Moong Dal Pancakes with Spiced Toppings
Moong Dal Pancakes, locally known as Chilla, are light, savory pancakes popular in Kolkata and various regions of India. These protein-rich delights make for a perfect snack or light meal. They're wonderfully complemented by vibrant chutneys such as Coriander and Spinach or Chilli and Garlic. Customize the recipe using different types of lentils and enjoy these delicious pancakes as part of an Indian-themed breakfast or brunch.
15
Servings
68
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
sunflower oil
for cooking (none)
chutney
to serve (of your choice)
split yellow lentils (moong dal)
250 g (none)
water
600 ml (divided)
fresh gingerroot
1 inch (peeled and roughly chopped)
green chili pepper
1 (whole for paste)
coriander leaves
handful (none)
salt
1 teaspoon (for batter)
semolina
50 g (none)
onion
1 large (finely chopped)
salt
1/4 teaspoon (for topping)
green chili pepper
1 (finely chopped)
Instructions
1
Begin by soaking the split yellow lentils in 250ml of water for approximately 1 hour or until all the water is absorbed.
2
Once soaked, transfer the lentils to a blender. Add fresh ginger, a whole green chili pepper, and coriander leaves. Blend thoroughly to form a smooth paste.
3
Transfer the blended lentil mixture to a mixing bowl. Add in 1 teaspoon of salt, semolina, and the remaining 350ml of water. Mix well to ensure there are no lumps and a uniform batter is formed.
4
In a separate bowl, prepare the topping by combining the finely chopped onion, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and finely chopped green chili.
5
Heat a frying pan over medium heat. Once hot, pour a spoonful of batter onto the pan and spread it into a round circle approximately 13-15 cm in diameter.
6
Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of the prepared onion topping over the pancake and drizzle 1 tablespoon of sunflower oil around the edges.
7
Cook the pancake for 2-3 minutes or until the underside turns golden brown. Flip and cook the other side for an additional 2 minutes.
8
Repeat this process until you've used all of the batter, making approximately 15 pancakes.
9
Serve the pancakes hot with your choice of chutney.
Nutrition Information
1 g
Fat
11.5 g
Carbs
2.8 g
Protein
1.7 g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Moong Dal Pancakes?
Moong Dal Pancakes, locally known as Chilla, are light, savory pancakes popular in Kolkata and various regions of India.
What is another name for these pancakes?
They are commonly known as Chilla in local Indian regions.
Where did this recipe originate?
These pancakes are popular in Kolkata and various other regions across India.
How many calories are in one Moong Dal Pancake?
Each pancake contains approximately 68 calories.
What is the protein content of these pancakes?
Each serving provides 2.8 g of protein.
How much fat is in a single pancake?
There is 1 g of fat per pancake.
What are the carbohydrates per serving?
Each pancake contains 11.5 g of carbohydrates.
How much fiber does one pancake offer?
One pancake provides 1.7 g of dietary fiber.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields approximately 15 pancakes.
What type of lentils are used?
The recipe uses split yellow lentils, also known as moong dal.
How long should the lentils be soaked?
The lentils should be soaked in water for approximately 1 hour or until the water is absorbed.
What ingredients are blended into the lentil paste?
The soaked lentils are blended with fresh ginger, one whole green chili pepper, and a handful of coriander leaves.
What items are added to the batter after blending?
After blending, salt, semolina, and the remaining water are mixed into the paste.
What is in the spiced topping?
The topping consists of finely chopped onion, salt, and finely chopped green chili.
How much water is required for the entire recipe?
A total of 600 ml of water is used, divided between soaking and mixing the batter.
How large should each pancake be spread on the pan?
Each pancake should be spread into a circle approximately 13-15 cm in diameter.
How much oil is used for each pancake?
One tablespoon of sunflower oil is drizzled around the edges of each pancake during cooking.
How long does it take to cook the first side?
The underside should be cooked for 2-3 minutes or until it turns golden brown.
How long should I cook the second side of the pancake?
After flipping, the second side should be cooked for an additional 2 minutes.
What is the recommended cooking temperature?
The frying pan should be heated over medium heat.
What are some recommended chutneys for serving?
These pancakes pair well with Coriander and Spinach chutney or Chilli and Garlic chutney.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, Moong Dal Pancakes are a vegetarian dish.
Can I customize this recipe with other lentils?
Yes, the recipe can be customized by using different types of lentils.
Is this recipe considered protein-rich?
Yes, these lentil-based pancakes are described as protein-rich delights.
What type of ginger is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 inch of fresh gingerroot, peeled and roughly chopped.
How much semolina is added to the batter?
The batter requires 50 g of semolina.
What is the purpose of adding semolina?
Semolina is mixed into the batter to help achieve the desired pancake consistency.
Should the pancakes be served hot or cold?
It is recommended to serve the pancakes hot.
How much onion is needed for the topping?
The recipe requires one large finely chopped onion.
Is this an easy recipe to prepare?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe suitable for breakfast or brunch.