Start your day with a burst of flavor and nutrition with Moong Dal Cheela, a delightful and healthy Indian breakfast option! These savory pancakes, made from simple, wholesome ingredients, are a perfect blend of soft and crispy textures. Packed with protein and fiber from the moong dal (split yellow lentils), they offer a satisfying and energizing start to your day, far surpassing the typical sugary cereals. Whether you're a vegetarian, vegan, or simply looking for a healthier alternative, Moong Dal Cheela is incredibly versatile, adaptable to your taste with the addition of spices and herbs. They are quick to prepare and incredibly satisfying.
This recipe delivers the perfect balance of soft, fluffy interiors and delightfully crispy edges. Forget complicated breakfast routines; this simple recipe will become a new family favorite. Ready to learn how to make these delicious and nutritious pancakes? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions below!
Tools Needed
- Mixer
- Pan
Ingredients
- Moong Dal: 1/2 cup
- Rice: 1/2 cup
- Capsicum
- Onion
- Carrot
- Lemon Juice
- Salt
- Asafoetida: a pinch
- Cumin: a pinch
- Chili Flakes
- Green Coriander
- Oil/Ghee
- Water
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Batter
- Wash and soak moong dal and rice for at least half an hour, or overnight for morning breakfast.
- Grind the soaked dal and rice with some water into a batter.
- Add capsicum, onion, grated carrot, lemon juice, salt, asafoetida, and cumin to the batter.
- Mix well and add more water if needed to adjust the consistency. Add green coriander.
Step 2. Adjust Batter Consistency & Ingredients
- Mix well and add more water if needed to adjust the consistency. Add green coriander.
Step 3. Cook the Cheela (Soft)
- Heat a pan and grease it with oil. Pour batter onto the hot pan, keeping the flame high for soft cheela or lower the flame for crispy cheela
- Cook on low flame for 2 minutes, then medium flame until golden brown. Flip and cook the other side.
Step 4. Cook the Cheela (Crispy)
- Heat a pan and grease it with oil. Pour batter onto the hot pan, keeping the flame high for soft cheela or lower the flame for crispy cheela
- Use a thinner batter (add more water), pour the batter from the side and rotate the pan while cooking. Cook on low flame until crispy and golden brown.
Read more: Vegan Carrot Halwa: Easy Indian Dessert Recipe
Tips
- You can add any vegetables of your choice to the batter.
- Don't pour the batter directly in the middle of the pan; pour from the side and rotate.
Nutrition
- Calories: approximately 250-300
- Fat: 5-10g
- Carbs: 40-50g
- Protein: 10-15g
FAQs
1. Can I use other types of lentils instead of moong dal?
While moong dal works best for its soft texture, you can experiment with masoor dal (red lentils) for a slightly different flavor and consistency. However, the results might be denser.
2. How do I make the cheela crispier?
A little extra oil in the pan and cooking over medium heat helps to achieve a crispy exterior. Don't overcrowd the pan; cook smaller cheelas for better browning.
3. What can I add to the batter for extra flavor?
Get creative! Add finely chopped onions, green chilies, ginger, cilantro, or even grated carrots and zucchini for extra taste and nutrients. Spices like cumin, coriander, or turmeric also add depth.
So there you have it – a simple, healthy, and incredibly delicious breakfast option that’s ready in minutes! Enjoy these versatile Moong Dal Cheela any time of day, whether as a quick breakfast or a light and satisfying snack. Experiment with different additions to find your perfect flavor combination and impress your family and friends with this easy-to-make Indian treat.