Besan jo Chilro
A savory and spiced chickpea flour pancake from Sindhi cuisine, loaded with onions and tomatoes. It's a quick, protein-rich breakfast or snack, ready in minutes and perfect with green chutney.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 20 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Batter
- b.In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the besan, ajwain, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt to combine the dry ingredients.
- c.Add the finely chopped onion, tomato, green chilies, coriander leaves, and ginger paste to the bowl. Mix them into the dry flour.
- d.Gradually pour in about 1.5 cups of water while whisking continuously. Break up any lumps to form a smooth batter. The ideal consistency is pourable but thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, similar to a pancake batter.
- e.Cover the bowl and let the batter rest for at least 10-15 minutes. This allows the besan to hydrate fully, resulting in softer chilros.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Cook the First Side
- b.Heat a non-stick tawa (griddle) or a cast-iron skillet over medium heat. To check if it's ready, sprinkle a few drops of water; they should sizzle and evaporate immediately.
- c.Grease the tawa lightly with about 1/2 teaspoon of oil.
- d.Give the rested batter a quick stir. Pour a ladleful (about 1/4 cup) of batter onto the center of the hot tawa.
- e.Using the back of the ladle, gently spread the batter in a circular motion to form a pancake about 5-6 inches in diameter. Do not make it too thin.
- f.Drizzle a few drops of oil around the edges and on top of the chilro.
- g.Cook for 2-3 minutes on medium heat, until the top surface looks set and the edges start to lift from the pan. The bottom should be golden brown.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Flip and Cook the Second Side
- b.Carefully slide a spatula under the chilro and flip it over.
- c.Press down gently with the spatula to ensure even cooking.
- d.Cook the second side for another 1-2 minutes until it develops golden-brown spots and is cooked through completely.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Serve
- b.Remove the cooked chilro from the tawa and place it on a serving plate.
- c.Repeat the process with the remaining batter, greasing the tawa lightly before making each chilro.
- d.Serve the Besan jo Chilro hot with mint-coriander chutney, tamarind chutney, tomato ketchup, or a side of plain yogurt.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1The batter consistency is key. If it's too thick, the chilro will be dense. If too thin, it will be difficult to flip. Adjust with a tablespoon of besan or water as needed.
- 2Always cook on a medium flame. High heat will brown the outside quickly, leaving the inside raw, while low heat can make it dry.
- 3Resting the batter is a crucial step. Do not skip it, as it allows the besan to absorb water, making the chilros soft and fluffy.
- 4For a crispier chilro, spread the batter slightly thinner and cook for an extra minute on each side.
- 5Ensure your tawa is properly heated before pouring the batter to prevent it from sticking.
- 6For an authentic Sindhi touch, add a pinch of asafoetida (hing) and a teaspoon of crushed dried pomegranate seeds (anardana) to the batter for a tangy flavor.
Adapt it for your goals.
Add Vegetables
Incorporate finely grated vegetables like carrots, cabbage, or bell peppers, or add chopped spinach to the batter for extra nutrition and flavor.
Increase ProteinIncrease Protein
Mix in 1/4 cup of crumbled paneer (Indian cottage cheese) or grated tofu into the batter for a protein boost.
Vegan 'Omelette' StyleVegan 'Omelette' Style
Add a pinch of black salt (kala namak) to the batter. It will give the chilro a savory, egg-like flavor, making it a popular vegan omelette alternative.
Spice It UpSpice It Up
For a different flavor profile, add 1/2 teaspoon of roasted cumin powder and 1/2 teaspoon of chaat masala to the batter.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Plant-Based Protein
Besan (chickpea flour) is an excellent source of vegetarian protein, which is essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
Good Source of Fiber
The combination of besan and fresh vegetables provides a significant amount of dietary fiber, which aids digestion, promotes satiety, and helps regulate blood sugar levels.
Aids Digestion
The inclusion of ajwain (carom seeds) is traditional in besan preparations as it is known to combat indigestion and flatulence, making the dish easier on the stomach.
Naturally Gluten-Free
As this dish is made from chickpea flour, it is a great option for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, providing a nutritious and flavorful meal without gluten.
Frequently asked questions
One serving, which consists of two chilros, contains approximately 340 calories. The exact count can vary based on the amount of oil used and the size of the pancakes.