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Thick gram flour cheela with visible vegetables and paneer stuffing, golden and crispy edges
Besan Cheela is a nutritious Indian savory pancake made with gram flour (besan), fresh vegetables, and aromatic spices. Naturally high in plant protein and fiber, this healthy breakfast keeps you full for longer and supports weight loss, muscle maintenance, and balanced blood sugar levels. Ready in just 20 minutes, it is one of the easiest high-protein vegetarian breakfast recipes.
• 3 Serve • Easy
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INGREDIENTS

For the Batter

  • 1 cup besan gram flour/chickpea flour
  • 1 medium onion finely chopped
  • 1 medium tomato finely chopped
  • 1 green chilli finely chopped
  • 2 tbsp fresh coriander leaves chopped
  • ½ tsp turmeric powder
  • ½ tsp cumin seeds
  • ¼ tsp ajwain carom seeds
  • ¼ tsp black pepper powder
  • Salt to taste
  • ¾ –1 cup water adjust as needed

For Cooking

  • 1 tsp oil or ghee optional

Optional Protein Boost

  • 2 tbsp paneer grated
  • 1 tbsp flaxseed powder
  • 2 tbsp finely chopped spinach

RECIPE TIMES

PREP:
10 minutes
COOK: 10 minutes
TOTAL: 20 minutes
112 kcal
*per serving

STEP-BY-STEP

  • In a mixing bowl, combine besan, turmeric, cumin seeds, ajwain, black pepper, and salt.
  • Gradually add water while whisking to create a smooth lump-free batter with a pouring consistency.
  • Mix in chopped onion, tomato, green chilli, and coriander leaves.
  • Heat a non-stick tawa or skillet over medium heat. Lightly grease if needed.
  • Pour a ladleful of batter onto the hot tawa and spread gently into a thin round cheela.
  • Cook for 2–3 minutes until the bottom becomes golden brown. Flip and cook the other side.
  • Serve hot with mint chutney, coriander chutney, yogurt, or tomato chutney.

NOTES

✨ EXPERT TIPS

  • Whisk the batter well to avoid lumps.
  • Let the batter rest for 5 minutes for better texture.
  • Add finely chopped vegetables for even cooking.
  • Cook on medium heat to achieve crispy edges.
  • For extra protein, add grated paneer or tofu.

🌿 VARIATIONS

High-Protein Besan Cheela
Add paneer, tofu, or Greek yogurt to the batter.
Weight Loss Besan Cheela
Add spinach, grated bottle gourd, or zucchini for more volume and fiber.
Oats Besan Cheela
Mix 2 tablespoons powdered oats into the batter.
Moong Dal Besan Cheela
Combine soaked ground moong dal with besan for additional protein.
Stuffed Besan Cheela
Fill with paneer bhurji or mixed vegetables.

❄ STORAGE

  • Refrigerator: Store batter in an airtight container for up to 24 hours.
  • Meal Prep: Prepare chopped vegetables in advance for quicker breakfasts.
  • Reheating:Reheat cooked cheelas on a hot tawa for 1–2 minutes.

🥗 HEALTH BENEFITS

  • Rich in Plant Protein- Besan provides quality vegetarian protein that helps support muscle maintenance and satiety.
  • Supports Weight Loss- High protein and fiber help reduce hunger and control cravings.
  • Blood Sugar Friendly- Gram flour has a lower glycemic impact than refined flour-based breakfasts.
  • Good for PCOS- Protein-rich breakfasts may help maintain stable energy levels and reduce frequent hunger.
  • Gluten-Free-Naturally gluten-free when prepared without wheat flour.
 
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Frequently Asked Questions

Helpful answers about this healthy recipe

1.Is besan cheela good for weight loss?

Yes. Its protein and fiber content can help increase fullness and reduce overeating.

2.How much protein is in besan cheela?

A serving typically provides around 6–8 grams of protein depending on ingredients used.

3.Is besan cheela good for PCOS?

Yes. A high-protein breakfast can help support balanced energy levels and appetite control.

4.Can diabetics eat besan cheela?

Yes. Besan generally has a lower glycemic impact compared to refined flour products.

5.Can I make besan cheela without onion and tomato?

Absolutely. The batter can be made plain or with other vegetables.

6. How do I make besan cheela crispier?

Spread the batter thinly and cook on medium heat until golden brown.
🌿 Healthy eating becomes easier with simple and nourishing recipes.