Moong Dal Cheela is a delightful and nutritious Indian pancake made from green gram lentils. This recipe stands out for its quick preparation time and the health benefits it offers. If you’re tired of serving the usual besan cheela in your kids’ school lunch, this moong dal cheela is a perfect alternative that is both tasty and healthy. Not only is it easy to make, but it also provides essential nutrients, making it a great addition to your family’s diet.
Ingredients for Moong Dal Cheela
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Green Gram Lentils (Moong Dal) | 1 cup |
| Onion (finely chopped) | 1 medium |
| Green Chillies (finely chopped) | 2 (adjust to taste) |
| Ginger (grated) | 1 inch piece |
| Turmeric Powder | 1/2 tsp |
| Cumin Seeds | 1/2 tsp |
| Salt | to taste |
| Oil | for cooking |
| Fresh Coriander Leaves (chopped) | for garnish |
Preparation Steps
Step 1: Preparing the Moong Dal Batter
Start by soaking the moong dal in water for at least 2-4 hours or overnight for better results. After soaking, drain the water and rinse the dal. Blend the dal into a smooth batter, adding a little water if necessary to achieve a pouring consistency. Make sure the batter isn’t too thin.
Step 2: Mixing the Ingredients
Transfer the batter to a mixing bowl and add the chopped onion, green chillies, grated ginger, turmeric powder, cumin seeds, and salt. Mix these ingredients thoroughly to combine them well. You can adjust the spice level according to your taste preferences.
Step 3: Cooking the Cheela
Heat a non-stick pan or tawa on medium heat and drizzle a little oil to coat the surface. Pour a ladleful of the batter onto the pan and spread it evenly to form a round pancake. Cook until the edges start to lift and the bottom is golden brown, about 2-3 minutes. Flip the cheela carefully and cook the other side until browned and cooked through.
Serving Suggestions
Moong Dal Cheela is best served hot with a side of green chutney or yogurt. You can also enjoy it with pickle for an extra zing. Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves for added flavor and nutrition.
Health Benefits of Moong Dal Cheela
Moong dal is high in protein and fiber, which helps in muscle development and digestion. It is low in calories yet packed with essential vitamins and minerals, making it an ideal dish for weight management. Additionally, it is gluten-free, making it suitable for those with gluten intolerance.
Conclusion
Moong Dal Cheela is a quick, nutritious, and flavorful dish that is perfect for breakfast, lunch, or as a snack. Its ease of preparation makes it an excellent option for busy weekdays, while its health benefits assure you that you are feeding your family something wholesome. Try adding different vegetables or spices to the batter for variations, and enjoy this healthy twist to your regular cheela!
