90 Chilla recipes | Indian Cheela recipes |  Indian savoury pancake recipes for breakfast |

Chilla Recipes, Indian Pancake Recipes for breakfast. Pancakes are popular all over the world. While they are mainly consumed for breakfast, they are also a quick and easy option for a satiating snack that can be had any time of the day. 

A Chilla (or Cheela) is a savory Indian pancake or crêpe, essentially the Indian equivalent of a simple flatbread or tortilla.Its popularity stems from its simplicity and the fact that it is generally made from lentil or gram flours rather than wheat, making it naturally high in protein and suitable for many diets. The most common varieties are Besan Chilla (made from chickpea flour) and Moong Dal Chilla (made from ground split green gram). The batter is typically mixed with water, spices like turmeric and cumin, and finely chopped vegetables such as onions, tomatoes, and cilantro. Unlike heavy parathas or deep-fried pooris, the chilla is cooked on a flat griddle (tava) using very little oil, resulting in a thin, soft, and satisfying dish that serves as an excellent base for various toppings and fillings.

The chilla has become a mainstay for breakfast across India due to its excellent nutritional profile and immense versatility. For busy households, it's a perfect quick-cooking option, as the batter can often be prepared the night before. Nutritionally, it’s highly valued, especially by those focusing on health and fitness, as the high protein content from the lentils provides sustained energy, keeping one full until lunchtime without causing a rapid spike in blood sugar. Furthermore, the chilla is naturally gluten-free (when made without any wheat flour), appealing to modern dietary needs. Served plain with green chutney, stuffed with paneer (cottage cheese), or alongside plain yogurt, the chilla offers a tasty, low-fat, and wholesome start to the day.

moong dal and paneer chilla | moong dal paneer cheela | yellow moong dal cottage cheese pancake |

The moong dal and paneer chilla is also known as yellow moong dal cottage cheese pancake as chilla is an Indian pancake.

Moong Dal and Paneer Chilla is an excellent choice for diabetics, heart patients, and overweight individuals because it combines two highly nutritious, low-glycemic, high-protein ingredients—moong dal and low-fat paneer. Moong dal provides complex carbohydrates, fibre, and plant protein, which help maintain stable blood sugar levels and improve satiety. Low-fat paneer adds lean protein and calcium without excess fat, making the chilla filling yet light. The use of minimal oil, hing, green chilli paste, and coriander keeps the recipe heart-friendly and easy to digest, while avoiding heavy spices. Since the batter is made without refined flour, the chilla remains high in nutrition and low in empty calories.

Easy batters for Indian chilla

There are different types of chillas. Some are made with easy and quick batters, which just require you to mix flours and seasonings. 

green peas pancake recipe | green peas cheela with moong dal | healthy green peas Indian pancake |

green peas pancake is a green peas cheela with moong dal. Made from yellow moong dal, green peas, onions, adrak, coriander and peanut oil for cooking, green peas pancake is best served with some green chutney.

Enjoy these crisp yet spongy Green Pea Pancakes early in the morning before starting your day.

See why this is a healthy green peas Indian pancake? The combination of green peas with moong dal helps to enhance the fibre and protein content of this green peas pancake. green peas are good for weight loss, good source of vegetarian protein, has insoluble fibre to relieve constipation. To make the recipe healthier we have used peanut oil in cooking.

Alternatively, your chillas can also be more elaborate. You can make chillas with flours of other grains, individually or multiple flours together. 

rice and vegetable chilla recipe | vegetable cheela made with rice | vegetable chilla with curds |

To make rice and vegetable chilla, combine all the ingredients in a bowl along with approx. 1/4 cup of water and mix well. Keep aside for at least 10 minutes. Heat a mini non-stick pancake pan and grease it lightly using a little oil. Pour a spoonful of the batter into each mould and spread into a 75 mm. (3”) diameter circle. Cook the chillas using a little oil, till they turn golden brown in colour from both the sides. Repeat with the remaining batter to make more chilas. Serve immediately with green chutney.

