Besan Burji (Chickpea Flour Scramble) Recipe
A Hearty and Flavorful Vegan Breakfast Delight
This Besan Burji, or Chickpea Flour Scramble, is an incredibly wholesome, protein-packed, and vegan alternative to the traditional scrambled eggs. It is a popular North Indian breakfast dish, featuring the rich, earthy flavors of gram flour (besan) combined with a variety of vegetables, aromatic spices, and a hint of tanginess from the curd (yogurt). Ideal for a nutritious morning meal, Besan Burji is deliciously satisfying while remaining light and easily digestible.
This versatile recipe can be customized to include any vegetables of your choice, making it a perfect way to use up leftover produce. It’s best served with a side of fresh fruits, parathas, or a refreshing smoothie for a wholesome start to your day.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Gram flour (besan) | 1 cup |
| Flax seed powder (flax meal) | 1 tablespoon |
| Curd (Dahi / Yogurt) | 2 tablespoons |
| Cumin seeds (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
| Onion | 1, finely chopped |
| Red bell pepper (capsicum) | 1, finely chopped |
| Button mushrooms | 1 cup, sliced |
| Green chilies | 2, finely chopped |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Red chili powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Cumin powder (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Coriander leaves (Dhania) | 2 sprigs, finely chopped |
Nutritional Information
(Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 140 kcal |
| Protein | 7 g |
| Carbohydrates | 22 g |
| Fat | 4 g |
| Fiber | 5 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
| Sodium | 200 mg |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: Indian
Course: North Indian Breakfast
Diet: Vegan
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Batter:
Begin by preparing the batter for the Besan Burji. In a large mixing bowl, combine gram flour (besan), flax seed powder, and curd (yogurt). Mix well to form a smooth, lump-free batter. Set it aside. -
Sauté the Vegetables:
Heat a flat skillet or pan on medium heat. Add a drizzle of oil and once hot, add the cumin seeds. Let them splutter for a few seconds to release their fragrance. Next, add the finely chopped onion and sauté until it becomes soft and translucent. -
Add the Vegetables:
Once the onions are done, add the red bell pepper, button mushrooms, and green chilies to the pan. Cook the vegetables, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms release their moisture and the vegetables soften. This should take about 5-7 minutes. -
Spice it Up:
After the vegetables are cooked, add the turmeric powder, red chili powder, and cumin powder. Stir the mixture well to ensure that the spices are evenly distributed. -
Cook the Besan Burji:
Now, spread the cooked vegetables evenly across the pan and pour the prepared besan batter over them. Use a spatula to cover all the vegetables with the batter. Reduce the heat to low and allow the batter to cook for about 5 minutes, during which time the edges will begin to set. -
Stir and Scramble:
Once the batter is partially cooked around the edges, start gently stirring and scrambling the mixture. Be sure not to over-stir, as you want the final dish to have a textured, scramble-like consistency. Keep cooking, stirring occasionally, until the mixture turns golden brown and starts to resemble a traditional bhurji. -
Final Touches:
Season the dish with salt and garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves. Stir everything one last time to incorporate the flavors. -
Serve:
Your delicious Besan Burji is now ready to be served! Enjoy it as a hearty breakfast with whole wheat toast, parathas, or a Banana Almond & Prunes Smoothie for a nutritious and filling meal.
Cooking Tips:
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add or substitute other vegetables like spinach, tomatoes, or peas to customize the recipe to your liking.
- Flax Seed Powder Substitute: If you don’t have flax seed powder, you can replace it with chia seeds or hemp seeds for a similar texture and nutritional value.
- Adjust Spice Level: You can adjust the amount of green chilies and red chili powder according to your spice preference.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Nutrient-Packed: This dish is an excellent source of plant-based protein thanks to the gram flour and flax seeds. The addition of vegetables provides fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making it a wholesome choice.
- Vegan-Friendly: As a completely plant-based dish, Besan Burji is perfect for those following a vegan diet.
- Quick and Easy: With minimal ingredients and just one pan required, this recipe is quick to make and ideal for a busy morning.
- Customizable: You can easily modify the recipe to include any vegetables or spices you prefer, making it a flexible and adaptable dish.
Enjoy the flavors of this Besan Burji as part of a healthy, satisfying breakfast or as a light meal at any time of the day!
