Lauki Besan Cheela is a delightful and nutritious pancake made from grated bottle gourd (lauki) and chickpea flour (besan). This traditional Indian dish is not only easy to prepare but also a versatile option for breakfast, brunch, or as a light evening snack. Packed with the goodness of vegetables and protein-rich chickpea flour, Lauki Besan Cheela is a perfect choice for a wholesome and flavorful meal. In this blog post, we'll guide you through a unique and mouthwatering recipe to create this savory delight that will impress your taste buds and nourish your body.
Ingredients
To make this scrumptious Lauki Besan Cheela, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 cup grated bottle gourd (lauki/doodhi)
- 1 cup chickpea flour (besan)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 green chili, finely chopped (adjust to your spice preference)
- 2 tablespoons fresh coriander leaves, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder (optional, for added spiciness)
- Salt to taste
- Water (as needed)
- Cooking oil or ghee (clarified butter) for cooking
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Lauki
1. Peel the bottle gourd and grate it finely using a grater.
2. Place the grated bottle gourd in a sieve or colander and press gently to remove any excess water. Discard the drained water.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
1. In a mixing bowl, combine the grated bottle gourd, chickpea flour (besan), finely chopped onion, green chili, fresh coriander leaves, cumin seeds, turmeric powder, red chili powder (if using), and salt.
2. Gradually add water to the mixture while stirring, until you achieve a thick pancake-like batter consistency.
Step 3: Cook the Lauki Besan Cheela
1. Heat a non-stick pan or a griddle over medium heat. Add a few drops of cooking oil or ghee and spread it evenly on the surface.
2. Pour a ladleful of the prepared batter onto the pan and spread it gently in a circular motion to form a thin pancake.
3. Cook the cheela on medium heat until the edges turn golden brown and the surface looks cooked. Drizzle a few drops of oil or ghee on the top and around the edges.
4. Flip the cheela and cook the other side until it becomes crispy and well-cooked.
5. Repeat this process with the remaining batter to make more Lauki Besan Cheelas.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
1. Transfer the cooked cheelas to a serving plate.
2. Serve the Lauki Besan Cheela hot with your favorite chutney or yogurt for a delightful and nutritious meal.
Nutrition Facts
- Serving Size: 1 cheela (approx. 50g)
- Calories: 60 kcal
- Total Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 7g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Vitamin A: 4% DV
- Vitamin C: 8% DV
- Calcium: 2% DV
- Iron: 4% DV
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Conclusion
Lauki Besan Cheela is a wonderful blend of flavors, textures, and nutrition that makes it a delightful addition to your meal repertoire. This savory pancake is not only delicious but also a nutritious option, thanks to the addition of grated bottle gourd and protein-rich chickpea flour. Its versatility allows you to enjoy it as a quick and wholesome breakfast, a filling brunch, or a light evening snack.
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