Whole Wheat Vegetable Chilla (Cheela) Recipe
Dive into the delightful world of North Indian cuisine with this wholesome and flavorful Whole Wheat Vegetable Chilla, also known as Cheela. This nutritious dish is not only rich in protein but also brimming with vibrant vegetables, making it an ideal choice for breakfast, a tea-time snack, or even a light dinner.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Whole Wheat Flour | 1 cup |
| Water | 2 cups |
| Onion (finely chopped) | 1 |
| Tomatoes (finely chopped) | 2 |
| Green Bell Pepper (Capsicum) | 1 |
| Turmeric Powder (Haldi) | 1 teaspoon |
| Cumin Seeds (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
| Red Chilli Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Coriander Leaves (finely chopped) | A small bunch |
| Salt | To taste |
| Sunflower Oil | For frying |
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approximately 180 |
| Protein | 7 g |
| Carbohydrates | 30 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Fat | 5 g |
| Sodium | Varies with added salt |
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings
- Servings: 4
Instructions
To embark on your culinary journey of making Whole Wheat Vegetable Chilla, begin by gathering a mixing bowl and combining the Whole Wheat Flour with the water, stirring thoroughly to create a thick, lump-free batter. The consistency should be thicker than that of dosa batter, ensuring the cheela holds together beautifully while cooking.
Once your batter is ready, it’s time to introduce the vibrant vegetables into the mix. Add the finely chopped onions, tomatoes, green bell pepper, and coriander leaves, along with the cumin seeds, turmeric powder, red chilli powder, and salt to taste. Stir everything together until well incorporated, allowing the colors and flavors to meld harmoniously.
Next, heat a tava (a flat griddle) over medium heat and lightly grease it with about 1 tablespoon of sunflower oil. Once the oil is hot, pour a ladleful of the vegetable batter onto the tava. If you notice that the vegetables cluster in the center, don’t worry! Use your fingertips to gently spread them around, ensuring an even distribution across the cheela.
Cover the tava with a lid and allow the chilla to cook for about 3 to 4 minutes. This steaming process is crucial, as it will help cook the cheela evenly from the inside out. After this time, lift the lid and drizzle about 1 teaspoon of oil over the top of the chilla. This step enhances the flavor and ensures a crispy texture.
Continue cooking until you see that the edges and the bottom of the chilla have turned golden brown and are cooked through. Once the underside is perfectly browned, carefully flip the chilla over to cook the other side for an additional few minutes, until it too is crisp and golden.
The final touch is to serve your Whole Wheat Vegetable Chilla (Cheela) hot off the tava, paired with a refreshing peanut chutney that complements the savory flavors beautifully. Enjoy this nutritious delight at breakfast, as a delightful tea-time treat, or as a light and satisfying dinner option.
Serving Suggestions
For an added burst of flavor, consider serving the chilla with various dips or chutneys such as mint chutney, yogurt, or a tangy tamarind sauce. This flexibility allows you to customize each meal to your taste preferences, ensuring that every bite is both satisfying and delicious.
With its rich nutritional profile and delightful flavors, the Whole Wheat Vegetable Chilla is a wonderful addition to your culinary repertoire, embodying the spirit of healthy eating while celebrating the vibrant tastes of North Indian cuisine. Enjoy every bite and share the love of cooking with family and friends!
