Besan Chillah

According to "ayurveda" all foods are divided into 3 categories "rajasik", "tamasik" and "saatvik". It is believed that the food we eat, decides the quality of our minds and even health of our bodies. Saatvik food consists of lightly cooked vegetables with bare minimum spices, fruits, nuts, honey, milk and milk products. Jain cuisine follows saatvik cooking and certain foods like potatoes, ginger, onions & garlic are strictly prohibited.

Chillah is basically a Rajasthani recipe. I have modified my mother's recipe of soru chakli, a type of pancake prepared with wheat (atta). and she used to call it "gola roti", meaning wheat flour (atta) batter made with water. I changed the dish by adding flour (maida) & besan sometimes adding chopped vegetables.

Here is the recipe for Besan Chillah, good & nutritious and also helps in reducing body fat...Instead of plain roti / chappati, one can take Besan Chillah during lunch / dinner time.

Ingredients:

• 1 cups gram flour (besan)
• 1/2 cup plain flour (maida)
• 1/2 cup wheat flour (atta)
• 2 cups grated paneer
• 1 large capsicum, finely chopped
• 2 bunch cilantro / coriander leaves, finely chopped
• 2 tsp caraway seeds (shahi jeera)
• 1 tsp turmeric (haldi)
• 1- ½ tsp salt (to taste)
• a pinch of red chilli powder
• white oil, for frying
• water (as per requirement)

Procedure:

1. Sieve besan, flour & atta. Add turmeric, caraway seeds, salt and red chili powder. Mix well.
2. Slowly add water and blend to form a smooth batter or until you get the right consistency (ensure there is no lumps, you can even strain the whole mixture once).
3. Take a non-stick frying pan and heat 2-3 drops of white oil. Spread & coat all over the base with a wooden spatula including the side of the pan. When the oil is hot, reduce heat and pour a ladle full of batter in the middle.
4. Spread the batter in a circular motion by tilting the pan or by spreading with the back of a wooden spatula to form the chillah.
5. Sprinkle a little chopped capsicum & coriander leaves and grated paneer on the pancake.
6. Let it set (you will know when the bottom is set by seeing the colour change).
7. Flip the chillah to the other side. Add a little oil and toast till done. Repeat with the rest of the batter. Serve hot.

Besan Chillah is going to the following events:

• A simple dish, going to RCI-Jain Cuisine, guest hosted by PJ, event started by Lakshmi...
• I love the pleasant & warm yellow colour of the Besan Chillahs, this is also going to FIC-Favourite, guest hosted by Sweath, event started by Sunshinemom.
• The Besan Chillah with caraway seeds is also going to Think Spice - Think Caraway Seeds, guest hosted by Sathya of Appetite Treats...
• My Favourite Things-Cheese, guest hosted by Poornima of Tasty Treats, event started by Bhindiya..