Giving breakfast its importance with Indian crepes
Recently I read in some magazine a line which struck me and it was - "Finally our breakfast has grown up". Yes I mean for all the transitions, additions and modifications that our food has gone through, its unfair that the most important meal gets sidelined to toasts, omlettes and cereals on most days. Why is it we are always struggling when thinking of new stuff on the morning table - is it just lack of time or lack of ideas. On that note, I'm going to start my Indian Breakfast Series, where I will post breakfast ideas from various regions of India. But as I mentioned this run-of-the-mill breakfast is also because of habit, I would like to know your routine ideas so as to what's there in the collective box.
Ingredients:
1/4 cup Besan ( chick pea flour )
1/2 t salt
1/2 t Red Chilli Powder
1 finely chopped onion
2 -inch piece of ginger, grated
2 Green Chillies, very finely chopped (more or less as per taste)
Green Coriander - finely chopped 1 tablespoon
1 tsp jeera powder
A pinch of turmeric powder
1/4 tsp garam masala/ chat masla
1/4 tsp oil
1 tsp coriander powder
Refined oil - 2-3 tbsp
Method: Sieve the flour in a large mixing bowl. Add water (about 1 cup) and stir to make a very smooth batter. It should be of pouring consistency, without any lump. Can add lukewarm water to make the mixing easier.
Add all other ingredients now and mix well and leave for 10 minutes.
Heat a non stick or heave bottom griddle pan and add 1 tsp oil. Once the pan is hot pour a ladle of batter in the center of the pan and let it spread like an omlette ( you have to cook it like a pan cake or an omlette). You can remove the pan from heat, while doing so, to make it easier.
Cook for about 2 to 3 minutes, adding a few drops of oil on it. Then reduce the heat on low and it cook to a nice brown color.
Now flip and cook on other side (about 6-7 mins later). Other side doesn;t need to be as golden brown, maybe 3-4 mins.
1/2 t salt
1/2 t Red Chilli Powder
1 finely chopped onion
2 -inch piece of ginger, grated
2 Green Chillies, very finely chopped (more or less as per taste)
Green Coriander - finely chopped 1 tablespoon
1 tsp jeera powder
A pinch of turmeric powder
1/4 tsp garam masala/ chat masla
1/4 tsp oil
1 tsp coriander powder
Refined oil - 2-3 tbsp
Method: Sieve the flour in a large mixing bowl. Add water (about 1 cup) and stir to make a very smooth batter. It should be of pouring consistency, without any lump. Can add lukewarm water to make the mixing easier.
Add all other ingredients now and mix well and leave for 10 minutes.
Heat a non stick or heave bottom griddle pan and add 1 tsp oil. Once the pan is hot pour a ladle of batter in the center of the pan and let it spread like an omlette ( you have to cook it like a pan cake or an omlette). You can remove the pan from heat, while doing so, to make it easier.
Cook for about 2 to 3 minutes, adding a few drops of oil on it. Then reduce the heat on low and it cook to a nice brown color.
Now flip and cook on other side (about 6-7 mins later). Other side doesn;t need to be as golden brown, maybe 3-4 mins.
One sure shot way to spice it up is by adding a tasty filling in it...yes just like dosa. I love paneer stuffing,but you can make a healthier veg filling like: Optional stuffing: Make a mix of grated paneer (50 gms), grated carrot (1/4 cup), mashed peas (2tbsp) sa,lt, chili powder and garam masala. Simply stuff the cheela with the above mix. Fold and serve hot Now serve it with coriander-mint chutney, with a hot cup of tea/ coffee. And let your day begin.
Note: The flavour of the chila only comes with proper seasonings (as per your taste) and with slow cooking. Else it can end up being bland and/or undercooked.
The other not so common chila is Moong Dal Chila - a more nutritious and flavoursome version. Will make a note to post pics next time.
Ingredients (Makes 2 - 4 Serving)
Split green gram (dhuli moong dal), soaked for 4- 5 hrs - 1 cup
Cumin (Jeera) powder - 1/2 tsp
Ginger paste - 1 tsp
Salt to taste
Oil for frying
Method:Wash and drain the soaked green gram till water runs clear. Now grind it in a mixer with salt and very little water. Add the remaining ingredients (except oil) and mix well.
Cook in the same manner.
Cumin (Jeera) powder - 1/2 tsp
Ginger paste - 1 tsp
Salt to taste
Oil for frying
Method:Wash and drain the soaked green gram till water runs clear. Now grind it in a mixer with salt and very little water. Add the remaining ingredients (except oil) and mix well.
Cook in the same manner.
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