Besan Chila Stuffed with Chatpata Paneer
A healthy, protein-rich Indian breakfast or snack — besan (gram flour) pancakes stuffed with spicy crumbled paneer. Easy to cook, vegetarian, and great for a balanced diet.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a bowl, sift besan. Add turmeric, red chilli powder (if using), carom or cumin seeds and salt. Mix well.
- Gradually add water and whisk to make a smooth batter of pouring consistency (similar to dosa batter). Rest the batter for 5 minutes.
- Meanwhile prepare the paneer stuffing: crumble paneer, finely chop onion, green chilli, tomato and coriander. Mix all in a bowl, add chat masala (if using) and adjust salt. Keep aside.
- Heat a non-stick tawa / skillet over medium heat. Drizzle a few drops of oil and spread it with a tissue or brush.
- Pour a ladleful of batter on the hot tawa and gently spread in circular motion to form a thin pancake (chilla).
- When the top surface starts to cook (edges lifting slightly), drizzle a drop of oil around the edges and on top. Cook for 1–2 minutes till base is lightly golden.
- Flip carefully and cook the other side for about 30 seconds.
- Transfer the chilla to a plate. Spoon a portion of the prepared paneer stuffing on one half of the chilla and fold it over, pressing gently.
- Repeat for remaining batter. Serve hot with green chutney or plain yogurt.
Notes
You can skip green chillies if serving to children. For a lighter version, use a non-stick pan and minimal oil. Adding chopped veggies (capsicum, carrot) with paneer stuffing increases fibre and vitamins.