet
Place a non-stick skillet or frying pan on medium heat. Once the pan is adequately heated, drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil around the edges to coat the surface evenly. -
Cook the Cheela
Pour a ladleful of the prepared batter onto the center of the pan. Using the back of the ladle, spread the batter out in a circular motion, creating a thin crepe-like shape. Drizzle a little more olive oil around the cheela to ensure it cooks evenly and gets crispy on the edges. Allow it to cook for 2-3 minutes or until the top surface no longer appears raw, and the edges begin to turn golden brown. -
Flip and Cook on the Other Side
Carefully flip the cheela over using a spatula, and cook on the other side for another 1-2 minutes, until golden brown and crisp. -
Repeat and Serve
Transfer the cooked cheela to a plate and keep it warm. Repeat the process with the remaining batter until all the cheelas are cooked. You may need to drizzle more olive oil onto the pan between batches to prevent sticking and to achieve the perfect crisp texture. -
Serve
Serve the Besan Aur Pyaz Ka Cheela hot with a side of green chutney made with coriander and mint, and sliced onions. You can also pair it with a sweet and spicy tomato chutney to enhance the flavors. This dish makes for a delightful breakfast, a nourishing tea-time snack, or a light dinner option.
Tips and Variations:
- Customize the spices: Feel free to adjust the spice level by adding more or fewer green chillies or by incorporating ground cumin or turmeric to the batter for extra flavor.
- Add vegetables: You can also incorporate finely chopped vegetables like spinach, tomatoes, or bell peppers to the batter to make the cheela even more nutritious.
- Serving ideas: Apart from the chutneys, you can enjoy these cheelas with a dollop of yogurt or a drizzle of sweet tamarind chutney for a different twist.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250-300 kcal |
| Protein | 8-10g |
| Carbohydrates | 30-35g |
| Fat | 10-12g |
| Fiber | 3-4g |
| Sodium | 200-250mg |
| Calcium | 50-60mg |
| Iron | 2-3mg |
Conclusion
The Besan Aur Pyaz Ka Cheela is a perfect example of the simplicity and flavor that Indian breakfasts are known for. The combination of gram flour, onions, and spices, cooked to golden perfection, delivers a satisfying and protein-packed meal that can be enjoyed any time of day. Paired with tangy chutneys, it becomes a refreshing yet hearty dish that is bound to leave you craving more. Whether you’re looking to recreate the cozy street food experience from Kolkata or just want a flavorful breakfast, this cheela recipe is sure to please your palate.
