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.