Sometimes, the modification of some of the ingredients or the addition of veggies can give a very innovative spin to popular recipes. Here, the addition of cabbage along with buttermilk has that effect on the traditional chilla. Try vegetable chilla with curds.

healthy jowar tomato chilla | jowar flour chilla | multi flour chilla | weight loss chilla |

Healthy jowar tomato chilla is a quick nourishing breakfast which is truly satiating as well. Jowar flour chilla has other flours also in this recipe along with common veggies like onions and tomatoes. You can add any veggies of your choice though.

rava chilla recipe | sooji ka cheela | suji ka cheela | instant sooji chilla - Indian breakfast |

Chilla is one of the handiest breakfasts one can think of! There is a lot of variety to choose from, it is quick and easy to prepare, and usually does not require complex procedures to make the batter. Here’s an easy and spicy sooji ka cheela that you can prepare in a whiz even on a busy morning.
Just mix the batter and set it aside for a while till you get other things ready, then bring out the tava, cook your instant sooji chilla - Indian breakfast and enjoy them before heading out to face the day.

green moong dal chilla recipe | healthy mag ni dal na cheela | protein rich green lentil crepe |

Power up your mornings with a protein-rich and vibrant protein rich green lentil crepe. This healthy twist on the classic chilla incorporates whole green gram for a boost of protein and fibre.
For a variation, you can also stuff the chillas with paneer, onions and tomatoes stuffing to make a wholesome meal. Wisely-chosen ingredients like moong and paneer give you protein, iron and antioxidants, which ensure that you start the day right. Green moong is packed with vitamins and enzymes, making this green moong dal chilla a powerhouse of health.
This protein- packed gluten-free, vegan, and Low GI, Indian breakfast recipe is quick to make, which also aids in weightloss. Serve this healthy mag ni dal na cheela immediately on preparation for the better taste and nutrition!

Mini Indian Pancakes

Nowadays, it is becoming fashionable to cook mini pancakes. It is attractive for kids, and easy to serve too. You can cook the mini pancakes in your regular tava itself or you can use the special mini pancake tavas that are available in the market these days.

These have small moulds carved in the tava, so you can cook around seven mini pancakes at one go. Mini pancakes also cook slightly faster and look attractive, especially if you add a lot of veggies, sprouts, greens etc to them. Try the Mini Rava Vegetable Pancakes, Mini Mango Pancakes 
 

rava vegetable pancake | sooji vegetable pancake | suji vegetable pancake | sooji cheela |

The Mini Rava Vegetable Pancake, also known as Sooji Cheela or Suji Vegetable Pancake, is a wonderfully sumptuous and easy snack perfect for times when you need a quick meal but don't have any pre-made batter or dough. This versatile recipe comes in handy for both breakfast and evening snacks. The concept is simple: create a quick-fix batter that requires no fermentation and can be cooked immediately, saving valuable time and effort in the kitchen.

nachni paneer roti recipe | ragi paneer paratha | healthy Indian red millet pancake | 

Nachni Paneer Pancake, also known as Ragi Paneer Pancake or Healthy Indian Red Millet Pancake, is a nutrient-dense and wholesome dish ideal for those aiming to manage diabetes, heart health, weight loss, blood pressure, or hypothyroidism. Made with ragi flour (nachni) — a rich source of calcium, iron, and fiber — this pancake provides long-lasting energy and supports bone health. The addition of low-fat paneer (cottage cheese) boosts its protein content, while besan, sesame seeds, onions, coriander, and ginger add flavor, texture, and a variety of nutrients. Cooked with minimal oil, this recipe delivers all the goodness of traditional Indian flavors in a light, diabetic-friendly form.

cucumber soya pancake recipe | soya cucumber chilla | savoury cucumber pancakes |

These sumptuous cucumber soya pancakes are a great way to get your daily dose of vegetables and protein, and they are also relatively low in calories. They are made with a combination of grated cucumber, soya flour, and semolina, which gives them a unique texture and flavor. These  soya cucumber chilla   are quick and easy to make, making them a perfect healthy breakfast option. Plus, they are a great way to use up leftover cucumbers!

rice and cucumber pancakes recipe | Indian cucumber pancakes | gluten free cucumber potato pancakes |

These light and flavourful rice and cucumber pancakes are a perfect option for a healthy breakfast, lunch, or snack. Made with grated cucumber, grated potatoes and rice flour, they offer a delightful textural contrast - crispy on the outside and slightly chewy on the inside. The addition of cucumber keeps them cool and refreshing, making them ideal for warm weather. 
 

vegetable oats pancake recipe | Indian style oats pancake | healthy veg oats pancake | 

This is a simple and easy vegetable oats pancake recipe made from oats, carrots, spinach, coriander, green chillies and peanut oil. The Indian style oats pancake makes a healthy breakfast or perfect for an evening snack.
Oats can be used to make more than just porridge! Mix them with carrots and spinach to prepare these colourful, low calorie vegetable oats pancake that are as nutritious as well as innovative.

cooked rice pancakes recipe | leftover rice pancakes | Indian rice pancake with vegetables | 

Here is a great way to convert last night’s leftover rice into a healthy breakfast! Indian rice pancake with vegetables are made with a batter of cooked rice bound together with besan. The addition of veggies brings in crunch along with nutrients while green chillies and coriander add a flavourful touch

farali pancakes recipe | sweet farali pancake | buckwheat pancake for upvas | kuttu ka cheela - navratri, vrat recipe |

farali pancakes are a delicious and nutritious option to enjoy during fasting periods. Made with ingredients like millet, buckwheat, and fruits, these pancakes are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth while adhering to religious restrictions. 

