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Besan Pancake (Indian-Style chickpea pancake)

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Besan Pancake (Chickpea Flour Pancake)

A Besan pancake is a savory, protein-packed, and fiber-rich pancake made from chickpea flour (besan) that is popular in Indian cuisine. It’s a great breakfast item or a matter of fact any time of the day. I usually recommend it to my vegetarian friends who would like to increase their protein especially for breakfast without having to resort to eggs everyday or for those that are trying to decrease their meat intake. It's a great option for a quick, healthy meal and you can customize it with veggies you prefer.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 18 minutes
Course Breakfast
Cuisine Indian
Servings 2 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup  Chickpea Flour (Besan)
  • 1 Medium tomato Finely Chopped
  • 1/4 cup Grated Carrot
  • 1/4 cup Onion (I prefer red onions) Finely Chopped
  • 1/4 cup Bell peppers (pick the colors you prefer, I always enjoy red and orange) Finely Chopped
  • 1 Green Chili (optional) Finely Chopped
  • 1/4 tsp Turmeric Powder
  • 1/4 tsp Red Chili Powder Adjust to taste
  • 1/4 tsp Ajwain (Carom Seeds) Helps with digestion
  • 1/4 tsp Salt
  • 3/4 cup Water Adjust water to how thick you want to make your chickpea pancake.

Instructions
 

  • Step 1: Make the Batter
    In a mixing bowl, combine chickpea flour, chopped onions, peppers, grated carrots, green chili, cumin seeds, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and ajwain. Add salt to taste.Slowly add water and whisk to form a smooth, lump-free batter. The batter should be of pouring consistency, neither too thick nor too runny.
  • Step 2: Heat the Pan
    Heat a pan or griddle on medium heat and lightly grease it with oil or ghee.
  • Step 3: Pour the Batter
    Pour a ladleful of batter onto the pan and spread it out gently in a circular motion to make it as thin as possible, this way it will cook faster.
  • Step 4: Cook the Pancake
    Cook the chilla for 2-3 minutes on one side until the edges start lifting and the surface appears cooked. Drizzle a little oil around the edges and on the surface. Flip the pancake and cook for another 1-2 minutes until both sides are golden and crisp.
  • Step 5: Serve
    Serve the chickpea pancake hot with a side of yogurt, mint chutney, or pickles for extra flavor. I like to eat it like a crepe, where I could saute some veggies and add it inside for the extra fiber for the slow weekends when I have more time. Otherwise they can be a quick pancake you could make and head out the door.

Notes

Recipe: High-Protein and High-Fiber Protein Pancake

Here’s a simple and nutritious recipe for a chickpea pancake (besan chilla), with an added boost of fiber and nutrition with added veggies and anti inflammatory properties of turmeric and carom seeds known in Ayurvedic medicare as Ajwain to help feed good bacteria in the gut and treat digestive issues. This is natural way to boost your protein intake without having to resort to any powders or eggs in the morning.
  • Chickpea flour
– Benefits: Chickpea flour is a staple in the subcontinent of India where a vegetarian diet is the norm.  It is a great source of both protein and fiber that helps maintain a low blood sugar level but still keeps you full longer.
— Studies: Chickpea flour contribute to improved cardiovascular health and have a lower glycemic index compared to other carb heavy breakfasts.
  • Baby Carrots
   – Benefits: Carrots are high in beta-carotene, which the body converts to vitamin A, essential for good vision, immune function, and skin health. They also provide dietary fiber and several other vitamins and minerals.
   – Studies: Carrots contribute to reduced risk of certain cancers and improved eye health  .
  •  Curcumin 
   – Benefits: Curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, has potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It supports joint health, enhances brain function, and may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
   – Studies: Curcumin has been shown to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, and it has potential benefits for brain health and cardiovascular function  .

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