Health
When it comes to healthy eating, most of us look for recipes that are both nutritious and easy to prepare. One such dish that perfectly fits this description is Salad Cheela a wholesome, savory pancake made from gram flour (besan) and loaded with fresh vegetables. This fusion recipe combines the benefits of a traditional Indian cheela with the goodness of a colorful salad. It’s light on the stomach, high in fiber, and packed with vitamins, making it an excellent choice for breakfast, lunch, or even a quick evening snack.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup gram flour (besan)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 tomato, finely chopped
- 1 cucumber, grated or finely chopped
- 1 small carrot, grated
- A handful of spinach or coriander leaves, chopped
- 1 green chili, chopped (optional)
- ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
- ½ teaspoon red chili powder
- Salt to taste
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- Water (as needed to make batter)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or ghee for cooking
Step-by-Step Preparation:
1. Prepare the Batter:
In a mixing bowl, add gram flour. Gradually add water while stirring to make a smooth batter. The consistency should be similar to pancake batter not too thick and not too runny.
2. Add the Vegetables:
Mix in the chopped onion, tomato, cucumber, carrot, spinach, and green chili. Add turmeric, red chili powder, cumin seeds, and salt. Mix everything well. Let the batter rest for 5–10 minutes to let the flavors combine.
3. Cook the Cheela:
Heat a non-stick or iron tawa (griddle) over medium heat. Lightly grease it with oil or ghee. Pour a ladleful of batter onto the pan and spread it evenly like a pancake. Cook on medium flame for about 2–3 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crisp.
4. Serve Hot:
Once both sides are cooked and lightly crisped, remove the cheela from the pan. Serve hot with mint chutney, curd, or homemade tomato salsa for an extra kick.
Why This Recipe is Healthy:
- High in Fiber: Vegetables like cucumber, carrot, and spinach add a good amount of dietary fiber.
- Rich in Protein: Gram flour is an excellent source of plant-based protein, great for vegetarians.
- Low in Fat: This cheela uses minimal oil, keeping it low in calories and fat.
- Diabetic Friendly: The low glycemic index of besan helps maintain blood sugar levels.
- Gluten-Free: Ideal for those who are gluten intolerant or looking to avoid wheat-based products.
- Tips for Customization:
- Add oats or millet flour to the batter for an extra nutritional punch.
- You can experiment with seasonal vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or beetroot.
- For extra crunch, sprinkle some sesame seeds on the batter before flipping it on the tawa.
Conclusion:
This Healthy Salad Cheela is not just another diet food it’s a flavorful, colorful, and satisfying meal in itself. With the perfect balance of taste and nutrition, it’s a recipe that both adults and kids will love. So next time you’re looking for something quick, healthy, and delicious, give this salad cheela a try. Your body and taste buds will thank you!
