Egg Cheela
A quick and protein-packed savory Indian pancake made from eggs and gram flour (besan). Spiced with aromatic herbs and filled with finely chopped vegetables, this Egg Cheela is a perfect choice for a speedy, nutritious breakfast or a light, healthy meal. Ready in under 25 minutes, it's a delicious way to fuel your day.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Batter
- b.In a large mixing bowl, crack the 6 eggs and whisk them vigorously for about 1 minute until they are light and frothy.
- c.Sift the 1 cup of besan (gram flour) directly into the eggs to prevent lumps. Whisk well to form a thick, smooth paste.
- d.Gradually pour in about 1/2 cup of water while whisking continuously. Continue until you achieve a smooth, lump-free batter with a pourable consistency, similar to that of a pancake batter. Let the batter rest for 5-10 minutes.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Add Vegetables and Spices
- b.To the prepared batter, add the finely chopped onion, tomato, green chillies, and coriander leaves.
- c.Add the spices: turmeric powder, red chilli powder, hing, and salt.
- d.Mix everything thoroughly until all the ingredients are evenly distributed in the batter. Check the consistency again; if it's too thick, add a tablespoon of water.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Cook the Cheelas
- b.Heat a non-stick tawa or flat skillet over medium heat. Once hot, drizzle about 1/2 teaspoon of oil and spread it evenly across the surface.
- c.Pour a ladleful of the batter (about 1/4 cup) onto the center of the tawa. Working quickly, use the back of the ladle to spread the batter in a circular motion to form a thin pancake, about 6-7 inches in diameter.
- d.Drizzle a few drops of oil around the edges of the cheela to help it crisp up.
- e.Cook for 2-3 minutes on medium heat, or until the top surface appears set and the edges start to lift from the pan. The bottom should be golden brown.
- f.Carefully slide a spatula underneath and flip the cheela. Cook the other side for another 1-2 minutes until it has light golden-brown spots.
- g.Remove the cooked cheela from the pan and place it on a plate. Repeat the process with the remaining batter, adding a little oil to the pan for each cheela.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Serve
- b.Serve the hot and fresh Egg Cheelas immediately with your choice of accompaniment, such as mint-coriander chutney, tomato ketchup, or a side of plain yogurt (dahi).
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For a smoother batter, sift the besan before adding it to the eggs to avoid lumps.
- 2Resting the batter for 10-15 minutes allows the besan to hydrate, resulting in softer cheelas.
- 3Use a non-stick pan for best results. This prevents sticking and allows you to use less oil.
- 4Maintain a consistent medium heat. If the pan is too hot, the cheela will burn on the outside while remaining raw inside. If it's too cool, it will become dry and tough.
- 5Ensure your vegetables are chopped very finely. Large chunks can make it difficult to spread the batter and may cause the cheela to break.
- 6For extra flavor, you can add 1/2 teaspoon of ginger-garlic paste to the batter.
Adapt it for your goals.
Veggie-Loaded
Add other finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers (capsicum), grated carrots, or blanched spinach to the batter for extra nutrients and flavor.
Cheesy DelightCheesy Delight
Sprinkle some grated cheese (like cheddar or mozzarella) on top of the cheela after flipping it, and cook until the cheese melts for a gooey, delicious twist.
Spicier VersionSpicier Version
Add a pinch of garam masala or some finely chopped ginger to the batter for an extra kick of warmth and flavor.
HerbaceousHerbaceous
Incorporate other fresh herbs like chopped mint or dill along with coriander for a different flavor profile.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
Combining eggs and besan (gram flour) creates a high-protein meal that is essential for muscle repair, growth, and maintaining overall body function.
Aids in Weight Management
Being high in protein and fiber from vegetables, this dish promotes satiety, keeping you full for longer. This helps to curb cravings and prevent overeating, supporting weight management goals.
Naturally Gluten-Free
Made from gram flour, this cheela is inherently gluten-free, making it a safe and delicious option for individuals with gluten intolerance or celiac disease.
Rich in Vitamins and Minerals
The inclusion of onion, tomato, and coriander leaves provides essential vitamins and minerals like Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and iron, which contribute to a strong immune system and overall well-being.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, Egg Cheela is a very healthy dish. It's rich in high-quality protein from both eggs and besan, packed with vitamins from vegetables, and is naturally gluten-free. It provides balanced nutrition and sustained energy, making it an excellent meal choice.