Green Moong Dal Cheela Recipe – Savory Green Mung Bean Pancakes
An Indian-inspired, diabetic-friendly breakfast with a punch of flavor!
Green Moong Dal Cheela is a popular North Indian breakfast made from whole moong dal (green mung beans) and a handful of aromatic spices. These savory pancakes are not only delicious but also healthy, making them perfect for anyone looking for a light yet filling meal. Packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, these cheelas make an ideal choice for a wholesome morning meal.
Whether you’re looking to try something new or want a healthy alternative to traditional pancakes, Green Moong Dal Cheela is sure to please everyone in the family.
Ingredients
Yields 4 servings
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Green Moong Dal (Whole) | 1 cup |
| Rice Flour | 1-1/2 tablespoons |
| Coriander (Dhania) Leaves | 1/4 cup, chopped |
| Green Chillies | 2, finely chopped |
| Ginger | 1 inch, grated |
| Garlic | 3 cloves, finely chopped |
| Water | 3/4 cup |
| Salt | To taste |
| Red Chilli Powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Garam Masala Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Flax Seed Powder (Flax Meal) | 2 teaspoons |
| Sunflower Oil | For shallow frying |
Nutritional Information
(per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~150 kcal |
| Protein | 8g |
| Fat | 6g |
| Carbohydrates | 18g |
| Fiber | 5g |
| Sugar | 2g |
| Sodium | 150mg |
| Cholesterol | 0mg |
(Note: Nutritional values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 7 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 37 minutes
Instructions
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Soak the Moong Dal: Begin by soaking the green moong dal in plenty of water for 5-6 hours or preferably overnight. This softens the dal and makes it easier to grind into a batter.
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Grind the Dal: Once soaked, drain the water and transfer the moong dal to a grinder. Using very little water, coarsely grind the dal to create a thick batter. The consistency should be thick enough to spread, but still pourable.
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Prepare the Batter: Transfer the ground moong dal mixture to a large mixing bowl. Add the rice flour, chopped coriander leaves, finely chopped green chillies, grated ginger, and garlic. Season with salt, red chili powder, garam masala powder, and flax seed powder. Stir well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
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Adjust the Consistency: The batter should have a thick pouring consistency. If it feels too thick, add a little more water, a tablespoon at a time. Taste and adjust the salt and spice levels according to your preference.
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Cook the Cheelas: Heat a tawa (griddle) over medium heat and add a few teaspoons of sunflower oil. Once the oil is hot, pour two heapful tablespoons of the batter onto the tawa, spreading it out gently into a circular shape with the back of a spoon. Let it cook for 1-2 minutes or until the bottom turns golden brown and crispy.
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Flip and Cook the Other Side: Carefully flip the cheela using a spatula and cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the other side to become golden and crisp.
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Drain Excess Oil: Remove the cooked cheela from the tawa and place it on an absorbent kitchen towel or paper towel to drain any excess oil.
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Repeat the Process: Continue cooking the remaining batter, adding a little oil to the tawa as needed.
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Serve: Serve the warm moong dal cheelas immediately with a side of tomato chutney, capsicum chutney, or any other chutney of your choice for a delightful and healthy breakfast.
Serving Suggestions
Green Moong Dal Cheelas are best served hot and crispy, making them the perfect choice for a wholesome North Indian-style breakfast. They pair beautifully with a tangy tomato chutney or a sweet and spicy capsicum chutney. You can also enjoy them with yogurt for an extra creamy texture.
These cheelas can also be enjoyed as a snack or light meal anytime throughout the day, making them an incredibly versatile dish. The high protein content, combined with the goodness of flax seeds, ensures a filling and nutritious meal suitable for those on a diabetic-friendly diet.
Tips for Best Results
- Consistency of the Batter: If the batter is too thin, the cheelas will become too soft and difficult to flip. Make sure to maintain a thick but pourable consistency for best results.
- Add More Veggies: Feel free to get creative and add more chopped vegetables like grated carrots, spinach, or onions to the batter for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Spice Adjustments: You can adjust the level of heat in the cheelas by varying the number of green chilies or the amount of red chili powder used. For a milder version, reduce or omit the green chilies.
Why Green Moong Dal Cheela is a Great Choice
Green Moong Dal Cheela is an excellent source of plant-based protein, making it an ideal option for vegetarians and anyone looking to add more legumes to their diet. Additionally, moong dal is known for its low glycemic index, making it suitable for people with diabetes. The inclusion of flax seed powder adds heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids to the dish, boosting its nutritional value.
This dish is also versatile and can be customized with your favorite ingredients, such as various chutneys or vegetables, to suit your taste preferences.
Enjoy these savory green moong dal pancakes as part of your daily breakfast routine, and kickstart your day with a nourishing and flavorful meal!
