Moong Dal Chilla: A healthy and tasty Indian Pancake. 

Moong Dal Chilla is a delicious and comforting dish that can be enjoyed at any time—whether for a quick breakfast, a light lunch, or a snack. This savoury Indian pancake is made from yellow moong dal (split lentils), offering a perfect mix...

Prep Time
20min
Cook Time
15min
Total Time
35min
Moong Dal Chilla recipe

Ingredients

4 Servings
(1 serving = 1 chilla)
  • 1cup
    Yellow Moong Dal (split yellow lentils)
  • 2tsp
    Ginger (chopped)
  • 2piece
    Green Chillies (finely chopped)
  • 1/4cup
    Fresh Coriander Stems (chopped)
  • 1cup
    Water (as needed for blending)
  • 1/2tbsp
    Coriander powder
  • 2tsp
    Cumin seeds
  • 1tsp
    Salt (or to taste)
  • 1tsp
    Ajwain (Carom seeds)
  • 1tbsp
    Kasuri Methi (Dried Fenugreek Leaves)
  • 1/2tsp
    Red Chilli Powder
  • 1/2tsp
    Turmeric powder
  • 4tbsp
    Oil (for cooking)

How to make Moong Dal Chilla

  1. Rinse the moong dal thoroughly and soak it in water for 2-3 hours. Once soaked, drain the water.

    1. Transfer the soaked moong dal to a blender along with ginger, green chillies, and coriander stems. Gradually add water while blending until the mixture forms a smooth batter with a dosa-like consistency.
    Step 1.1: 1
  2. Pour the batter into a mixing bowl. Add coriander powder, cumin seeds, salt, ajwain, kasuri methi, red chilli powder, and turmeric powder. Stir well to combine.

  3. Heat a non-stick, heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, lightly grease the pan with oil.

  4. Pour a ladleful of batter into the center of the pan and spread it in a circular motion using the back of the ladle to form a thin, round chilla.

    Step 1.1: Pour a ladleful of batter into the center of the pan and spread it in a circular motion using the back of the ladle to form a thin, round chilla
  5. Drizzle a teaspoon of oil around the edges and on the top of the chilla. For added flavor, sprinkle extra red chilli powder or freshly chopped coriander on top. Cover and cook until the edges start to lift naturally from the pan and turn golden brown.

    Step 1.1: Drizzle a teaspoon of oil around the edges and on the top of the chilla
  6. Gently flip the chilla using a spatula and cook the other side for 1-2 minutes. If needed, flip once more and cook until both sides are crisp.

    Step 1.1: Gently flip the chilla using a spatula and cook the other side for 1-2 minutes
  7. Transfer the chilla to a plate and serve hot with coriander chutney, yogurt, or your favorite pickle.

    Step 1.1: Transfer the chilla to a plate and serve hot with coriander chutney, yogurt, or your favorite pickle

Tips & Tricks

  1. Make sure the pan is hot before pouring the batter, as this helps the chilla spread evenly and prevents sticking.

  2. Add water gradually when blending to avoid a runny batter, as a thinner batter may result in soggy or broken chillas.

  3. You can stuff the chilla with mashed potatoes, paneer, or any filling of your choice to make it more hearty.

leenakohli's profile picture
instagram

Leena Kohli

(@leenakohli)

Elevate your confidence through the magic of home cooking with my easy-to-follow recipes 👩‍🍳✨