How many calories does one Besan Chilla, Besan Cheela have?

One Besan Chilla, Besan Cheela gives 236 calories. Out of which carbohydrates comprise 123 calories, proteins account for 43 calories and remaining calories come from fat which is 70 calorie.  One Besan Chilla, Besan Cheela provides about 12 percent of the total daily calorie requirement of a standard adult diet of 2,000 calories.

Click here to view Besan Chilla, Besan Cheela recipe. The Besan Chilla is very convenient and easy to make as the batter does not require any soaking, grinding or fermentation. Just mix together besan and a couple of readily-available spice powders, and you are ready to cook the pancakes.Make sure you cook the chilla well with sufficient oil till it is golden brown; otherwise it might have a raw smell. Once done, serve immediately with green chutney. You can enjoy the Besan Chilla for breakfast or as an evening snack.

Is Besan Chilla, Besan Cheela healthy?

Yes, this is healthy. But restrictions apply to some.

Let's understand the Ingredients.

What's good.

1. Besan : Besan has more good fat than whole wheat flour and also higher protein content. Rich in complex carbohydrates and with a low glycemic index, besan is good for diabetics too. Besan is high in Folate or folic acid, which is important for rapid growth and multiplication of red blood cells and white blood cells (WBC) in the bone marrow. See 10 detailed benefits of besan and why it's good for you. 

2. Coriander (kothmir, dhania) : The antioxidants vitamin A, vitamin C and the quercetin present in coriander works towards strengthening our immune system. Coriander is a fairly good source of iron and folate – the 2 nutrient which help in the production and maintenance of red blood cells in our blood. Good for reducing cholesterol and good for diabetics. Read 9 benefits of coriander to understand details. 

3. Peanut Oil :We suggest you use peanut oil instead of vegetable oil in the recipe. Peanut oil has the highest amount of MUFA (around 49%) amongst all the other remaining common cooking oils. The remaining 51% is PUFA and SFA. Most households in western Indian use peanut oil as a cooking medium. If you have to choose amongst the cooking oils, after avocado oil and coconut oil, this peanut oil gets a spot-on. But when compared to other MUFA based oils, this oil is considered to be high in omega-6 fatty acids, which often may tend to harm your body without you realizing it. Read the super article of  which oil is the healthiest avoid vegetable oil. 

What's the problem?

1. Vegetable Oils : To some vegetable oil is only soyabean oil, while some promote it as a mix of oils like soyabean, canola, sunflower, corn and other omega-6 rich oils. These are often cheaper options than many oils, but they are highly processed oils. They are undoubtedly not to be reached out for, whether you are looking for salad dressings, sautéing or cooking.  The 5 best oils used in cooking are olive oil (low temperature short time cooking), avocado oil, canola oil, coconut oil and peanut oil. You must read the super article to find the facts of  which oil is the healthiest avoid vegetable oil. 

Can diabetics, heart patients and over weight individuals have Besan Chilla, Besan Cheela?

Yes, this recipe is good for diabetics, heart and weight loss BUT cut the oil usage by half and use peanut oil. Besan has more good fat than whole wheat flour and also higher protein content. Rich in complex carbohydrates and with a low glycemic index, besan is good for diabetics too. Besan is high in Folate or folic acid, which is important for rapid growth and multiplication of red blood cells and white blood cells (WBC) in the bone marrow.

Healthy Chutney to have with besan chilla

Have this with nutritious green chutney recipe which has ZERO sugar used in it made with mint leaves, onions and coriander, lehsun ka chutney, green garlic chutney or green chutney recipe.  Coconut based options are healthy coconut chutney made from coconut and coriander and coconut coriander green chutney for idlis dosa uttapam vada.

Nutritious Green Chutney

Can healthy individuals have Besan Chilla, Besan Cheela?

Yes. 

Besan Chilla, Besan Cheela is high in

1. Vitamin B1 : Vitamin B1 protects nerves, helps in carbohydrate metabolism, prevents heart diseases and helps produce red blood cells. 

2. Folic Acid : Folic acid is an essential vitamin required throughout pregnancy.

3. Fiber : Dietary fiber reduce the risk of heart disease, prevent the spike in blood sugar levels and hence super for diabetics. Consume more fruits, vegetables, moong, oats, matki, whole grains.

4. Phosphorous : Phosphorous works closely with calcium to build bones. 

Note : a recipe is deemed high in a Vitamin or mineral if it meets 20% and above the recommended daily allowance based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

How to burn 236 calories that come from one Besan Chilla, Besan Cheela?

Walking (6 kmph) =     1 hr 11 mins

Running (11 kmph) =    24 mins

Cycling (30 kmph) =     31 mins       

Swimming (2 kmph) =   40 mins

Note: These values are approximate and calorie burning differs in each individual