Healthy And Delicious: How To Make Jowar Chilla At Home Easily
Jowar Chilla is a healthy, gluten-free pancake made with jowar flour, vegetables, and spices. The batter is prepared by mixing ingredients and cooked on a griddle until golden. It's customizable with various vegetables and spices. Served with chutneys or yogurt, it's a fiber-rich and nutrient-packed meal.
Jowar Chilla is a nutritious, gluten-free Indian pancake made with sorghum flour, vegetables, and spices. The batter is prepared by mixing jowar flour with onions, tomatoes, carrots, and seasonings, then cooked on a griddle until golden. Optional ingredients like gram or rice flour add binding and crispiness. It's easy to customize with additional vegetables or spices. Serve hot with chutneys or yogurt for a wholesome meal. Rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, it promotes digestion and overall health.
Ingredients
For the Chilla Batter:
- Jowar flour (Sorghum flour) 1 cup
- Besan (gram flour) 2 tablespoons (optional, for binding)
- Rice flour 1 tablespoon (optional, for crispiness)
- Onion 1 small, finely chopped
- Tomato 1 small, finely chopped
- Carrot 1 small, grated
- Green chili 1 2, finely chopped
- Coriander leaves 2 tablespoons, finely chopped
- Ginger 1/2 inch, grated
- Turmeric powder 1/4 teaspoon
- Cumin seeds 1/2 teaspoon
- Red chili powder 1/2 teaspoon (optional)
- Salt to taste
- Water as needed to make the batter
For Cooking:
- Oil or ghee as needed for greasing the pan
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Batter
- In a mixing bowl, add jowar flour, besan (if using), and rice flour (if using).
- Add finely chopped onion, tomato, grated carrot, green chili, ginger, and coriander leaves.
- Season with turmeric powder, cumin seeds, red chili powder (if using), and salt.
- Gradually add water while mixing to form a smooth, lump-free batter. The consistency should be slightly thicker than dosa batter, neither too thick nor too runny.
- Let the batter rest for 10 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
2. Heat the Pan
- Heat a non-stick or cast-iron tawa (griddle) over medium heat.
- Once hot, grease it lightly with oil or ghee using a brush or paper towel.
3. Spread the Batter
- Pour a ladleful of batter onto the center of the tawa.
- Spread it gently in a circular motion using the back of the ladle to form a thin pancake. Ensure even spreading for uniform cooking.
4. Cook the Chilla
- Drizzle a few drops of oil or ghee around the edges and on top of the chilla.
- Cook on medium heat until the edges start lifting and the bottom turns golden brown (about 2 3 minutes).
- Flip the chilla carefully using a spatula and cook the other side for 2 3 minutes until lightly browned and crisp.
5. Repeat the Process
- Remove the cooked chilla from the pan and place it on a plate.
- Repeat the process with the remaining batter, greasing the pan as needed.
6. Serve Hot
Serve the jowar chilla hot with your favorite accompaniments, such as:
- Mint chutney
- Coconut chutney
- Tomato ketchup
- Yogurt or raita
Tips for Best Results
- Consistency of Batter: Ensure the batter is of pourable consistency but not too runny; adjust water accordingly.
- Cooking on Medium Heat: Cooking on medium heat ensures even cooking and prevents burning.
- Add Vegetables of Choice: Customize the recipe by adding grated zucchini, spinach, capsicum, or beets for more nutrition.
- Non-Stick Pan Recommended: Use a non-stick or well-seasoned cast-iron pan to prevent sticking.
Health Benefits of Jowar Chilla
- Rich in Fiber: Jowar is high in dietary fiber, aiding digestion and promoting gut health.
- Gluten-Free: Ideal for those with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease.
- Low Glycemic Index: Helps maintain steady blood sugar levels, making it suitable for diabetics.
- Rich in Nutrients: Packed with essential vitamins and minerals, such as iron, magnesium, and B vitamins.
Enjoy this delicious, nutritious, and easy-to-make jowar chilla as part of your healthy eating routine.