With their simple ingredients and delightful taste, farali pancakes are a wonderful way to indulge in a sweet treat. This buckwheat pancake for upvas is subtly flavored with cardamom and has an intense aroma. The addition of coconut adds a slight bite to these luscious pancakes. 

stuffed ragi pancakes recipe | nachni vegetable chilla | healthy red millet  pancake for diabetics, heart, weight loss | 

Stuffed Ragi Pancakes, also known as Nachni Vegetable Chilla or Healthy Red Millet Indian Pancake, are a wholesome and nutritious meal option that perfectly combines taste with health. Made using ragi (nachni) — a rich source of calcium, iron, and fiber — these pancakes are light, filling, and ideal for breakfast or a light dinner. The recipe uses whole wheat flour along with ragi to enhance the texture and nutritional value, while the vegetable stuffing made of carrot, cabbage, bean sprouts, and spring onions adds crunch, freshness, and essential vitamins. With minimal oil and no refined flour, this dish is a balanced and heart-friendly Indian pancake that’s both delicious and energizing.

yellow moong dal paneer pudina chilla | healthy moong dal cheela | moong dal pancake |

Yellow Moong Dal Paneer Pudina Chilla is a protein-rich, low-fat, and diabetic-friendly meal that’s perfect for heart health and weight management. Made with soaked yellow moong dal, this healthy moong dal cheela is light yet filling, providing sustained energy without spiking blood sugar levels. The addition of paneer (cottage cheese) boosts protein and calcium, helping in muscle repair and bone strength, while mint (pudina) and onions add freshness and aid digestion. Cooked with minimal oil and packed with fiber, antioxidants, and healthy nutrients, these moong dal pancakes are a smart choice for diabetics and those watching their cholesterol or weight. Served hot with green chutney, they make a wholesome, balanced, and heart-friendly breakfast or snack.

nutritious chilla recipe | multi flour chilla | Indian multigrain pancakes | acidity friendly pancake |

These subtly-flavoured multi flour chilla are really trendy because they are easy-to-prepare, tasty and stomach-friendly too, which is a key concern for many people! 

These nutritious chillas are made with ragi, jowar and whole wheat flour, perked up with just a mild dash of green chilli paste. A good amount of veggies are added to keep the chillas soft and to lend a lovely crunch to them. 

You can have these Indian multigrain pancakes anytime, for breakfast or as a snack, so you can ward off hunger and associated acidity bouts too. 

moong dal palak chilla recipe | Indian palak moong dal cheela | healthy spinach and lentil crepes | spinach lentil pancake |

spinach lentil pancake is a perfect example of taste and health in one platter. Learn how to make Indian palak moong dal cheela.

Chilla is a thin, pancake like snack that is very popular in Gujarat and Maharashtra. The Indian palak moong dal cheela is made of a wholesome batter of moong dal and spinach, perked up with a couple of commonly available spice powders and pastes.

mooli moong dal chilla recipe | radish moong dal chillas | healthy mooli moong dal cheela recipe | 

Radish leaves is one such vegetable which isnt oused in many households frequently. But it can be used to make sabzis, parathas and pancakes too! Here we have presented it in the form of radish moong dal chillas which are a perfect choice for breakfast. 

lauki chilla recipe | doodhi pudla | healthy bottle gourd Indian pancake |

This lauki chilla is one such version that you will definitely fall in love with. With the succulence of lauki, the pleasant tanginess of curds and the warmth of chilli powder, these pancakes are sure to make your breakfast or supper very special indeed.

The world of pancakes is an endless expanse. Whether your palate seeks the comfort of homely Indian spices, or wants the sweet touch of international ingredients, you can find a pancake that matches your needs.

Moreover, there is always the strong feeling at the back of our minds that we can place something on the table for the family even if extremely short of time, because a tava, flour, spices and a few minutes are all you need to make a quick Indian pancake like the chilla. 

Happy Cooking!

Enjoy our Chilla Recipes, Pancake Recipes for breakfast and other Breakfast Recipes below.

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