Moong Dal Chilla - Crispy, Protein-Packed Indian Breakfast - Light, Healthy & Vegetarian Recipe
Ingredients
- Moong Dal - 1 Cup
- Channa Dal - 1/4 Cup
- Soji (Semolina) - 1 Tbs
- Ginger - 1 inch piece
- Green Chilies - 2-3
- Salt - 1 tsp
- Turmeric Powder - 1/4 tsp
- Water - 2 cups
- Oil or Ghee for cooking
- Vegetables of Choice for Filling; ex. onions, carrots, cabbage,bell peppers & cheese
Moong Dal Chilla is a classic Indian savory pancake made from soaked and ground lentils, known for its light texture and high protein content. Blended with ginger, green chilies, and simple spices, the batter comes together quickly and cooks into a delicious, golden chilla on a hot tawa. A touch of semolina adds a subtle crispness, making each bite perfectly balanced between soft and crispy.
Watch our recipe video for step by step instructions on how to make Moong Daal Chilla. We’ve included demonstrations and pro tips to help you out in the kitchen! For our moong dal chilla recipe calories and nutrition information, see the recipe card below.
Instructions
1) Begin by soaking 1 cup moong dal and 1/4 cup chana dal for 3-4 hrs or overnight.
PRO TIP: Soaking dals overnight will make the batter very smooth.
2) Drain and grind the soaked dals with 2-3 green chilies and 1 inch piece of ginger into a smooth batter, adding water gradually to achieve a thick yet pourable consistency.
3) Add 1/4 tsp turmeric and 1 tsp salt and blend well.
4) Pour the batter in a bowl, add 1 Tbsp soji (semolina) and mix well. Rest the batter for 5-7 min.
PRO TIP: Adding semolina will make the chilla crispy.
5) Check the consistency of the batter to make sure it's not too thick, add water if needed.
6) Preheat a nonstick pan or tawa on medium heat. Add a few drops of water to check if the pan is ready.
7) Lightly grease the pan or ghee, spread it with a paper towel, sprinkle some water and clean the surface again.
8) Lower the heat to medium low. Pour a ladle of batter onto the pan and spread gently into a circle.
PRO TIP: For soft chillas, keep the batter slightly thick and for crisp chillas, spread thinly.
9) Cook for 2-3 minutes until the bottom is lightly golden, drizzle a few drops of oil or ghee, then flip and cook the other side for another 2-3 minutes.
10) Repeat with remaining batter, wiping the pan with a wet paper towel between chillas if needed.
PRO TIP: Fill the chilla with grated vegetables and cheese filling of your choice!
11) Serve hot with green chutney, tomato chutney or yogurt.
12) Enjoy!
Moong Dal Chilla is a classic Indian savory pancake made from soaked and ground lentils, known for its light texture and high protein content. Blended with ginger, green chilies, and simple spices, the batter comes together quickly and cooks into a delicious, golden chilla on a hot tawa. A touch of semolina adds a subtle crispness, making each bite perfectly balanced between soft and crispy.
Watch our recipe video for step by step instructions on how to make Moong Daal Chilla. We’ve included demonstrations and pro tips to help you out in the kitchen! For our moong dal chilla recipe calories and nutrition information, see the recipe card below.
Leave a review
We value your feedback. Let us know how did you like the recipe.
Recent Recipes
Indian Spicy Fish Fry - Crispy Pan Fried Fish with Pepper, Garlic & Jalapeño - Quick Seafood Dish
This Indian-style Spicy Fish Fry is packed with bold flavor and crispy texture. Marinated fish is fried and tossed with sautéed garlic, onion, and jalapeño, then finished with a savory seasoning mix. A simple, quick seafood dish that pairs perfectly with rice or roti.
This Spicy Fish Fry recipe is a quick and flavorful seafood dish that brings together crispy texture and bold, savory spices. The fish is coated in a simple marinade of black pepper, garlic, and corn starch, then fried until perfectly golden.
What makes this recipe stand out is the final toss with sautéed garlic, onions, and jalapeños, creating layers of heat and aroma in every bite. Perfect as an appetizer or a main dish, this Indian-style fish fry pairs beautifully with rice, roti, or even as a party starter.
Watch our recipe video for step by step instructions on how to make Spicy Fish Fry. We’ve included demonstrations and pro tips to help you out in the kitchen! For our crispy fish fry recipe calories and nutrition information, see the recipe card below.
Daal Khichdi Recipe - Easy Instant Pot Indian Rice & Dal Comfort Food with Ghee Tadka & Spices
Make this comforting Mixed Dal Khichdi with rice, moong dal, and masoor dal, cooked with warming spices and finished with a rich ghee tempering. This easy one-pot Instant Pot or Pressure Cooker Indian meal is perfect for weeknights and everyday comfort. Pick up all your ingredients at Patel Brothers and enjoy a wholesome, homestyle classic.
Mixed Daal Khichdi is a comforting, one-pot (Instant Pot or Pressure Cooker) Indian dish made by cooking rice with a blend of lentils like moong dal and masoor dal. This wholesome, high protein and vegetarian meal is gently spiced with turmeric, chili powder, and aromatic masalas, creating a soft, nourishing texture that’s both satisfying and easy to digest. It’s a staple in many South Asian homes, often enjoyed as a simple yet flavorful everyday dish.
Watch our recipe video for step by step instructions on how to make Mixed Daal Khichdi. We’ve included demonstrations and pro tips to help you out in the kitchen! For our dal khichdi recipe calories and nutrition information, see the recipe card below.
Palak Paneer - Creamy Spinach Paneer Restaurant Style Curry - Easy Indian Vegetarian Dinner
Learn how to make creamy Palak Paneer with fresh spinach, soft paneer, and aromatic spices. This classic Indian vegetarian curry is rich, flavorful, and perfect with naan, roti, or rice. A simple, comforting dish that brings restaurant-style taste to your home kitchen.
Palak Paneer is one of the most popular paneer dishes, loved for its creamy texture and rich, comforting flavors. This classic Indian curry brings together fresh spinach and soft SWAD paneer cubes, creating a wholesome dish that’s both nutritious and satisfying. As a staple in vegetarian Indian recipes, it’s a go-to option for anyone looking to enjoy a flavorful Indian dinner at home.
This easy homemade palak paneer is inspired by restaurant style curries, combining a smooth spinach puree with aromatic spices for a perfectly balanced paneer curry. The creamy spinach paneer curry pairs beautifully with naan, roti, or rice, making it a versatile addition to your collection of Indian curry recipes. Simple to prepare and full of flavor, it’s a dish you’ll come back to again and again.
Watch our recipe video for step by step instructions on how to make Palak Paneer. We’ve included demonstrations and pro tips to help you out in the kitchen! For our Palak Paneer recipe calories and nutrition information, see the recipe card below.
