If you’re looking for something delicious and quick to prepare for breakfast, onion cheela is a great option. It uses ingredients readily available at home. This cheela can be made slightly crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Serving it with green chutney, yogurt, or tomato chutney enhances its flavor.
Ingredients for making onion cheela
- 1 cup gram flour
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 1-2 green chilies, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped coriander leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon carom seeds
- 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
- Salt to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
- Water as needed
- 1-2 tablespoons oil
- A little chaat masala, if desired
How to prepare the batter
First, take the gram flour in a large bowl. Add the carom seeds, cumin seeds, turmeric, red chili powder, and salt to taste. Now mix all the dry ingredients thoroughly.
Next, add finely chopped onion, green chilies, and coriander leaves. Gradually add water and whisk thoroughly. Ensure the batter is neither too thick nor too thin. The consistency of the batter for the cheela should be such that it can be easily spread on the pan.
Once the batter is ready, let it rest for about 5-10 minutes. This will allow the gram flour to set well, making it easier to make the cheela.
How to Make the Cheela on the Pan
Now, place a non-stick or iron pan on the gas and heat it over medium heat. Once the pan is hot, add a few drops of oil and spread it lightly.
Now, pour a ladle of batter into the center of the pan. Using a ladle or spoon, gently spread the batter in a circular shape. The cheela does not need to be too thin.
When the top surface begins to dry slightly and the edges begin to turn slightly golden, drizzle a little oil around the edges. Then carefully flip the cheela over.
Bake the other side over medium heat until it’s cooked through and lightly golden and crisp. Prepare the remaining cheelas in the same way with the remaining batter.
A small tip to enhance the flavor
If you like your onion cheela crispier, keep the batter a little thinner and drizzle a little oil around the edges after spreading it on the pan. Those who prefer softer cheelas should keep the batter a little thicker.
Take the prepared onion cheela out on a hot plate and sprinkle some chaat masala on top. Serve it with green chutney, yogurt, or your favorite chutney.
This way, delicious onion cheela is prepared in a short time and with simple ingredients, making it a great option for breakfast or a light evening meal.
