Chila is a popular Indian breakfast dish made from gram flour (besan) and spices. It's similar to a savory pancake and is known for its delicious flavor and quick preparation. A step-by-step guide on how to make Chila:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of gram flour (besan)
- 1/2 cup of water
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 small tomato, finely chopped
- 1-2 green chilies, finely chopped (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1/2 teaspoon of cumin seeds
- A pinch of turmeric powder
- A pinch of asafoetida (hing)
- Salt to taste
- Cooking oil or ghee for frying
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Batter:
- In a mixing bowl, add the gram flour (besan), cumin seeds, turmeric powder, asafoetida (hing), and salt. Mix the dry ingredients together.
2. Add Water:
- Gradually add water to the dry ingredients while whisking continuously to make a smooth, lump-free batter. The consistency should be similar to that of pancake batter. Let the batter rest for 10-15 minutes.
3. Add Veggies:
- Add the finely chopped onions, tomatoes, and green chilies to the batter. You can also include other vegetables like bell peppers or grated carrots if you prefer.
4. Mix Well:
- Mix the vegetables into the batter until they are evenly distributed.
5. Heat a Skillet:
- Place a non-stick skillet or frying pan on medium heat and add a few drops of oil or ghee to grease the surface.
6. Pour the Batter:
- Once the skillet is hot, pour a ladleful of the batter onto the center of the pan.
7. Spread the Batter:
- Use the back of the ladle to spread the batter in a circular motion to form a thin pancake. Chila should be relatively thin, similar to a crepe.
8. Drizzle Oil:
- Drizzle a few drops of oil or ghee around the edges of the Chila.
9. Cook on Low to Medium Heat:
- Cook the Chila on low to medium heat. When you see the edges start to lift and the top surface drying out, it's time to flip.
10. Flip and Cook:
- Gently flip the Chila using a spatula and cook the other side until both sides are golden brown and crispy.
11. Remove and Serve:
- Remove the Chila from the skillet and place it on a plate. Repeat the process with the remaining batter to make more Chilas.
12. Serve Hot:
- Serve the Chilas hot with green chutney, ketchup, or yogurt.
Chila is a versatile dish, and you can customize it by adding various vegetables or spices to suit your taste. It's a quick and healthy breakfast option that's popular throughout India. Enjoy your homemade Chila!